Finance Manager

freelance.ca; Peterborough; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent organization in Ontario is seeking a Finance Manager to oversee finance and payroll operations. This role requires a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in financial management. You will lead the financial planning, reporting, and compliance efforts while collaborating with senior leadership to improve organizational performance and ensure fiscal stability. A commitment to equity, diversity, and a respectful workplace culture is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years in financial management leadership.
• Experience in healthcare, public sector, or union environments is a plus.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of Finance and Payroll departments.
• Guide short- and long-term financial planning and budgeting.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory obligations and sector-specific reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)

Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance

MBA or MHA preferred

Tools

Financial Systems

Payroll Software (UKG)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Overview : The Finance Manager plays a key leadership role overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Finance and Payroll departments. As a member of the organizational leadership team, this role is responsible for financial planning, operational oversight, reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements. The Manager collaborates closely with senior leadership, providing strategic financial analysis, departmental planning, and cross-functional support. A strong focus is placed on continuous improvement, risk management, and aligning departmental operations with the broader organizational mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Job Responsibilities :

• Lead and manage Finance and Payroll operations, ensuring high performance, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop departmental goals, policies, and procedures in alignment with organizational strategy.
• Guide short- and long-term financial planning, resource allocation, and operational budgeting.
• Oversee the preparation and analysis of financial reports, including variance analyses and forecasts.
• Monitor and manage cash flow and recommend actions to ensure fiscal stability.
• Coordinate and support the development of operating and capital budgets across departments.
• Ensure timely completion of month-end closings, reconciliations, and year-end audits.
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls, systems, and financial policies.
• Support preparation of financial reports for external stakeholders, funding bodies, and auditors.
• Provide strategic financial insights to leadership to support decision-making and improve performance.
• Ensure compliance with sector-specific reporting obligations (e.g., accountability agreements, public sector reporting).
• Manage business planning, cost efficiency initiatives, and revenue optimization strategies.
• Oversee financial coding, payroll system configurations, and performance benchmarks.
• Lead, mentor, and support the development of Finance and Payroll team members.
• Maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders including vendors, auditors, and partners.

Education and Experience :

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline; MBA or MHA preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in financial management.
• Previous experience in healthcare, public sector, or unionized environments is considered an asset.

Additional Responsibilities :

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Proficient in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks, risk management, and public sector accountability.
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems, payroll and scheduling software (e.g., UKG), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience interpreting and applying collective agreements and labor regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and a respectful workplace culture.