Head of Finance

Novara Human Capital Solutions Inc.; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Novara Human Capital Solutions Inc. in Calgary, AB, seeks a Head of Finance to lead all financial operations. This senior role partners with leadership to guide strategic decisions, overseeing accounting, budgeting, reporting, treasury, and internal controls.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in accounting/finance with 3+ years in a leadership role, strong GAAP knowledge, ERP and advanced Excel skills, and excellent communication and leadership abilities. CPA/MBA preferred; Calgary-based role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 8+ years of progressive experience in accounting/finance, including 3+ years in a leadership role
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Proficiency with accounting/ERP systems and advanced Excel skills
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership abilities

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial operations including accounting, budgeting, treasury, and reporting
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes across the organization
• Prepare and present financial statements and KPIs to leadership
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and debt obligations
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements
• Oversee external auditors, tax advisors, and financial systems improvements

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Communication

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Head of Finance

Department: Finance & Accounting

Reports To: Managing Principal

Position Details: Full-time; work from office

Location: Calgary, AB

Position Summary

The Head of Finance is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the organization, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, reporting, budgeting, treasury, and internal controls. This individual serves as a strategic partner to leadership, providing financial insight that guides business decisions while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the company's financial records and processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Serve as a key advisor to the partners on financial strategy, business planning, and long-term financial health.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes across the organization
• Provide financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making
• Collaborate closely with Operations to optimize project execution and predictability

Accounting Operations

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
• In collaboration with the Principals, ensure all customer invoices capture appropriate charges and are prepared and sent accurately and on time; work with Principals and Project Leads to resolve overdue accounts and outstanding payment issues.
• Process or oversee payroll on a semi-monthly basis
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including preparation of month-end statements
• Implement and manage financial software and systems to streamline processes and improve accuracy and efficiency
• Maintain compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and present financial statements and performance reports to leadership and the partners.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to track organizational financial performance
• Complete analytical reviews of monthly operating results with the accounting team and Principals
• Analyze variances between actual results and budget/forecast, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommend corrective actions as needed

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Oversee cash flow management, working capital, and liquidity planning
• Monitor daily banking and Visa limits, and make payments to maintain cash levels that sustain business operations
• Manage banking relationships, credit facilities, and debt obligations
• Support capital planning and investment decisions

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and manage the finance and accounting team
• Establish clear performance goals and professional development plans for direct reports
• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement

Risk & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate financial risks across the organization, assessing potential impact and developing strategies to manage them
• Serve as primary contact with CRA, managing messages and notifications
• Process monthly remittances including GST, corporate tax, and WCB
• Ensure compliance with tax filings, regulatory reporting, and audit requirements
• Ensure transactional functions are appropriately allocated to maintain segregation of duties and effective internal controls that safeguard the custody of assets and records

Year-End

• Prepare year-end statements and work with the external accountant on year-end
• Prepare all statements and financials for the shareholders' individual corporations for external accountants at year-end

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 8+ years of progressive experience in accounting/finance, including 3+ years in a leadership role
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Proficiency with accounting/ERP systems and advanced Excel skills
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership abilities

Preferred

• CPA, CMA, or MBA
• Experience working in professional services sectors
• Experience with financial systems implementation or process improvement initiatives
• Prior experience presenting to a board of directors or ownership group

Core Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Integrity and sound judgment
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Attention to detail balanced with big-picture perspective
• Effective communication with both financial and non-financial stakeholders