Chief Financial Officer

City of Cambridge Ontario; Cambridge; On-site; CAD 163,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Chief Financial Officer to shape the financial landscape of a vibrant community. This pivotal role involves providing strategic financial oversight, guiding operational success, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The successful candidate will lead financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and make a tangible impact on the lives of community members in a thriving city with a rich heritage and a bright future.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS)

Health and Safety Awareness Training

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in financial management with a large organization.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills for strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the City’s financial operations including budgeting and financial planning.
• Lead the Financial Services Division and ensure financial accountability and innovation.

Skills

Financial Management

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Financial Reporting

Budgeting

Communication

Education

University degree in Finance, Economics or Business

Professional accounting designation (CPA)

MBA or MA

Job description

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Working within our Strategic Plan, Cambridge Connected, and committing to our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness and Service, the successful candidate will work together to help the City of Cambridge achieve our vision: A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity.

Formed in 1973 from the former communities of Galt, Preston, Hespeler and Blair, Cambridge is a modern city with a rich architectural heritage and a population of 137,000. Cambridge maintains three unique downtown cores, and a variety of financial incentives have driven the revitalization of the city’s downtown and waterfront areas that have preserved the past while driving innovative architecture, urban planning, development, construction and attracting new businesses. Our strategic plan provides a foundation for decision making, priority setting, and ongoing performance management to deliver high-quality public service that meets the needs of the community. Cambridge's thriving business climate is why many businesses are choosing to locate and expand here, and Cambridge will continue to expand and diversify.

Job Profile

The City of Cambridge is seeking an exceptional and visionary financial leader to join our team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is an opportunity to shape the financial landscape of a growing and thriving community while making a tangible impact on the lives of community members. As CFO, you will be a strategic partner to the City’s leadership, providing critical financial oversight and guidance that drives operational success and long-term sustainability.

Reporting to the City Manager, the CFO will oversee all aspects of the City’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, taxation, water billing, procurement, and investments. You will lead the Financial Services Division in fostering a culture of financial accountability, innovation, and excellence while aligning activities with the City’s strategic plan, Cambridge Connected, and vision – A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity.

What you will be doing

• The CFO is a strategic partner to Council, the City Manager and the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), informing decisions and providing financial guidance and advice on a broad range of financial issues and their operational implications, such as financial strategies for major projects, and financial modelling.
• An innovative professional who enjoys finding alternative solutions to complex problems and works with City staff to leverage alternative funding sources to meet City priorities. Demonstrates leadership, an enterprise mindset and expertise to implement leading-edge financial reporting systems and financial controls and structure to ensure City assets are protected.
• Leads the preparation and control of City’s Operating, Capital, Water and Sewer, and Equipment budgets. Recommends budget guidelines and policies as well as changes to the budget process. Conducts long-term financial planning and develops long-term funding strategies.
• Prepares Budget Reports for Council for the Operating and Capital Budgets. Attends all Council meetings.
• Provides guidelines and technical assistance to all City departments in the preparing Operating and Capital budgets and participates in the Budget Task Force meetings.
• Approves monthly financial reports for the Operating Fund, Capital Fund, Water and Waste Water Fund and Reserve and Reserve funds prior to distribution to departments. Participates in monthly budget control meetings.
• Coordinates preparation of Monthly Budget Control Reports.
• Develops and monitors division budget, sets strategies and priorities within Corporate and departmental goals.
• Develops and oversees the year-end audit procedure and process. Reviews working statements, consolidated financial statements, Financial Information Return, and performance measures. Liaises with auditors and addresses audit findings.
• Oversees development and implementation of reporting tools for year-end and daily financial reporting.
• Responsible and accountable for salary planning in partnership with payroll.
• Responsible for assisting all ongoing implementation, training, security and support of financial systems in partnership with Technology Services.
• Prepares financial reports for CLT and Council; makes presentations on divisional operations and corporate financial analysis.
• Oversees billing and collection of Taxes and Water. Reviews operations and directs technology enhancements.
• Oversees the assessment review process to maintain the City’s assessment base.
• Administers Reserve and Reserve Funds, audits status and commitments, makes policy recommendations, and prepares Council update reports.
• Interprets Public Sector Accounting Board, by-law, and legislation that affect the City.
• Approves all major transfers and wire payments related to investments and tax revenue transfers to the Region and School Boards.
• Leads the purchasing function, ensuring compliance with the City’s by-law. Reviews Tender submissions for availability and appropriateness of funds and approves financial funding sections.
• Responsible for the Development Charges studies and performs specific Internal Audit functions as requested.
• Acts as back-up to the Deputy City Manager when required.

Education

University degree in Finance, Economics or Business and a professional accounting designation (CPA). An MBA or MA would be an asset.

Experience and Knowledge

• 15+ years’ experience in financial management with a large, complex public, private or not-for-profit organization, including at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with a track record of applying an open, collaborative leadership style to support strategic decision-making within a senior corporate leadership team and to motivate and mentor a team to high performance.

We will ask you for these items if you are hired

Proof of current and valid certificates and/or educational qualifications.

Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness Training Certificate from the Ministry of Labour (may be obtained post-offer).

Valid G driver's license.

Your compensation

This position is in Band Level 12 of the Non-Union Salary Scale, with an annual salary range of $163,927 to $199,909. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and are an Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) employer.

Hours of work

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (35 hours per week).

Interested candidates should apply at www.cambridge.ca/careers. The posting closes on May 2, 2025.

Accommodation needs and protection of privacy

The City of Cambridge values diversity and inclusion, and strives to create an accessible and inclusive experience. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, especially from equity-deserving groups. We are committed to removing barriers and providing accommodations in accordance with legislation. Contact [e-mail] to request accommodations.

For more information on our Employment Equity policy, please visit our website. Personal information collected is used solely for employment eligibility purposes under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance

Industries

• Government Administration