Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

MEC; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 240,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor retail company in Vancouver is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This strategic executive role involves driving financial excellence and overseeing financial operations. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of executive experience in finance, strong leadership skills, and a passion for outdoor activities. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual vacation allotment

Paid Care time (wellness/sick)

Maternity and parental leave top-up

Staff discount and vendor deals

Top-notch benefit and retirement plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience in finance, preferably in retail.
• Proven track record of achieving strategic objectives in fast-paced environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the company’s financial strategy and long-term goals.
• Lead financial planning and analysis activities.
• Manage the financial health of the organization, including budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Operational oversight

Risk management

Team building

Education

Degree in finance, accounting, or business administration

Relevant financial certifications (CPA, CFA)

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a strategic executive position that blends high-level financial leadership with hands-on operational oversight across Finance and supporting the entire organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CFO will drive financial excellence, and ensure alignment with the company’s long-term vision.

A key aspect of this role will be shaping and executing MEC’s financial strategy, managing budgets, and ensuring fiscal integrity while maintaining the agility to adapt to a dynamic retail environment. The ideal candidate will possess deep retail finance acumen, proven experience in scaling financial systems, and managing multi-faceted finance functions. They should have a demonstrated track record in leading cross-functional teams to deliver results in a high-growth, customer-focused environment, including expertise in financial planning & analysis, risk management, and process optimization.

Additionally, the CFO will be responsible for enhancing existing systems and processes by integrating key financial metrics to measure performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure data-driven decision-making. The role involves conducting comprehensive reviews of current finance operations to identify inefficiencies and gaps in both the supply chain and finance functions. By addressing these, the CFO will ensure stronger financial controls, cost reduction, and improved organizational performance, driving both immediate improvements and long-term strategic growth. The ability to balance strategic financial initiatives with day-to-day operational demands is critical.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership :

• Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to define and execute the company’s financial strategy and long-term goals.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize capital allocation, cost-effectiveness, and financial sustainability.
• Analyze market trends, economic conditions, and industry developments to identify financial risks and opportunities for growth.

Operational Excellence :

• Lead financial planning and analysis activities to support data-driven decision-making and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure robust internal controls and compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance financial processes and reporting accuracy.
• Negotiate contracts to help manage cost savings programs.
• Foster a customer-centric culture by developing policies that enhance engagement and satisfaction.
• Utilize data analytics to monitor customer feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Financial Stewardship :

• Oversee the finance team and leverage the team to create operational reporting across the organization.
• Manage the financial health of the organization, including financial planning, reporting, and cash flow management overseeing operational budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Collaborate with other executives to drive business strategy and communicate financial performance to key stakeholders.
• Maintain 13-week cash flow forecast and manage borrowing base liquidity.
• Assess recent results and determine actions needed to ensure the business exceeds budgets.
• Ensure the company remains in compliance with all requirements under our agreements with lenders.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in a timely manner.
• Promote compliance with regulations and foster transparency and accountability.

People Leadership :

• Build and lead a high-performing finance team by recruiting, training, and mentoring staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, encouraging team members to excel and drive results.
• Establish clear performance metrics and regularly review progress against organizational financial goals.

Qualifications :

• Degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field; relevant financial certifications (CPA, CFA).
• Minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience in finance, preferably within the retail sector.
• Proven track record of driving financial improvements and achieving strategic objectives in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to financial decision-making.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Passion for outdoor activities and a strong understanding of the retail market is an asset.
• Demonstrates and upholds the Leadership Way guiding principles, setting an example through actions, decision-making, and team engagement.

Leadership Principles

Our MEC Leadership Way principles are the backbone of our commitment to fostering a vibrant, outdoor-focused culture. Grounded in integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, these guiding capabilities empower leaders at every level to inspire teamwork and drive meaningful change. By cultivating a culture of trust and accountability, we create an environment where everyone can thrive, adapt to challenges, and contribute to our shared mission of connecting people with the great outdoors. Embrace these principles to help shape a dynamic and supportive workplace that values growth, empathy, and a shared passion for exploration.

• We know where we’re going. Clearly define our mission, connect work to strategy, and set measurable goals collaboratively.
• We guide with empathy. Foster understanding and respect, celebrate diversity, and create an inclusive environment.
• We grow our people. Invest in individual growth, remain accessible to teams, and pursue continuous improvement.
• We trailblaze. Embrace innovation as a process, encourage experimentation, and learn from mistakes.
• We pick the right path. Make decisions based on our values, consider diverse perspectives, and communicate reasoning transparently.
• We change course when needed. Embrace change as an opportunity, adapt strategies swiftly, and lead teams with clear communication and positivity.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a permanent role with the anticipated base salary range of CA$240,750.00 to CA$275,000.00 per year, plus short- and long-term incentives. The exact salary will be dependent on the successful candidate’s relevant skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. If your salary expectations are outside our advertised range, we still encourage you to apply.

• Generous annual vacation allotment & Paid Care time (wellness / sick)
• Maternity and Parental leave top-up
• Staff discount and deals from vendors
• Top-notch benefit plan & retirement plan with matched contributions
• Paid days to pursue outdoor activities and / or volunteer in your community
• Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance and Sales
• Industries
• Retail

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