Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The YMCA of Cape Breton is looking for a driven leader with a strong commitment to financial excellence to join our team as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This key member of the Senior Leadership Team will contribute to the strategic and financial oversight of the Association while also helping to advance our mission of connecting and igniting the potential in people, helping them grow and give back to our communities.

The YMCA Experience

The YMCA of Cape Breton is one of the largest charities in Nova Scotia and a member of one of the most recognized organizations in the world. Our mission is to connect and ignite the potential in people, helping them grow and give back to our communities. Through building connections with people at all ages and stages of their lives – as well as the broader community – the YMCA of Cape Breton serves over 35 000 people annually.

Programs and services focus on empowering people of all ages and life stages to overcome barriers and rise to their full potential. These include: health, fitness and aquatics; licensed childcare; employment programs (Nova Scotia Works); youth programming and related community services. The YMCA occupies 14 program sites across Cape Breton Island.

The YMCA of Cape Breton offers a great workplace culture achieved through an environment that embraces diversity and social inclusion, values differences, celebrates achievements and supports full participation by all employees. We believe that everyone belongs! The YCB provides 200+ employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of those within our communities.

The Opportunity

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing the financial and IT strategy, planning, and management of the organization. The CFO plays a critical role in driving financial performance, ensuring fiscal health, and aligning financial operations with the organization’s long-term goals. This role involves managing financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow, payroll, IT systems and investments while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The CFO will also provide strategic recommendations to the CEO and Board of Directors, lead financial risk management, and support key initiatives such as capital projects and organizational growth.
Working as part of the YMCA of Cape Breton senior management team, the Chief Financial Officer will provide visionary, strategic leadership towards the successful delivery of the YMCA of Cape Breton’s strategic plan.

Overall Accountabilities:

• Financial Management
• Budgeting and Forecasting
• IT Road Map and Operating Systems
• Financial and Association Strategic Collaboration
• Association and Team Leadership
• Board Relations and Reporting
• Tax filing, Compliance, and Insurance
• Risk Management

Specifically, you will:

• Develop, analyze, and interpret statistical and accounting information in order to assess and communicate the operational results in terms of profitability, performance against budget, and other matters relating to the financial and operational effectiveness of the Association.
• Prepare and present financial reports to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Board of Directors, providing analysis and recommendations as needed.
• Provide support and strategic advice to the CEO, Board and senior staff regarding the operational and administrative infrastructure of the Association including finance, information technology, data management, and office administration.
• Maintain the Association’s accounting and operating systems ensuring that the appropriate controls and procedures are in place to ensure accuracy of financial information.
• Maintain the financial records to satisfy corporate and legal accounting, reporting standards and requirements, as well as provide relevant and timely management information.
• Foster an inclusive working environment for the Finance team (one direct report and three indirect reports), with a focus on developing and growing high performing staff and providing opportunities for growth.
• Ensure compliance with CRA filings and other regulatory bodies and manage the annual audit process.
• Ensure an adequate risk management plan is in place including appropriate insurance coverage at all levels. Review all contracts, agreements and leases from a financial and legal perspective.
• Lead large procurement projects (i.e. RFP) for goods and services.
• Oversee and coordinate the preparation of the annual budget and long-term financial projections, and analyze and report variances.
• Oversee cash flow management and reporting for Association and all service agreements;
• Liaise with external organizations including auditors, financial institutions, investment advisors, government, and service agreement partners;
• Active board Finance and Audit Committee member;
• Evaluation of capital or special projects to determine viability and impact on the Association.
• Manage the IT function for the Association and oversees the ongoing implementation and updating of IT strategies.
• Monitor payroll policies and procedures to adhere to employment legislation.
• Ensure operating procedures and policies are up to date and adhered to as well as create and communicate new policies and practices where necessary.
• Lead any new system implementation and training.
• Serve as Association Chief Privacy Officer.
• Collaborate with Executive, Senior, and People Leaders across the Association to educate and build strong financial understanding.
• Demonstrate and promote a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, and values and the YMCA programs and services.
• Participate in annual campaign events and fundraising initiatives and represent the Association at community events.
• Provide input and achieve the YMCA’s strategic goals through participation on the association’s Senior Leadership Team and through the effective performance management of all department staff.
• Other duties as assigned by CEO.

Qualifications

As a financial expert and dynamic leader, you bring:

• CPA designation plus a university degree in related field or related experience
• 3 years of supervisory/management experience or equivalent
• Experience producing monthly financial statements, cash management, human resource management, accounting in charitable and non-profit organizations, and dealing with banks and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
• External reporting experience.
• Proven experience implementing internal controls and measuring performance indicators
• Strong knowledge of relevant business technology; experience with Xero software is an asset
• Superior organizational skills, flexibility with high degree of initiative and adaptability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a positive and effective manner, meeting critical deadlines.
• Clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search prior to commencement of role.
• Flexibility to work outside of regular hours on an as needed basis.

Note: Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check/ Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check. They will also be required to attend YMCA Child Protection Training, as well as successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

We offer

• Comprehensive Group Benefits and Pension Plan Program
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Individual & Family YMCA Membership
• Strong Work Life Balance Programs (i.e. annually provided 11 paid Wellness Days and a minimum of three weeks of paid Vacation Days)
• Discounted Childcare and Program Rates

The YMCA of Cape Breton is an equal opportunity employer that values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.