FR
Olympic.ca Logo
Third placed Cynthia Appiah of Canada finishes after her second run of the Women's Monobob World Cup race in Sigulda, Latvia, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Oksana Dzadan)(AP Photo/Oksana Dzadan)

Director, Finance (15-month contract)

Be part of building a national brand.  Headquartered in Toronto, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to high-performance sports excellence.  We are the largest private supporter of high-performance sport in Canada and we are responsible for all aspects of Canada’s involvement in the Olympic Movement, including the participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director, Finance is responsible for building and leading the Finance function as it relates to controllership, reporting and operational support to the activities of the COC and the Canadian Olympic Foundation (COF).  Further, the Director, Finance ensures that the appropriate systems, processes and controls are in place to provide relevant, accurate and timely internal management reporting and external reporting. The Director, Finance will be responsible for overseeing the year-end external audit, including review of financial statements, and working papers. The successful candidate will provide quality financial support to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and operating personnel to drive delivery on objectives. They will maintain an effective working relationship with the Audit, Finance and Risk Management Committee and the Investment Committee of the COC along with the Finance and Audit Committee of the COF and other relevant Committees.

LOCATION

This position will be located in the COC office in Toronto, ON, at 250 Yonge St., Suite 3000. The COC offers a hybrid work model that allows for up to three days of remote work each week.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIORITIES

Financial / Management Reporting – Provide timely and accurate results reporting including financial and management reporting to the SLT, functional teams and the COC and COF Boards of Directors and related Committees.  Ensure external fiscal reporting responsibilities are satisfied timely and accurately. Provide oversight to the year-end financial statement audit, including review of financial statements, and working papers.

Financial Systems – Responsibility for the integrity and continuous improvement of financial systems. 

Financial / Business Planning – Support the annual and quadrennial financial and business planning process as it relates to strategy and the overall plans, both operating and capital. This includes appropriate reporting, metrics and related risk and opportunity assumptions and mitigation strategies. Provide quality financial and business support to the CEO, SLT and functional teams in delivering on their objectives.

Internal Control – Develop, implement and maintain financial policies, procedures and systems within the COC and COF to ensure internal controls are in place to safeguard all COC and COF assets. Serve as key interface with external auditors, financial advisors, lawyers, consultants, and, as appropriate, all levels of government. 

Payroll, Benefits, and Pension Oversight – Responsible for approving bi-weekly payroll and ensuring all relevant payroll, benefits, and pension documentation and compliance reporting is filed accurately and on time.

Investments – Liaise with investment managers and custodians and monitor investment funds to ensure compliance to Investment Policy. Report performance to the COC Investment Committee and Board, and the COF Board.

Cash Management – Oversee monthly cash flow planning, ensuring excess cash is invested to maximize returns. Ensure appropriate hedging strategies are in place. Responsible for review and approval of weekly payment runs and ensuring timely collection of sponsorship invoices.  

Taxation / Government Reporting – Ensure compliance and filing for the COC and COF.

Team Leadership – Lead a high performing Finance team with the appropriate skills and competencies within the team to support the organization. Ensure clear roles and responsibilities; coach and mentor the team to optimize their performance and personal and professional development.

Special Projects – Lead special projects and other duties, as assigned by the CFO.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CRITICAL SKILLS

Education and Experience

  • Undergraduate degree in Business / Commerce and professional finance certification (CPA designation or equivalent) is required; an MBA or other post-graduate education is an asset.
  • Minimum of 7-10 years relevant experience as a Director/Senior Finance Manager/Controller in a multi-stakeholder and complex environment; Senior Finance Leadership experience in a not-for-profit or charitable foundation is an asset.

Skills and Abilities

  • Broad experience with finance functions including controllership, treasury, financial systems, controls and payroll and benefits administration.
  • Broad experience with the full range of finance functions including financial planning, business analysis and forecasting, budgeting and financial reporting.
  • Strong demonstrated business acumen. Excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
  • Ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences, trends and requirements and incorporate them into strategic plans.
  • A highly collaborative leadership style with a track record of establishing and nurturing strong relationships at all levels within and external to the organization. 
  • Managerial skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop a team of direct and indirect reports
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.  Working knowledge of French will be considered an asset. 
  • Capable of providing senior leadership and Board with honest, forthright and objective advice in a collegial and respectful manner.
  • Possesses a high level of integrity. 
  • Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively deal with change.
  • Passionate about sport and its contribution to society. 
  • Forward-thinking, has a proactive rather than a reactive approach. Seeks out problems and opportunities for change. 
  • Approaches work objectives with a sense of urgency and passion, and a dedication to exceed performance expectations and meet timeline deliverables.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to handle high pressure situations while balancing several projects at the same time across functions and the organization.
  • Demonstrates and embodies the COC values of Accountability, Excellence, Fun, Respect and Bravery

COMPENSATION

Competitive salary based on experience, benefits package.

CONTACT

Please send all cover letters and resumes by March 30, 2023 to applications@olympic.ca, citing the position title in the subject line. No telephone calls please. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The COC is committed to ensuring our recruitment and selection processes and work environment are inclusive and barrier-free. At the COC, we celebrate and welcome the diversity of all employees and believe that having a team of individuals with different backgrounds, views, experience and capability working together makes us stronger and better as an organization.

Accommodation is also available upon request for individuals taking part in all stages of our recruitment and selection processes. Please advise the recruiter to ensure your accessibility needs due to a disability are accommodated. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.