Head of Finance

SkillsWave LLC.; Kitchener, Waterloo; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SkillsWave LLC. seeks a Head of Finance to lead strategic financial initiatives, ensuring robust financial governance and operational efficiency as the company grows. This pivotal role offers remote flexibility and the chance to build a high-performing finance team within a dynamic startup environment. Ideal candidates possess extensive FP&A experience in the tech sector and a deep understanding of financial strategy execution.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Health and wellness support

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of progressive finance leadership experience, with emphasis on FP&A.
• Experience in SaaS startup environments.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling processes.
• Oversee financial operations including AP/AR, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Build-out and mentor a high-performing finance team.

Skills

Financial Planning

Analytical Skills

Strategic Thinking

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration

CPA/CFA certification or MBA

Tools

Excel

QuickBooks

Power BI

Job description

SkillsWave is on a mission to drive people and businesses forward—building tomorrow’s most valued skills, today. By providing quality learning opportunities that align with organizational needs, we’re helping organizations transform their workforce into a competitive advantage. Our upskilling platform and strategic education partnerships not only propel career and company growth, but also deliver measurable and meaningful ROI for learning. To learn more, visit SkillsWave.com.

Catch the Wave with Us!

Dive into an exciting role as a Head of Finance. Reporting to the President, you’ll ride the wave of success in a pivotal executive role that blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution. Your mission? With an emphasis on financial planning and analysis, strategic financial modelling, and insightful decision support, you will oversee accounting, invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and robust governance. As a key member of the leadership team, you will provide strategic financial insights, lead budgeting and forecasting activities, and communicate effectively with non-financial stakeholders and the board. This role requires curiosity, strategic thinking, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to manage and simplify complexity as SkillsWave scales. You will also be responsible for evolving SkillsWave’s financial maturity and building a high-performing finance team as needed to support continued business growth.

Your Location, Your Workspace, Your Wave

We are looking for the right person to join our team. This position offers a remote option along with a hybrid option if you are located in the Kitchener/Waterloo area and want to enjoy our amazing space at Catalyst Commons. We can’t wait to welcome exceptional individuals that will bring their skills and passion to our team!

How Will You Make an Impact:

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Drive the financial strategy, contributing significantly to organizational growth plans, capital allocation, and investment decisions.
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling processes, providing clear, actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
• Business & Financial Modeling: Develop sophisticated financial and operational models to support growth, strategic initiatives, and potential future fundraising.
• Operational Finance Oversight: Oversee financial operations (AP/AR, Payroll, Taxes, GL reconciliation), ensuring processes are efficient, compliant, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Invoicing and Billing: Ensure accurate and timely invoicing of customers, tracking of receivables, and follow-up on outstanding payments.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance: Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Canadian and U.S. regulatory requirements.
• Investor Relations & Board Communication: Prepare and communicate insightful, strategic financial presentations to investors, board members, and other stakeholders.
• Process Optimization: Continuously improve finance processes, systems, and controls to support scalability, efficiency, and accuracy in a dynamic startup environment.
• Team Development & Leadership: As the business scales, build-out, mentor, and manage a high-performing finance team, emphasizing professional growth, accountability, and strategic alignment.

What You Need to Be Successful:

• Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive finance leadership experience, specifically emphasizing FP&A and strategic finance, preferably in the technology sector.
• Proven experience in SaaS startup environments combined with exposure to enterprise-level financial complexities.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• CPA/CFA certification (or equivalent) in Ontario, Canada or MBA preferred.

Your Super Skills and The Wave-Riding Expertise We Need!

• Advanced proficiency in financial software and tools (e.g., Excel, Hubspot, QuickBooks, Power BI).
• Strong knowledge of Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards and familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience with payroll processing systems and familiarity with HR processes and regulations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
• Familiarity with AI tooling and its applicable use in the context of finance tasks.

What You Will Bring to the Team:

• An Enthusiastic Perspective: An independent self-starter, curious about what and why, able to solution with empathy, and drive successful change.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Demonstrating initiative, creativity, and ownership to proactively identify opportunities and solve problems.
• Strategic Financial Acumen: Expert understanding of financial planning, modeling, strategic forecasting, and investment analysis.
• Analytical Excellence: Ability to interpret complex financial data and trends, translating insights into strategic opportunities.
• Hands-on Execution: Comfortable executing and overseeing detailed financial operations, especially in early growth stages.
• Communication & Influence: Exceptional ability to communicate financial strategies clearly to diverse audiences.
• Adaptability & Agility: Proven capacity to thrive in fast-paced, evolving startups with an eye toward enterprise maturity.
• Leadership & Team Development: Skilled in managing, coaching, and developing finance teams.
• Integrity and Ethics: Commitment to uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and integrity in financial practices.

Who You Are:

• You Own It: Approach challenges with ownership and confidence, driving projects forward.
• You Learn It: Committed to continuous growth and skill refinement.
• You Collaborate Assertively: Engage confidently with team members to ensure aligned efforts.
• You Work with Velocity and Quality: Balance speed with delivering top results.
• You Care Deeply: About your work and its impact on the team and organization.

Fuel for the Ride: Along with meaningful work, you'll enjoy a competitive compensation package and benefits, including vacation and rest days, health and wellness support, retirement savings plan, professional development, and participation in future equity plans.

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As part of our hiring process, SkillsWave may conduct a background check to ensure safety and security.

Disclaimer and Consent:

By submitting your application, you consent to the use of your information for recruitment purposes, storage on vendor systems, sharing within the SkillsWave family and partners, and future contact regarding employment opportunities. Our systems may be located in different jurisdictions. For more details, review SkillsWave Privacy Policy.

SkillsWave does not accept agency resumes and will not pay fees for unsolicited resumes.