The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation\xe2\x80\x99s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. As a non-profit, charitable organization, NCC works in partnership with individuals, Indigenous partners, corporations, governments, and other non-profit groups to protect Canada\xe2\x80\x99s most important natural treasures and deliver nature-based solutions. NCC takes a collaborative and evidence-based approach to delivering its mission to create a legacy for future generations by conserving important natural areas and biological diversity across all regions of Canada. Since 1962 NCC and its supporters have protected 15 million hectares (more than 35 million acres) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. The organization has over 400 employees across the country and revenue of over $170 million. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.
Position Description Taking care of the environment has never been more important than it is today. NCC is looking for a Chief Financial Officer to join a team committed to protecting Canada\xe2\x80\x99s most important natural areas that sustain all life. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports to the Vice President, Corporate Services and works closely with a highly motivated team of Executives, Senior leaders, and Regional Vice Presidents. Key to success in the role is the ability to provide effective strategic leadership to the Finance function to facilitate NCC\xe2\x80\x99s attainment of its bold goals for growth and environmental leadership as set out in its strategic plan for 2022 \xe2\x80\x93 2030. The CFO drives Finance best practices and initiatives and has accountability for finance, accounting, treasury, audit, and gift administration. The CFO is also a key partner in managing NCC\xe2\x80\x99s risk management program. Having direct oversight of a team of Finance professionals, the CFO is responsible to lead, assess, mentor and support team members to ensure daily Finance operations are handled effectively and efficiently. The CFO is empowered to make data-driven decisions and relied upon to deliver financial intelligence and insights that help drive execution of the mission. This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in the leadership and management of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s leading conservation organization.
Responsibilities Strategy & Project Management

• Lead finance owned projects and act as a finance subject matter expert on various cross-functional teams to ensure the timely delivery of project scopes critical to NCC\xe2\x80\x99s mission.
• Provide thought leadership on long-term financial structure and strategy.
• Partner with executive and functional leads to analyze financial metrics to support data-driven decision making and execution.
• Work closely with Executive and Senior Leadership to develop recommendations on best fit funding strategies for various projects or initiatives to leverage and optimize use of available resources.
• Provide leadership to the finance team on the development of project plans and implementation of project management best practices for various finance-led initiatives.
• Develop and execute impactful training to raise financial acumen of other leaders and staff.

Finance, Accounting and Audit

• Work closely with the VP, Corporate Services to support the Audit & Risk Committee in its oversight role of NCC\xe2\x80\x99s finances and risk management.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to the senior leadership team providing relevant insights on ongoing financial analysis.
• Provide guidance and direction to build, manage and continuously improve corporate scorecards, dashboards, and regular reports.
• Liaise with external audit partner and oversee the completion of annual audits.
• Ensure compliance with Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations (ASNPO),CRA requirements, all standard operating procedures, sector best practices, external audit requirements, funder agreements, and Federal / Provincial government contribution agreements.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance for all of NCC\xe2\x80\x99s entities.
• Provide senior leadership oversight and guidance for Gift Administration, acting as a key partner to the Strategic Marketing & Development department and regional fundraising teams, to ensure both a high-quality donor experience and appropriate receipting compliance.
• Ensure that NCC has sufficient internal controls to safeguard organizational assets.
• Maintain and seek continuous improvement in NCC\xe2\x80\x99s finance policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards.
• Lead the development and optimization of current financial technology systems (includes: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT (FENXT), SAP Concur, Tenrox, Endowment Solutions and other secondary systems linked to FENXT) and develop long-term system recommendations through the evaluation of new potential financial technologies and emerging trends.
• Provide support to the Chief People Officer in the oversight of payroll related activities and related government filings.

Business Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• In conjunction with the VP, Corporate Services, support the continued improvement and development of the annual business planning and budgeting process for the organization.
• Provide reporting and analysis of progress on business plans and key performance indicators, with recommendations to address any areas of concern.
• Lead organizational forecasting and reporting, including the identification of risks and opportunities.
• Develop annual work plans and budgets for the Finance area and manage them effectively.

Treasury

• Work closely with the VP, Corporate Services to support the Investment Committee in its oversight role of NCC\xe2\x80\x99s endowment and investment portfolio and provide operational direction to external investment advisors.
• Provide senior leadership oversight and guidance to the Treasury team with respect to monitoring of cash flow to support project closings, the investment of available cash to optimize return and ensuring sufficient liquidity for day-to-day needs.
• Ensure appropriate banking relationship and agreements for external financing are in place, up to date and available for business needs. Make appropriate recommendations for change as needed.
• Manage the internal bridge financing loan facility, including recurring forecasting ensuring that potential issues are raised with recommended solutions in a timely manner.

People Leadership

• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the Finance team (team of 23 employees)
• Manage staff resources for highest efficiency and effectiveness, including setting, enabling, and assessing performance and development objectives.
• Assess training and capacity needs within the team and recommend changes and enhancements as needed to support NCC\xe2\x80\x99s success.
• Promote a culture that encourages innovation and optimizes the use of technology to streamline systems, enhance service delivery and reduce costs.

Position Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years\xe2\x80\x99 experience in progressive Finance leadership roles with at least 5 years in the non-profit sector.
• Experience directly supporting an Audit & Risk and/or Investment Committee
• Experience in developing and implementing finance programs, initiatives, and technology systems.
• Strong technical knowledge of fund accounting and deferred revenue and experience in financial reporting for charitable organizations.
• Working knowledge of CRA regulations related to charities including donation receipting.
• Senior level experience managing financial compliance in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and managing business plans and budgets.
• Excellent managerial, planning and project management skills.
• Experience in a national organization with a decentralized business model would be an asset.
• A genuine passion and connection to nature, with a strong commitment to the cause and mission of NCC.
• Understanding of the subtleties of working in a senior capacity with a large non-profit organization, including the need to influence and lead leaders, build functional relationships, and provide superior support to staff in their delivery of effective operations.
• Strong technology skills including Microsoft Office (advanced Excel); experience in medium to large enterprise financial systems. Experience in Raiser\xe2\x80\x99s Edge highly preferred.
• Bilingual in English and French is an asset.
• University degree in a relevant field required; MBA an asset; CPA designation required.
• A limited amount of travel within Canada will be required.

What are we looking for?

• A proven leader with the ability to think strategically as well as lead operationally.
• Creative problem solver with sound judgement in identifying solutions to complex financial issues.
• Collaborative, yet able to make and move decisions forward.
• Possess a positive energy, optimism, and belief in NCC\xe2\x80\x99s work.
• Commitment to NCC\xe2\x80\x99s conservation goals that address biodiversity and climate change.
• Results focused, determined and adaptable.
• Able to effectively balance multiple priorities and projects.
• Excellent service orientation, interpersonal, facilitation, conflict management, and coaching skills
• Outstanding communication skills, coupled with highly refined influencing and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility to multi-task in an environment with changing demands and priorities.
• Analytical skills to support data driven decision-making.
• Able to encourage, mentor and motivate team members while demonstrating respect and trust as a manager.
• Culturally sensitive with high emotional intelligence (EQ).

Compensation Salary range: $165,000 to $180,000 annually plus a competitive benefits package and flexible workplace program will be provided.
How To Apply Please apply by email with your cover letter and resume by no later than April 28, 2023. Send to: NCC@searchlightpartnersgroup.com NCC is an equal-opportunity employer and committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We strongly support and value diversity in the workplace. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, and individuals from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply. We thank applicants for their interest, however; only those advancing in the process will be contacted.