Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Purpose:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position leads financial strategy and management for PLATO. The CFO is accountable for the financial administration, is the senior executive which directs all financial services, is the primary accounting officer and the functional leader for financial operations across the business units and is the liaison between PLATO and sub-committees of the Board of Directors dedicated to the administration of the organization’s finances, investments, and annual financial audits.The CFO is a key member of the Executive Team and contributes to the leadership by reporting on financial performance and advising senior leaders, the COO, the Treasurer and the Board of Directors on financial strategy, financial opportunities and challenges, financial risk and risk management, financial regulatory compliance, pension and liability management, investment performance and financial performance.

Playing an important, transformational leadership role in PLATO, the CFO nurtures and champions a collaborative culture, adds perspective and value to the organization’s efforts to respond to complex business challenges, and integrates financial considerations and effective financial management into business practices, processes, systems, plans and strategies at all levels of the organization.The CFO ensures that PLATO complies with all financial regulatory obligations, supports prudent and efficient operations of PLATO, and also supports effective business planning and program delivery. The CFO is also a strategic partner in advancing the mission of PLATO, working with colleagues and business units to support the fulfillment of the PLATO mission and to advance continuous improvement in the work of PLATO that balances innovation with risk management. The CFO makes sound decisions and provides sage counsel based on data and strives to continuously strengthen and improve financial systems and processes to keep pace with change within and outside of PLATO.

Education & Experience:

• The position requires a post-secondary degree in a related field and a Charter Professional Accounting (CPA) designation along with considerable senior to executive level leadership experience in financial administration, financial strategy, and financial services delivery
• The ideal candidate will have at least ten years of progressive experience in a senior financial position within a complex organization.
• Visionary leadership with a commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• Demonstrated success in developing a shared vision and leading people to achieve exemplary performance and outcomes together
• Outstanding organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and build relationships with internal and external partners.
• Proven ability to think analytically and creatively in support of PLATO’s vision and strategic initiatives
• Ability to make decisions on complex issues that typically have long range and strategic impact on the organization
• Must possess knowledge and understanding of issues, including cultural, socio-economic and other factors affecting Indigenous Peoples and an awareness that Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority PLATO.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders in an organizational setting is an asset.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the development / implementation of the strategic financial goals, objectives, and policies of the organization
• Oversee all financial and accounting functions within the organization
• Ensure the production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements including schedules, budget variance analysis, and notes that adhere to financial standards and/or organizational needs • Drive strategic financing initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and growth plans
• Manage organizational risk and mitigation plans including cash management, compliance, and contracting, engaging legal counsel as required.
• Monitor business performance with tracking tools, establish corrective measures as needed, and prepare detailed reports for the executive team
• Analyze opportunities and risks as they arise and presents recommendations to the executive team, finance committee, and to the Board
• Ensure annual budgets are prepared and presented for all operations and assets
• Oversee all aspects of the accounts payables, accounts receivables, and payroll functions
• Interface with all organizational areas to ensure effective financial planning and reporting, and monitoring against strategic and operational goals
• Plan and prepare for human capital and succession in key roles
• Monitor or conduct cash flow management and liaise with the bank
• Develop, maintain, and adapt financial policies and procedures
• Liaise with auditors during annual audit; and
• Perform other duties as may be required and/or requested by the CEO

Competencies – Behaviors:

• Teamwork – supports group decisions and puts group success ahead of own goals.
• Results Oriented – results driven and can identify steps to achieving goals.
• Customer Service – is approachable and willing to help others.
• Communication – communicates ideas effectively and clearly.
• Motivation – motivates and inspires others.
• Employee relations – acts with empathy and compassion