Director, Finance, Grants and Compliance

The Brenda Strafford Foundation; Calgary; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Brenda Strafford Foundation, based in Calgary, Alberta, is seeking a strategic and experienced Director, Finance, Grants & Compliance to join its leadership team. Reporting to the President & CEO, this role stewards the organization’s financial and governance framework to advance its mission.

The ideal candidate has at least seven years of progressive financial management in a foundation or nonprofit, with CPA or MBA considered an asset and proven grants administration and regulatory

Qualifications

• Seven+ years of progressive financial management experience in a foundation or nonprofit environment.
• CPA or MBA designation is considered an asset.
• Experience with grants administration and regulatory compliance.
• Strong communication and collaboration with senior leadership and boards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Lead preparation of financial statements and manage cash flow and disbursement planning.
• Liaise with auditors, tax advisors, and financial institutions.
• Oversee end-to-end grants lifecycle, including budgeting, tracking, compliance, and reporting.
• Strengthen internal controls and support risk management and governance compliance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial analysis

Governance experience

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

GAAP knowledge

Nonprofit accounting standards

Grant management software

Job description

The Brenda Strafford Foundation is seeking a strategic and experienced Director, Finance, Grants & Compliance to join its leadership team in Calgary, Alberta. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role within a respected, mission-driven charitable organization that is undergoing an exciting transition. With a strong philanthropic foundation and a renewed focus on community impact, international healthcare, and innovation, the Foundation is dedicated to driving meaningful and lasting social change. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this position will serve as a trusted advisor and steward of the organization’s financial and governance framework.

In this senior leadership role, the Director will oversee all aspects of financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. The successful candidate will lead the preparation of financial statements, manage cash flow and disbursement planning, and serve as the primary liaison with auditors, tax advisors, and financial institutions. Ensuring compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and CRA regulations will be central to the role, along with delivering insightful financial analysis to support strategic decision-making at the executive and Board levels.

Beyond finance, the Director will play a critical role in managing the Foundation’s end-to-end grants lifecycle, ensuring effective stewardship of both restricted and unrestricted funds. This includes overseeing grant budgeting, tracking, compliance, and reporting while partnering with internal stakeholders to align financial resources with program outcomes. The role also carries responsibility for strengthening internal controls, supporting risk management, and maintaining adherence to governance and regulatory requirements, including disbursement quota obligations.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and analytical leader with at least seven years of progressive financial management experience, preferably within a foundation or nonprofit environment. A CPA or MBA designation is considered an asset, along with proven expertise in grants administration and regulatory compliance. This individual will bring strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to mission-driven work, along with the ability to engage effectively with senior leadership, Boards, and external partners.

To explore this exciting opportunity further, please apply directly and a member of the search team will be in touch.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to the volume of applicants, only those whose qualifications most closely align with the role will be contacted.