Manager, Accounting

Children's Aid Society of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Children's Aid Society of Toronto is seeking a Manager, Accounting to lead day-to-day accounting, payroll, financial reporting, and internal controls. You will oversee the accounting team, ensure accuracy, and support strategic decision-making with robust data.

You will drive ERP governance, implement enhancements, and collaborate with leaders across the organization to improve financial processes and performance in a not-for-profit environment.

Qualifications

• University degree in a related field; CPA designation required or in good standing.
• Six years in a management role with experience in accounting, planning or analysis.
• Strong leadership, communication, and change-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations including payroll, AP, AR and financial reporting.
• Develop KPIs, dashboards and SOPs; improve processes and controls.
• Manage ERP system administration and collaborate with leaders for insights.
• Support organizational change and staff development.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial analysis

ERP systems

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Internal controls

Education

University degree in related field

CPA designation

Tools

ERP systems

Financial software

Job description

MANAGER, ACCOUNTING

Reporting to the Director, Finance & Administration, the Manager of Accounting is a financial professional who leads the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance, and strong financial controls. The role is responsible for maintaining the organization's financial integrity and providing financial information and insights to support decision-making.

The Manager of Accounting leads and develops the accounting team, promoting a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing work environment. This role also drives improvements to accounting processes and systems, supports organizational change, and works with leaders across the organization to strengthen financial understanding and business performance.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations Oversight

• Responsible for the end-to-end operations of Society’s accounting function, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, benefits, financial reporting, cash management, regulatory compliance and audits.

Strategic Financial Operations

• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and financial reports that provide executive leadership with clear insights into organizational performance, trends, and operational efficiency.
• Analyze, evaluate and improve accounting and finance processes by identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, implement automation, and enhance overall effectiveness.
• Monitor organizational cash flow and manage strategies related to accounts receivable and accounts payable to support strong financial performance and effective working capital management.
• Create, document, and maintain the Society’s Finance Manual, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to promote consistency, compliance, strong internal controls, and efficient financial operations.
• Serve as the primary administrator and business lead for the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and related financial technology platforms, ensuring data accuracy, system integrity, security, and scalability.
• Collaborate with departments across the organization to provide financial guidance, develop user-friendly resources and job aids, and support staff in understanding and following financial processes and best practices.
• Translate financial and operational data into meaningful insights and recommendations that support strategic planning, operational improvements, and informed decision-making across the organization.

Leadership, Staff Development & Change Management

• Assess team capabilities and develop individualized learning and development plans that build skills, strengthen performance, and support the transition from transactional work to more analytical, value-added activities.
• Lead and support organizational change initiatives, helping both the Finance team and staff across the organization adopt new technologies, systems, and processes through effective communication, training, and change management practices.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment that encourages continuous improvement, accountability, innovation, and professional growth.
• Promote financial and operational best practices across the organization by partnering with leaders and staff, providing guidance and training on new processes, policies, controls, and compliance requirements.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to enhance technical expertise, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities while supporting career development and succession planning.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships that encourage collaboration, improve process adoption, and ensure consistent application of organizational policies and procedures.

Other

• Develop, maintain, and implement the team’s succession plan.
• Ensure Society’s policies, procedures, guidelines and professional standards are adhered to by staff; communicate relevant changes in agency policy and professional practices; identify and resolve current and ongoing challenges, issues and concerns.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies and procedures.
• Ensure Society’s Code of Ethics, Confidentiality, Anti-Oppression/ Anti-Racism, Harassment & Discrimination policies, etc. are incorporated into self and team.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with the Society’s health and safety policies and procedures and all relevant legislation.
• Support and back-up for the Manger of Financial Planning and Analysis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• University degree in a related field, and
• A recognized accounting designation, such as CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) and is a current member in good standing, and
• Six (6) years of recent experience in a management position with specialized experience in at least one of the fields: financial accounting, financial planning, or analysis.

Knowledge and Skills:

• A strategic and forward-thinking leadership approach, with the ability to align finance operations, systems, and team development with the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and evolving service delivery needs.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to assess competing demands, make informed decisions, delegate effectively, and ensure the team remains focused on high-impact activities while maintaining accuracy and accountability.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging technology to improve efficiency, automate routine processes, strengthen internal controls, and enable staff to focus on analysis, decision support, and organizational impact. Previous experience implementing and managing ERP systems and financial applications in a complex organizational environment is an asset.
• Proven success leading organizational change initiatives, including the implementation of new systems, processes, and workflows. Ability to apply structured change management principles to support staff, encourage adoption, and ensure sustainable results.
• Strong understanding of change management frameworks and best practices (e.g. Prosci/ADKAR or similar methodologies), with the ability to guide individuals and teams through periods of transformation with empathy, clarity, and accountability.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical insights that support informed decision-making by non-financial managers, program leaders, and senior leadership.
• Strong relationship-building and consultative skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments, influence positive change, and build trust with a diverse group of stakeholders while promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, collaborative, and high-performing team culture that values learning, innovation, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• An appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities within the not-for-profit sector, including balancing financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and mission-driven service delivery.

Assets

• Previous government, Broader Public Sector or not-for-profit working experience.
• Previous experience implementing Six Sigma lean principles.
• Previous experience working in a unionized environment.
• Experience in payroll processing/management.
• Bilingual in French & English.

OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation at CAST

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting the Human Resources Department at 416-924-4640 x2030. Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

Equity Hiring Strategy

The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAS of Toronto) is committed to employing a workforce that is reflective of the population of Toronto as well as the diverse communities we serve. Our Equity Hiring Strategy is deemed to be a SpecialProgram under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

• All qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to apply to this job posting.

For management postings under our Equity Hiring Strategy, applicants will have to consider the following:1.Internal qualified applicants who self-identify as being part of one or more of the following under-represented groups: 2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, racialized (visible minority) and/or women.
2. All internal qualified applicants
3. External qualified applicants who self-identify as being part of one or more of the following under-represented groups:2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, racialized (visible minority) and/or women
4. All external qualified applicants

During the online application process, applicants will have the opportunity to complete the Employment Equity questionnaire, to indicate if they self-identify as being part of one or more of the above under-represented groups. Answering thequestionnaire is voluntary and all responses will be kept confidential and used only for the purposes outlined in this program.If the questionnaire is not completed by an applicant, they will not be considered as being from an equity seeking group.

**The Children’s Aid Society uses AI in the evaluation of questionnaire answers only**