Associate Director of Finance - Public Sector

ML6 Search + Talent Advisory; Canada; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading talent advisory firm in Canada is seeking an Associate Director, Finance to oversee financial operations and provide strategic leadership within the organization. This role involves managing budgets, forecasts, and audit preparation while collaborating with senior leadership and external funders. The ideal candidate will have a CPA designation, 7+ years of experience in finance, and strong analytical skills. This is a hybrid position that requires a mix of in-office and remote work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration; CPA designation required.
• 7+ years of leadership experience in finance, preferably public sector or not-for-profit.
• Strong understanding of PSAB standards and municipal financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to a finance team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Deliver accurate financial reports, budgets, and forecasts to senior leadership.
• Oversee the preparation of annual budgets and audited financial statements.

Skills

Leadership in finance

Understanding PSAB standards

Analytical skills

Collaboration with stakeholders

Budgeting and forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration

CPA designation

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Financial software systems

Job description

Director, Corporate at ML6 Search + Talent Advisory

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client, a conservation authority on the west end, is seeking an Associate Director, Finance to play a critical role in leading and overseeing financial operations across the organization. Reporting to the CFO, the Associate Director, Finance will provide strategic financial leadership and ensure strong fiscal stewardship aligned with the authority’s mission and long-term sustainability.

This individual will oversee budgeting, forecasting, audit preparation, and financial reporting, while also serving as Secretary‑Treasurer for the organization’s charitable foundation. Acting as a trusted advisor, the Associate Director will collaborate with senior leadership, municipal partners, and external funders to support financial decision‑making and organizational growth.

This is a hybrid position, requiring regular in‑office presence and occasional travel within the region.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Provide leadership to a team of finance professionals, fostering collaboration, development, and accountability.
• Partner with the CFO, senior leadership, and external stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely financial reports, budgets, and forecasts.
• Serve as Secretary‑Treasurer for the organization’s charitable foundation, overseeing reporting, investment recommendations, and governance documentation.
• Oversee and enhance internal financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with legislation, accounting standards, and best practices.
• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, audited financial statements, and interim reporting for the Board and foundation.
• Act as a signing officer for financial and contractual documents, including agreements with funders, suppliers, and banking institutions.
• Oversee the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors.
• Provide strategic financial guidance on asset management planning, reserves, and capital investments.
• Lead financial policy development and continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.
• Support the implementation and optimization of financial software systems and reporting tools.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration; CPA designation required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in finance, preferably within a public sector or not‑for‑profit organization.
• Strong understanding of Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) standards, charitable accounting, and municipal financial reporting practices.
• Knowledge of environmental and sustainability‑related financial frameworks, including ESG considerations.
• Experience managing audits, budgets, and multi‑stakeholder reporting.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, government partners, and external funders.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and presentation skills with attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and financial systems; prior experience with system implementation is an asset.
• Strong sense of integrity, accountability, and professional judgement.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Industries

Government Administration, Conservation Programs, and Non‑profit Organizations