Chief Financial Officer

Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 149,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Ottawa is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to provide strategic financial leadership and oversee financial planning. The ideal candidate will need a CPA designation and extensive leadership experience. This role involves advising the executive team, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and leading continuous improvement efforts in finance systems. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Generous vacation

Parental leave top-up

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• Minimum four-year degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance.
• CPA designation required.
• Minimum thirteen years of leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee finance and administrative services.
• Lead the Finance and Administrative Services Department.
• Advise the executive team on financial matters.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Human Relations

Problem-solving

Presentation

Analytic Skills

Conflict Resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance

Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation

Education in lean management principles

Tools

Digital tools for decision-making

Job description

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Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology provided pay range.

This range is provided by Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range:

CA$149,300.00 / yr - CA$199,065.00 / yr

Algonquin College is a leader in postsecondary education, renowned for its innovation, student success, and commitment to excellence in teaching and applied learning. As a cornerstone of Ontario’s postsecondary landscape, Algonquin is proud to serve a diverse student population and is recognized for integrating emerging technologies and sustainability into every facet of campus life.

We are seeking a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader to join our team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this pivotal role, the CFO provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to the teams responsible for delivering finance and administrative services across the College.

About the Role:

As CFO, you will lead the Finance and Administrative Services Department and serve as a key advisor to the executive team and Board of Governors. You will oversee the financial planning, resource allocation, compliance, and reporting for Algonquin College—playing a critical role in promoting fiscal responsibility, supporting institutional priorities, and driving innovation through lean financial management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Corporate Leadership and Planning:
• Serve on the Vice President, Finance and Administration’s strategic management team, contributing to institutional leadership, long-term financial planning, and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and monitor financial strategies, operating and capital budgets, and performance metrics aligned with the College’s mission and lean management principles.
• Advise the executive team and Board of Governors on corporate finance, policy, and planning matters.
• Lead the development and ongoing refinement of the College’s five-year Capital Plan and financial objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ensure compliance with financial and ministerial regulations and provide timely counsel to College leadership.
• Act as Vice President, Finance and Administration (Treasurer) when required.
• Ensure financial integrity through effective policies, internal controls, and compliance with legislation and Ministry directives.
• Lead transparent, performance-based budget planning and financial reporting aligned with lean principles.
• Oversee treasury functions, capital capacity, debt management, and endowment investments.
• Collaborate with senior financial leaders and Internal Controls to assess and enhance risk mitigation and operational systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, resource allocation, and audit readiness.
• Serve as a key advisor to the President, Board of Governors, and Audit and Risk Management Committee.
• Champion lean thinking and continuous improvement across financial and administrative operations.
• Lead and support teams in Financial Services, Corporate Planning, Strategic Procurement, Payroll, and Logistics (Shipping, Receiving, and Mail Services).
• Foster a high-performance culture through effective recruitment, development, and performance management.
• Build and empower a strong leadership team and develop succession plans aligned with employee goals and institutional needs.
• Communicate strategic direction and long-term goals to departmental teams.
• Promote professional development, career progression, and a safe, respectful, inclusive workplace culture.
• Leadership of Corporate Financial Investments, Commodity Taxes, Banking and Auditing Services:
• Ensure optimal investment of College funds in compliance with the Ontario Financial Administration Act, Ministry directives, and College policies.
• Lead tendering processes for auditing, banking, and investment services, as required.
• Monitor service levels and fees to ensure value and accountability.
• Oversee compliance with excise tax laws and assess the value of commodity tax consulting services.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum four (4) year bachelor’s degree or equivalent in such disciplines as Business, Accounting, Finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required at the point of hire.
• A Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation is required.
• Education, training or coaching in lean management principles is required.
• Master’s degree in business administration would be considered an asset.
• A minimum of thirteen (13) years of leadership experience in a similar capacity, preferably in a post-secondary multi-level setting.
• Experience in financial & human resource management is required, including managing budgets effectively across multiple departments, financial reporting, and setting up effective metrics and business processes, and working in unionized environments.

Skills and Competencies:

• Highly developed skills in the areas of leadership, finance, human relations, problem-solving and presentation.
• Knowledge and application of lean management principles.
• Goal driven, results oriented and ability to be strategic in support of College goals.
• Administrative planning and management – full range of skills related not only to ongoing operations, but also to team building and change management.
• Proficient in using digital tools and data to support informed decision-making, with a strong understanding of IT to guide academic applications aligned with College objectives.
• Excellent analytic skills related to policy, budget, and operations issues.
• Strong priority-setting and conflict resolution / mediation skills are essential.
• Significant financial management and planning skills.

Why Join Us?

Algonquin College is a recognized leader in applied education, committed to student success and community engagement. As our next Chief Financial Officer, you will play a pivotal role in aligning strategic and operational priorities with the College’s mission. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of education, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and the broader community.

Algonquin College is proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of Canada's Best Employers for 2025 and Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2024. Along with a highly competitive salary, we offer a Defined Benefit Pension Plan (CAAT), generous vacation, parental leave top-up, ongoing professional development, and tuition assistance. Explore more of our amazing benefits : www.algonquincollege.com / careers

Apply Now!

If you're ready to embrace this exciting leadership opportunity and help shape the financial future of Algonquin College, we want to hear from you. Join us in driving innovation, empowering student success, and making a lasting impact—apply today.

Position is paid at Payband 15

Vacancy is for P14313

This position requires regular on-site work at Algonquin College’s Woodroffe (Ottawa) Campus

Seniority level

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Finance and Strategy / Planning

Industries

Higher Education

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