Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Commissionaires; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading not-for-profit organization in Ottawa is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide financial leadership and oversight. The role involves ensuring compliance, guiding strategic planning, and collaborating with senior leadership. The ideal candidate has a CPA designation, significant finance experience, and strong leadership skills. This opportunity includes competitive benefits and a commitment to community impact.

Benefits

Employer-paid professional development

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous paid time off

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience.
• 5+ years in an executive leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian GAAP/ASPE.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership to the CEO and Board.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with federal contracting requirements.

Skills

Financial leadership

Risk management

Influencing and collaboration

Strategic planning

Bilingualism (English/French)

Education

CPA designation (CA, CMA, CGA)

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

Starting Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

About Us

Commissionaires Ottawa is a trusted Canadian not-for-profit that provides high-quality security services across the National Capital Region and beyond. With a proud mission of employing and empowering veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, and other community members, we deliver professional security solutions while making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a strategic, experienced, and values-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our Executive Team. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as Treasurer to the Board of Directors, the CFO will lead finance, accounting, payroll, and contracts & analytics. The role is accountable for ensuring compliance with Canadian standards, maintaining a strong control environment, and supporting the sustainability of the organization.

The CFO will also act as a key advisor to the CEO, Board, and senior leadership, providing financial insight and analysis to guide planning, investment, and risk management. This position requires a balance of strategic leadership and operational oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership to the CEO, Board, and senior management to support decision-making and organizational strategy
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting across Commissionaires Ottawa and its subsidiaries
• Oversee contracts & analytics, ensuring compliance with federal contracting requirements (e.g., PSPC National Master Standing Offer) and supporting corporate planning through accurate analysis
• Safeguard assets through internal controls, risk management, and treasury oversight
• Ensure financial policies, systems, and practices meet professional standards and regulatory requirements
• Lead, coach, and develop senior finance managers and their teams to maintain strong capability and succession planning
• Collaborate with Federation CFOs and external stakeholders including auditors, regulators, financial institutions, insurers, and government authorities
• Represent the organization in negotiations with federal government departments, benefit providers, and major partners

What You Bring

• CPA designation (CA, CMA, CGA legacy streams) required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with 5+ years in an executive leadership role
• Strong knowledge of Canadian GAAP/ASPE, not-for-profit financial management, CRA requirements, and PSPC contracting frameworks
• Demonstrated success in financial leadership within complex, multi-division organizations
• Exceptional ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives, Board members, and government stakeholders
• Proven skills in risk management, enterprise planning, and policy development
• Bilingualism (English/French) highly desirable given federal client base
• Active or eligible for Government of Canada Secret Level Security Clearance

Why Join Us?

At Commissionaires Ottawa, you will:

• Work for a reputable and nationally known company
• Play a central role in shaping the financial future of a respected not-for-profit
• Work in a challenging and rewarding work environment alongside a collaborative executive team
• Lead a high-performing finance function with broad scope and impact
• Contribute to an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the community
• Benefit from employer-paid professional development opportunities
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package
• Access generous paid time off, holidays, and sick days
• Participate in retirement plans with company matching of employee contributions
• Take advantage of employee discount programs, social outings, and holiday gatherings

NOTE: Only those candidates that meet the specified requirements will be considered for this position. Candidates that do not meet the requirements may be considered for similar opportunities.

Commissionaires’ values the diversity of our workforce and respects its employees as individuals, regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender and age.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Commissionaires’ Policies on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of Commissionaires’ hiring process.

Commissionaires-Ottawa does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. However, please be aware that some third-party tools we utilize in our recruiting and selection process may incorporate AI technology.

We appreciate all who apply, however we will only be contacting candidates of interest.

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