Finance Specialist

Canadian Red Cross; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Red Cross is seeking a Finance Specialist to manage financial operations for multiple programs in a hybrid Montreal-based role. You will analyze financial data, build models, and provide timely reports to support strategic decisions.

As a finance expert, you will ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal policies while collaborating with program managers, auditors, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; graduate degree a plus.
• CPA designation or pursuit is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in finance.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, standards, and policies.
• Experience handling financial processes for complex programs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed financial analyses and forecasting to support leadership decisions.
• Develop and maintain financial models and tools for budgeting and planning.
• Ensure accurate, timely financial reporting in line with standards and policies.
• Coordinate preparation and review of financial statements and reconciliations.
• Manage annual budget cycle and advise program managers on allocation.
• Monitor project budgets, perform variance analyses, and identify risks.
• Engage with auditors, financial partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and training on financial procedures to staff.

Skills

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Policy compliance

Stakeholder communication

Training staff

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business

CPA asset or pursuit

5+ years experience

Job description

Title: Finance Specialist

Employee’s work location: Partially virtual/hybrid (Montreal, QC)

Employment status: Permanent full-time

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) – an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada’s Best Employers 2026, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The Finance Specialist is responsible for the financial management of various programs and operations at the Canadian Red Cross. This includes analyzing, making recommendations and providing guidance to ensure compliance with the organization’s financial policies and procedures. The Finance Specialist plays a key role as an expert in the decision-making process by providing accurate and up-to-date financial analyses, ensuring that financial transactions are aligned with business objectives and enhance operational effectiveness.

What we are looking for:

• Conducts detailed financial analyses and forecasting, providing concrete information and recommendations to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making and improve the organization’s financial performance.


• Develops, implements and maintains financial models, tools and systems to support long‑term budgeting, reporting and financial planning activities.


• Ensures accurate, timely and compliant financial reporting in accordance with Canadian accounting standards and the organization’s internal policies and procedures.


• Coordinates the preparation and review of financial reports, financial statements and reconciliation, ensuring completeness and accuracy.


• Coordinates and manages the annual budget cycle, providing advice and support to program managers and senior leadership in budget development, planning and allocation.


• Provides support to project managers in the financial management of programs by monitoring budgets, conducting variance analyses, identifying fraud risks and monitoring overall project performance.


• Develops and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including auditors, financial institutions and program partners to facilitate smooth financial operations and reporting.


• Provides guidance and training to staff on financial policies, procedures and tools to ensure all team members are proficient in sound financial practices and adhere to compliance requirements.


• Contributes to the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures and systems, ensuring the continuous improvement of financial management processes, controls and compliance.


• Stay current on industry accounting standards, financial regulations and best practices, and recommend changes to organizational policies and procedures, as needed, to maintain compliance and improve financial management.

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration or a related field. A graduate degree is considered an asset.


• Chartered Professional Accounting Designation or pursuing one is an asset.


• At least 5 years of job‑related work experience.


• Strong knowledge and understanding of accounting theory, practices, and policies.


• Experience managing financial processes for complex projects or programs.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with operational staff, senior leadership, and external parties. Fluency in English is considered an asset.

Working Conditions:

• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.


• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.


• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre‑employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).