Finance Lead

Ontario College Application Service; Guelph; Hybrid; CAD 93,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work model

22 vacation days

Defined benefit pension plan

Comprehensive benefits

Volunteer time

Job summary

Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) seeks a Finance Lead to guide the Finance team and ensure accurate accounting, internal controls, and reporting that support Ontario’s college sector. The role is based in Guelph with a flexible hybrid model and offers a strong benefits package.

In this full-time position, you will partner with leadership to drive planning, budgeting, and financial insights, while mentoring staff and coordinating audits and board materials.

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting or finance from a recognized institution.
• 8–10 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Proven ability to lead a team and manage competing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; able to explain financial information clearly.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Finance team with day-to-day supervision of Financial Analyst and Accounting Specialist.
• Oversee month-end close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, settlements, and accruals for OCAS and partner organizations.
• Review, validate, and post payroll entries provided by Human Resources.
• Maintain and improve internal control frameworks, including approval thresholds aligned with the OCAS Purchasing Policy.
• Update and maintain contracts for financial and payroll services with partner organizations.
• Prepare and deliver monthly financial reports, variance analyses, and financial insights to budget owners, the Executive Team, Employee Forums, and the Director, Finance & Risk.
• Support the preparation of materials for the Audit Committee and Board of Directors.
• Lead the annual budget development process and maintain forecasts aligned to approved operating plans, including cash flow forecasts.
• Coordinate annual audit, tax, and compliance activities for a not-for-profit organization.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and process documentation, identify system and process improvements, and ensure cross-training within the team.
• Represent the Finance department in cross-functional projects and support the Director, Finance & Risk with financial information requests.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Not-for-profit accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

MS Dynamics Business Central ERP

Job description

Technology is reinventing higher education and at OCAS we play a vital role in helping shape this evolving landscape. We deliver dependable technology systems and business services to support our industry partners and create new pathways for learners exploring and applying to Ontario’s public colleges .

Recently named a Waterloo Area Top Employer for the eleventh consecutive year, we’re looking for innovators who can bring their expertise and passion to our growing team.

As Finance Lead at OCAS, you’ll lead the Finance team’s day-to-day operations and help ensure our accounting practices, internal controls, and finance processes are accurate, reliable, and aligned with organizational needs. Reporting to the Director, Finance & Risk, you’ll provide direct leadership and mentorship to the Financial Analyst and Accounting Specialist, while supporting the financial planning, reporting, and compliance activities that help guide organizational decision-making.

With a strong accounting foundation and leadership experience, you’ll work closely with the Director, Finance & Risk to support strategic financial planning and act as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization. You’ll also deliver responsive financial services to internal and external interest holders.

This is a full-time permanent position requiring three days each week in our Guelph office. If you want to lead a high-performing Finance team and make a meaningful impact at an organization that supports Ontario’s college sector, this role is for you!

In this role, you will:

• Lead and mentor the Finance team, providing day-to-day supervision to the Financial Analyst and Accounting Specialist while supporting professional development and responsive service
• Oversee and approve the month-end close process, including journal entries, account reconciliations, settlements, and accruals for OCAS and partner organizations
• Review, validate, and post payroll entries provided by Human Resources
• Maintain and improve internal control frameworks, including approval thresholds aligned with the OCAS Purchasing Policy
• Update and maintain contracts for financial and payroll services with partner organizations
• Prepare and deliver monthly financial reports, variance analyses, and financial insights to budget owners, the Executive Team, Employee Forums, and the Director, Finance & Risk
• Support the preparation of materials for the Audit Committee and Board of Directors
• Lead the annual budget development process and maintain forecasts aligned to approved operating plans, including cash flow forecasts
• Coordinate annual audit, tax, and compliance activities, including working paper preparation, year-end documentation, auditor liaison, and statutory reporting requirements for a not-for-profit organization
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and process documentation, identify system and process improvements, and ensure critical Finance functions are cross-trained within the team
• Represent the Finance department in cross-functional projects and support the Director, Finance & Risk with financial information requests, ad hoc reporting, and assigned projects

You should have:

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in accounting or finance
• 8 to 10 years of relevant progressive experience, or equivalent
• Proven ability to lead a team, manage competing priorities, and communicate with tact and diplomacy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external interest holders

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in the not-for-profit or broader public sector
• Experience preparing financial materials for boards, audit committees, or similar governance audiences
• Experience with MS Dynamics Business Central ERP System
• Familiarity with Accounting Standards for Not-For-Profit Organizations (ASNPO)

Why OCAS?

• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with remote work
• Join a collaborative team that is passionate about technology and empowered to explorenew ideasand better ways of working
• Start with 22 vacation days, plus a paid company shutdown during the holiday season
• Plan for the futurewith a defined benefit corporate pension plan
• Access comprehensive benefits, including vision, dental, extended health care, life insurance, and more
• Give back through paid volunteer time and opportunities to support local charities in your community

The pay range for this position $92,660.00 - $108,000.00, depending on skills and previous experience.

Position Reports to: Director, Finance & Risk

This position is being offered to replace an existing vacancy

OCAS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.