Chief Financial Officer

Altis Recruitment; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian not-for-profit organization is looking for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in Ottawa to lead finance and accounting operations. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of finance experience, including 5 in executive roles. Responsibilities include strategic financial leadership, compliance oversight, and team management. A CPA designation is required, and bilingualism in English and French is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including at least 5 years in an executive leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian GAAP / ASPE, not-for-profit financial management, CRA regulations, and government contracting frameworks.
• Demonstrated success leading finance functions within complex, multi-division organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership to the CEO, Board, and executive team.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial planning.
• Ensure compliance with federal contracting requirements and regulatory frameworks.
• Safeguard assets by overseeing risk management, treasury functions, and internal controls.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Compliance knowledge

Financial planning

Communication skills

Risk management

Bilingualism in English and French

Education

CPA designation (CA, CMA, CGA)

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

Overview

We are assisting our client in the search for a

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

to join their executive leadership team. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity based in

Ottawa, ON

This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected Canadian not-for-profit organization that provides vital services to communities and plays a meaningful role in supporting individuals across the region.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as Treasurer to the Board, the CFO will lead finance, accounting, payroll, and contracts & analytics. This role requires a dynamic executive who can balance strategic vision with operational excellence, bringing strong expertise in compliance, financial planning, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership to the CEO, Board, and executive team to support decision-making and organizational goals
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial planning across the organization and its subsidiaries
• Ensure compliance with federal contracting requirements and regulatory frameworks while supporting business planning through strong financial analysis
• Safeguard assets by overseeing risk management, treasury functions, and internal controls
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior finance managers and their teams, ensuring succession planning and long-term capability
• Build and maintain strong relationships with auditors, regulators, financial institutions, insurers, and government partners
• Represent the organization in negotiations with key external stakeholders, including government departments and benefit providers

What You Bring

• Eligible for Government of Canada Secret Level Security Clearance (or currently holds clearance)
• CPA designation (CA, CMA, CGA) required; MBA or advanced degree considered an asset
• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including at least 5 years in an executive leadership role
• Strong knowledge of Canadian GAAP / ASPE, not-for-profit financial management, CRA regulations, and government contracting frameworks
• Demonstrated success leading finance functions within complex, multi-division organizations
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence senior executives, Board members, and external stakeholders
• Proven experience in risk management, enterprise planning, and policy development
• Bilingualism in English and French is highly desirable