Director of Finance

Science World Careers; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Science World is seeking a Director of Finance to lead financial strategies and business planning within a mission-driven charitable organization. This full-time role involves overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and collaborating across departments to enhance organizational performance in promoting STEAM literacy across British Columbia.

Benefits

Extended Health

Dental

Generous paid time off

RRSP matching

Professional Development

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Experience in managing reporting, budgeting, financial modeling.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian accounting standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial projections processes.
• Oversee financial management, cash forecasts, and treasury function.
• Prepare and present financial reports to executive and stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting

Canadian CPA designation

Tools

Microsoft Office Software

SAGE 300

Job description

Full-Time

Position: Director of Finance

Reports to: Vice President, Finance

Science World is a mission-based, charitable organization that supports the development of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design and Math) literacy across British Columbia. Our mission is to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature and our purpose is Science for All.

Our Science for All strategy is to revitalize Science World with a substantial capital plan to replace critical infrastructure, enhance the visitor experience and develop new content across all our channels under the themes of Regeneration of the Planet, Human Health, and Inclusion. Our plan is to ensure that people throughout British Columbia, especially under-represented communities, have access to high quality, informal STEAM learning. Through our onsite, online and outreach programs, Science World seeks to spark curiosity and wonder in STEAM and support development of talent across communities in the province.

As part of our team, you will join a diverse community that acknowledges everyone’s unique talents and empowers people to do what is right for our visitors, our members, our volunteers and each other. You will work in an environment where we believe in developing our employees and growing their strengths, while focusing on our values: Curious, Playful, Inclusive, Relevant and Collaborative.

Position Description

Reporting to the VP Finance, the Director of Finance plays a pivotal role in supporting and guiding the organization’s financial strategies and overall business planning. By planning, directing and coordinating the financial reporting, planning and analytical activities of the organization the Director of Finance collaborates as a business partner across the organization, including with the Director team, to deliver decision support, improve organization financial performance and enable strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and continually improve the budgeting, forecasting and financial projections process ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and organizational goals
• Oversee all aspects of financial management including preparing cash forecasts, continuously updating assumptions and supporting the cash management/treasury function with informed planning and analysis
• Prepare and present timely and accurate financial reports to the executive team, board committees and other stakeholders
• Develop financial models, conduct analysis and prepare business cases to support strategic initiatives
• Manage financial planning processes and provide strategic guidance on revenue growth, cost management, and risk mitigation
• Develop, identify, analyze, monitor and report the trends of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), relating to all areas of the business including fundraising, revenue streams, expenditures, programs, breakeven, and profit margin
• Create dashboard reports for Senior Management, Directors and the Board of Directors highlighting KPIs, variances and actionable insights
• Support contract review processes and provide revenue, cost and margin analysis to help teams make informed decisions
• Support Development and fundraising activities in the financial aspects of proposals, applications and reporting for funding
• Supporting decision making by providing stakeholders with timely, detailed and meaningful insights and visibility on business performance
• Complete and report on complex reconciliations and analysis
• Lead ERP and business intelligence implementation
• Generate ad-hoc business performance reporting as required to support strategic decision making
• Execute appropriate financial communications for Science World when needed
• Support management team and the Heads of Department with timely, data-driven analysis
• Support Controller in the interim and annual audit process
• Manage, support and lead Finance team to meet deliverables in a timely and accurate manner
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures with the objective of continuous process improvement
• Provide coaching and development to finance team members
• Lead the development of the departmental operating plan and support the delivery of financial goals related to the overall Science World Business plan
• Operate within the philosophy, culture, and values of Science World
• Perform other related duties as required to fulfill any changing business needs of this role

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field
• A Canadian CPA designation (preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive financial leadership experience with full cycle accounting experience, including gathering, evaluating, presenting, and reporting financial information to management and external stakeholders
• Solid experience in managing reporting, budgeting, financial modeling and analysis
• Strong knowledge of Canadian generally accepted accounting standards
• Experience working in not-for-profits (preferred)
• Able to identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Software, Ultimate Software, SAGE 300 (or other industry-standard accounting software)
• Demonstrated experience in identification, implementation and high level use of business intelligence and productivity software tools
• Based on knowledge of business, historical trends, strategic initiatives and goals, able to:
  • identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions; and
  • look beyond transactions to understand strategic impact and leverage higher performance
• A critical thinker who is detail-oriented, highly adaptable with a collaborative and grounded approach
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills. Confident and tactful with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels and from diverse backgrounds
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills
• Commitment to integrity, transparency and respectful communication in all professional interactions
• Demonstrates flexibility, initiative and resourcefulness
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize workload and meet tight deadlines
• Personal alignment with our core values: Curiosity, Playful, Inclusive, Relevant and Collaborative

The pay range for this position is $100,000-$150,000 per year.

Science World offers a substantial benefits package after successfully completing probation, including Extended Health, Dental, Voluntary RRSP/TFSA Plan, generous paid time off (vacation, sick, wellness days), Personal Enrichment Day, Science World membership, RRSP matching (after 1 year), Hybrid Work environment and Professional Development.

Do you feel you have not met every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification in the job posting.

Science World is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment so we strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every single qualification outlined, as you may have transferable skills that would be an asset to our team.

Please apply by Thursday, June 12, 2025

Please upload a cover letter and a copy of your resume as part of your application

* All offers are subject to satisfactory completion of reference and police criminal record checks.

We would like to thank all candidates. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted *