Strategic Finance & Operations Leader

Hawai'i Association Of Independent Schools; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Independent School in Ottawa, Ontario, is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations to provide strategic financial leadership and oversee the school’s business operations in support of its Catholic mission and long-term sustainability.

The role includes budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, and collaboration with the President, leadership team, and Board to enable timely, informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field required; CPA, MBA, or other advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or business operations, including significant management or senior leadership responsibility.
• Experience in a nonprofit, independent school, Catholic school, or educational institution preferred.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, audit preparation, tax filings, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable regulatory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data, prepare clear reports and forecasts, and communicate financial information effectively to the President, leadership team, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to the mission, philosophy, and values of Catholic education and the ability to work effectively within a faith-based school community.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior financial leader for the school and foundation, providing strategic financial guidance to the President, leadership team, and Board.
• Lead the annual operating and capital budget process, including enrollment-based revenue planning, tuition and fee analysis, expense forecasting, and presentation to the President and Board.
• Oversee accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls for the school and related entities.
• Monitor monthly operating results, trends, and forecasts against budget; provide clear financial analysis and reports for timely decision-making.
• Direct the daily operations of the Business Office, including tuition billing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll coordination, purchasing, and cash management.
• Coordinate audits, tax filings, public record filings, and required financial reporting with external auditors and financial partners.
• Coordinate the full Finance Committee meeting process, including agendas and distribution of financial reports and materials.
• Ensure compliance with financial reporting, tax obligations, payroll, nonprofit standards, and related fiscal policies.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial sustainability and align resources with enrollment and strategic initiatives.
• Oversee risk management and insurance programs for property, liability, and other exposures.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Cash management

Internal controls

Audit preparation

Nonprofit accounting standards

Regulatory compliance

Leadership and communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business administration

CPA or MBA or other advanced degree/certification preferred

Job description

Catholic Independent School in Ottawa, Ontario, is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations to provide strategic financial leadership and oversee the school’s business operations in support of its Catholic mission and long-term sustainability.

The role includes budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, and collaboration with the President, leadership team, and Board to enable timely, informed decision-making.