Operations-Finance Specialist

Nutrition for Learning; Kitchener; Hybrid; CAD 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Nutrition for Learning is seeking an Operation-Finance Specialist to support bookkeeping, finance administration, and donor data management within a hybrid team in Kitchener. You will work closely with senior leadership to ensure accurate financial records and efficient operations.

The role emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, data-driven reporting, and process improvements to strengthen the organization’s impact on Waterloo Region schools.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least three years of experience in administration, project management, and/or program coordination.
• Experience in a non-profit setting is an asset but not required.
• Creative and resourceful team-player with ability to support and lead multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Support bookkeeping and finance administration tasks, including banking and invoicing.
• Manage donor data, charitable receipting, and record maintenance.
• Provide administrative support for fundraising initiatives and donor engagement activities.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly finance, program, and operational reports.
• Coordinate and maintain accurate program, financial, and organizational records and databases.
• Provide project management and operational support across departments.
• Assist with organizational projects and process improvements aligned to our goals.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Post-secondary degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP Systems

QuickBooks

Keela donor management

Trello

MS Office Suite

Job description

Operation-Finance Specialist

Reports to: Director of People and Operations

Direct Reports: None

Compensation Range: $58,000-$68,000 commensurate with experience

Permanent Full-Time 37.5 hours weekly

Location: Hybrid In-office (Kitchener) 2-3 days weekly minimum

WHO WE ARE.

Nutrition for Learning offers universally accessible, non-stigmatizing student nutrition programs to schools across Waterloo Region. These programs positively impact the physical, cognitive, behavioural, social, and academic needs of children and youth in our community. We are a registered charitable organization first established in 1997, and support nearly 175 student programs in all three school boards. (WRDSB -Waterloo Region District School Board, WCDSB Waterloo Catholic District School Board and the French Language Public School Board).

OUR VISION.

A Waterloo Region where all students are nourished at school so they can learn, connect, participate and thrive.

THE MISSION.

In partnership with youth and educators, we continually strive to elevate the experience of universal food access at schools in ways that promote optimal wellbeing, healthy relationships, and food literacy.

WE BELIEVE.

• When students are nourished, their capacity to imagine, explore, and connect elevates. Every student deserves a fair shot by being well nourished during their school day.
• No young person should feel stigmatized for accessing food at school.
• Food is community. We nurture the idea that food can connect people and places. When students eat nutritious food together, mental, physical, and community health improves.
• The unique perspectives of students are needed on our mission to improve universal access to food at schools

THE COMPASS: OUR VALUES.

Student-Centred.

We create opportunities to prioritize the voices and best interests of those we serve. We ensure that students have a "seat at the table" in creating a healthier future for young people in Waterloo Region.

Universal & Inclusive.

As a youth-serving organization committed to universally accessible programs, we ensure that diverse voices and views help shape our work.

Learning is Thriving.

We co-create environments that nurture personal and professional expansion. We celebrate wins and challenges together, and strive to better ourselves through both.

Trust Leads to Growth.

We foster trust by believing the best in others. We strive to be the kinds of people that others have faith by leading with kindness and authenticity in all interactions.

Stewarding the Future.

With long-term impact as our goal, we honour our donors, partners, and stakeholders by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible and accountable.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This Role Has Impact.

Do you have a passion for impeccable organizing, record-keeping, and meticulous administration and data management? This position works in strong partnership with our senior leadership team to support critical administration practices across our fundraising, finance, and operations departments.

The Operations & Finance Specialist is a key partner in growing Nutrition for Learning’s capacity and sustainability goals as food insecurity rises in Waterloo Region. You are value-centered, results-driven, and passionate about more equitable opportunities for young people.

You are an experienced administrator with a passion for the details. Ideally, you have experience with bookkeeping and financial administration. You love creating project management plans, reports, managing data, and communicating and presenting data clearly and effectively. You proactively suggest strategies to strengthen administrative processes and feel capable with various software applications, like donor management systems, CRMs, ERPs, QuickBooks, Trello, and others.

As a key player on a small team, you like collaborating with teammates, using your imagination, owning results, exploring new strategies, and sharing ideas. You are outgoing, engaging, and influential. You like seeing projects through from start to finish.

Job Purpose.

• Support Finance partners with bookkeeping and finance administration, banking, accounts payable/receivable activities, invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Support fundraising administration activities, including donor data management, charitable receipting, and record maintenance.
• Provide administrative support for fundraising initiatives, special events, campaigns, and donor engagement activities.
• Help prepare monthly and quarterly finance, program, and operational reports.
• Support the administration of school grant reporting, program funding documentation, and school account management.
• Coordinate and maintain accurate program, financial, and organizational records and databases.
• Provide administrative, project management, and operational support across all departments as required.
• Assist with organizational projects, process improvements, and special initiatives that support Nutrition for Learning's strategic goals.

Job Requirements.

• A commitment to work in alignment with Nutrition for Learning’s values and beliefs.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively. Confidence and proficiency with spreadsheets/Excel.
• Familiarity with ERP Systems an asset.
• Familiarity with bookkeeping practices and software like QuickBooks is an asset.
• Familiarity with payroll, accounts payable/receivable an asset.
• Familiarity with CRMs and client relationship management practices. Experience with client/donor management systems like Keela is an asset.
• Effective communications and problem-solving skills.
• Impeccable attention to detail.
• Existing training — or a willingness to train — in trauma-informed communications and operational methodologies, and to uphold our commitment to operating within traumainformed frameworks both with children/youth and in the workplace.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• An enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Adobe and standard office technology.
• Ability to accept and provide coaching and feedback.

Qualifications.

• Post-Secondary degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• At least three years of experience in administration, project management, and/or program coordination.
• Experience in a non-profit setting is an asset but not required.
• Creative and resourceful team-player with an ability to support and lead multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to adjust to changing needs and frameworks.