Director of Finance

Shawnigan Lake School; Shawnigan Lake; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Shawnigan Lake School is seeking a Director of Finance to join their administration team. This full-time role involves managing financial systems, supporting compliance under Canadian standards, and leading financial planning for both the school and its foundation. The ideal candidate will have a CPA designation, extensive leadership experience, and a commitment to educational values.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of progressive financial leadership.
• Experience in not-for-profit or independent school environments.
• Expertise in ASNPO and CRA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage general ledger and financial controls.
• Lead annual budgeting process and prepare financial statements.
• Drive digitization and automation of financial workflows.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team-building skills

Financial communication

Organizational capabilities

Results-oriented leadership

Education

CPA designation

Tools

Excel

Google Suite

Job description

Job Description: Director of Finance

Reviewed:May 2025

School:Shawnigan Lake School

Department:Finance & HR

Division:Administration

Reports to:Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO)

FTE:1.0

Salary Range:$120,000 – $145,000

1.0 Purpose

The Director of Finance is a key member of the Business Office Team. Reporting to the CFOO, this role is responsible for:

• Leading the development, implementation, and oversight of financial systems, policies, and procedures
• Supporting both Shawnigan Lake School and the Shawnigan Lake School Foundation
• Ensuring financial stewardship and compliance under Canadian not-for-profit accounting standards (ASNPO)
• Supporting long-term financial sustainability
• Providing leadership to the finance team
• Delivering exceptional service and maintaining relationships that reflect the School’s core values:
• Curiosity | Compassion | Community | Courage

2.0 Key Responsibilities

Accounting

• Manage general ledger structure and financial controls
• Oversee capital asset tracking, budgeting, and reporting
• Review payroll, benefits, RRSPs, and related filings

Financial Planning, Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare quarterly financial statements and year-end forecasts
• Lead the annual budgeting process with department heads
• Develop long-range financial models reflecting enrollment, fundraising, and capital project scenarios
• Provide variance analysis and decision-making support
• Lead annual external audit for both School and Foundation
• Track KPIs and benchmark performance metrics

Cash Management & Forecasting

• Create and maintain rolling 12-month and multi-year cash flow forecasts
• Coordinate with Advancement for forecasting gifts and grants
• Liaise with investment managers for cash needs and liquidity alignment
• Recommend short-term investment strategies for operating cash
• Ensure compliance with policies on cash handling, restricted funds, and endowment distributions
• Support financial modeling for major initiatives and capital projects
• Maintain banking relationships and oversee banking service efficiency

Compliance & Risk Management

• File annual T3010 charity return and maintain CRA compliance
• Collaborate with CFOO on risk management and insurance reviews
• Maintain internal control documentation and audit readiness
• Stay updated on GAAP, Income Tax Act, and CRA changes; lead required adaptations

Process Improvement & Automation

• Drive digitization and automation of financial workflows
• Improve system integration across Admissions, Advancement, and Events
• Evaluate and implement ERP, CRM, and online payment technologies
• Develop and enforce financial policies and procedures
• Train and advise faculty and staff on financial processes
• Monitor and recommend service and policy improvements to the CFOO
• Maintain operational controls and ensure tax compliance

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise:
• Controller
• Purchaser & Commissary Manager (School Store)
• Support transactional accounting, purchasing, inventory, and reporting
• Foster a collaborative and service-oriented team culture
• Provide financial guidance to school leaders and department heads

3.0 Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Qualifications

• CPA designation (required)
• Minimum 6 years of progressive financial leadership
• Experience in not-for-profit, education, or independent school environments
• Expertise in:
• Dual-entity financial structures
• Restricted fund management
• ASNPO and CRA compliance
• Proven record in:
• Financial system automation
• Cross-departmental collaboration
• Advanced Excel proficiency; familiarity with Google Suite

Skills

• Self-motivated, results-oriented leader
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills
• Ability to communicate complex financial topics clearly
• Excellent planning and organizational capabilities
• Comfortable in fast-paced, multi-priority environments
• Skilled in preparing professional, audience-appropriate financial reports

4.0 Expectations

• Commitment to child protection and student welfare
• Required to undergo:
• Criminal record check (vulnerable sector)
• Reference checks with previous employers
• Model Shawnigan's core values:
• Curiosity | Compassion | Community | Courage

5.0 Hours of Work & Working Conditions

• Full-time role (approximately 40 hours/week)
• Flexibility expected during high-demand periods (e.g., audits, budgeting)
• Occasional work outside standard hours (evenings, weekends)
• Primarily on-site; remote work may be required periodically
• Vacation scheduling may be restricted during critical financial periods

To learn more about this role and what your day may hold, be sure to review the full job description: https://bbk12e1-cdn.myschoolcdn.com/ftpimages/589/misc/misc_235877.pdf