Chief Financial Officer

Lakefield College School; Lakefield; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic financial leadership and governance. This role involves managing financial operations, overseeing investment strategies, and ensuring fiscal responsibility for both the School and its Foundation. The ideal candidate will possess a CPA designation and demonstrate exceptional leadership and communication skills. Join a vibrant community that values diversity and fosters a collaborative environment, where your contributions will significantly impact the lives of students and staff alike. If you are passionate about financial leadership and innovation, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health and Dental Benefits

Generous Pension Matching Program

Professional Development

Qualifications

• Professional accounting designation (CPA) with significant financial leadership experience.
• Proven experience in strategic financial planning and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide fiscal responsibility and leadership for School and Foundation.
• Lead annual operating and capital budget planning cycles.
• Manage and oversee Business office staff and accounting functions.

Skills

Strategic Financial Planning

Leadership Skills

Investment Management

Communication Skills

Financial Analysis

Education

CPA Designation

Job description

Lakefield College School (LCS) is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic financial leadership for both the School and LCS Foundation. The ideal candidate will bring strong financial acumen, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership skills to this key position.

Organizational Overview

Founded in 1879, Lakefield College School (LCS) is a leader among Canada’s independent boarding and day schools. It prides itself on its reputation for providing a strong, caring community, a well-rounded program, and a transformational student experience.

Employment at LCS is more than a "job." Because we are predominantly a boarding school, both faculty and staff are required to do much. In return, the school strives to provide competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for growth. All members of the community are encouraged to participate fully in the school's life and to use and enjoy the beautiful grounds and facilities.

At LCS, we believe in the dignity and worth of all individuals. With roughly 440 students joining us from over 40 countries, young people learn and mature best when encouraged to embrace their individuality within a richly diverse and supportive community. We believe that this diversity of perspectives strengthens our community.

Key Responsibilities:Financial Leadership & Governance

• Serve as Company Officer per School & Foundation By-Laws
• Serve as staff lead for Finance & Audit Committees working alongside Chairs
• Provide full fiscal responsibility, leadership, and management for School and Foundation
• Lead annual operating and capital budget planning cycles
• Manage budget variance analysis and reporting to Leadership Team, Finance Committees, and Boards
• Ownership of the annual financial audit process and development of Financial Statements for presentation to Finance Committees and Boards for approval
• Lead annual financial risk register review and assessment

Investment & Financial Planning

• Manage LCS short-term cash investments, operating capital and financing needs in conjunction with banking relationships
• Oversee management of Foundation endowment policy and investments
• Develop and implement strategic financial planning with rolling 5-10 year forecasts
• Develop strategic financial planning for annual and long term forecasting for depreciation and major capital projects

Operational Management

• Manage and oversee Business office staff and accounting functions including billing, collections, payables, banking, and ledger transaction recording
• Provide account analysis and advising for budget managers
• Manage cash flow forecasting and bank treasury functions, including short term loan financing
• Ensure budget management and fiscal responsibility for operations and major capital projects

Qualifications:

• Professional accounting designation (CPA) with significant financial leadership experience
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Proven experience in strategic financial planning and analysis
• Strong knowledge of investment management and endowment oversight
• Experience with capital project financial planning
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly
• Experience in educational institutions or non-profit organizations preferred

Why LCS?

Joining LCS is more than accepting a job—it’s becoming part of a family of educators and staff who share a passion for bringing out the best in every student. You’ll have the chance to work amid enthusiastic and forward-thinking colleagues; you’ll use and enjoy our beautiful campus and facilities; you’ll be encouraged to innovate in your area of practice; and most importantly, you’ll grow as a leader. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to make a genuine impact on the lives of our staff and faculty, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Compensation

• Salary commensurate with education and experience
• Health and Dental Benefits, EAP
• Generous Pension matching program
• Professional Development

How to apply

Please complete your profile and submit your resume information and letter of introduction through the Careers Section of our website (https://www.lcs.on.ca/quicklinks/careers) on or before May 25, 2025.

Please Note:LCS is committed to providing accommodation for persons with disabilities. Please visit our Accessibility page for further details or contact our Human Resources department, [e-mail] for any information in an alternate format.

Lakefield College School is an inclusive, caring community. We believe in the dignity and worth of all individuals. We embrace diversity and practice equity. We lead with empathy to create a sense of belonging for all. We are committed to equal employment opportunities for persons of all cultures, colours, ancestries, religions, sexes, national origins, sexual orientations, ages, marital statuses, disabilities, gender identities and veteran statuses.

We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations.

Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.