Executive Director, Finance

Fanshawe College; London; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Canada seeks an Executive Director, Finance to provide strategic oversight of financial systems and departments. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, a CPA designation, and extensive experience, including budget management and compliance. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills while fostering relationships with stakeholders. This position offers an opportunity to influence the financial direction of the College significantly.

Qualifications

• 4 year Bachelor’s degree in Accounting mandatory, Masters preferred.
• Must possess CPA designation.
• Requires 11 years of progressive experience in accounting.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for financial systems across the College.
• Lead development and monitoring of annual budgets.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and financial standards.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budget management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

4 year Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Masters preferred

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation

Job description

Overview

As Executive Director, Finance and member of the Senior Leadership Council (SLC), you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the College’s financial systems, services, and overall management of the finance department. You will drive financial stewardship, operational excellence, and innovative planning—ensuring resources are aligned with institutional priorities and delivering meaningful results for students, staff, and stakeholders.

Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Services and Infrastructure, you will be responsible for providing leadership, vision, strategic planning, technical expertise, direction and delivery of effective financial systems across the College in alignment with the College’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Goals.You will be accountable for the College-wide expenditure management and resources allocation which includes management of Fanshawe College’s funds, financial analysis / reporting, auditing, purchasing, budgeting and insurance.You will lead a team of financial professionals to drive these financial processes and manage the systems including elevating the financial acumen across the college.

You will be responsible for the management and safekeeping of the College’s financial assets and financial systems; the development and maintenance of relevant, accurate and meaningful financial reporting, budgeting and financial planning reports and analysis; ensuring compliance with all statutory, Ministry and management reporting requirements, along with all College policies and procedures.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Shape Strategic Direction & Vision : Contribute to the development of the College’s strategic goals; Establish a strategic financial process and plan aligned with institutional priorities; Introduce long-term strategies for upgrading financial systems and processes
• Lead Financial Stewardship & Planning : Lead the development and monitoring of annual budgets and capital requirements; Ensure alignment with provincial Financial Health Indicators and Board directives; Establish and maintain effective financial policies and procedures
• Drive Integrated Business Planning : Provide strategic advice, analysis, training and education to senior leadership to build consistent financial acumen; Promote comprehensive and integrated planning across departments
• Strengthen Compliance : Ensure compliance with legislation, government directives, and industry standards related to financial matters
• Oversee Capital & Financial Systems : Lead capital planning with detailed financial impact analysis; Oversee financial systems that support timely, data-driven decision-making; Guide departments in financial planning, accounting, and purchasing practices; Manage government grant submissions and monitoring
• Foster Collaborative Engagement : Consult with internal and external stakeholders to align financial systems with strategic objectives; Liaise with external auditors to ensure transparency and accountability
• Grow Revenue & Partnerships : Identify new funding sources and maximize vendor / partner contributions
• Optimize Resources & Procurement : Prioritize resource allocation to support strategic initiatives; Oversee procurement processes and implementation of College purchases
• Champion Innovation & Improvement : Stay current with emerging accounting and technology trends, and drive modernization of financial operations for greater efficiency and effectiveness

Qualifications

• 4 year Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; Masters preferred
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation
• 11 years of progressive experience in an accounting environment which includes highly developed strategic planning, budget management, organization, communication, leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and team development skills
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage change, and successfully manage major projects