Finance Lead

As Finance Lead at OCAS, you’ll lead the Finance team’s day-to-day operations and help ensure our accounting practices, internal controls, and finance processes are accurate, reliable, and aligned with organizational needs. Reporting to the Director, Finance & Risk, you’ll provide direct leadership and mentorship to the Financial Analyst and Accounting Specialist, while supporting the financial planning, reporting, and compliance activities that help guide organizational decision-making.

With a strong accounting foundation and leadership experience, you’ll work closely with the Director, Finance & Risk to support strategic financial planning and act as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization. You’ll also deliver responsive financial services to internal and external interest holders.

This is a full-time permanent position requiring three days each week in our Guelph office. If you want to lead a high-performing Finance team and make a meaningful impact at an organization that supports Ontario’s college sector, this role is for you!

In this role, you will:

• Lead and mentor the Finance team, providing day-to-day supervision to the Financial Analyst and Accounting Specialist while supporting professional development and responsive service
• Oversee and approve the month-end close process, including journal entries, account reconciliations, settlements, and accruals for OCAS and partner organizations
• Review, validate, and post payroll entries provided by Human Resources
• Maintain and improve internal control frameworks, including approval thresholds aligned with the OCAS Purchasing Policy
• Update and maintain contracts for financial and payroll services with partner organizations
• Prepare and deliver monthly financial reports, variance analyses, and financial insights to budget owners, the Executive Team, Employee Forums, and the Director, Finance & Risk
• Support the preparation of materials for the Audit Committee and Board of Directors
• Lead the annual budget development process and maintain forecasts aligned to approved operating plans, including cash flow forecasts
• Coordinate annual audit, tax, and compliance activities, including working paper preparation, year-end documentation, auditor liaison, and statutory reporting requirements for a not-for-profit organization
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and process documentation, identify system and process improvements, and ensure critical Finance functions are cross-trained within the team
• Represent the Finance department in cross-functional projects and support the Director, Finance & Risk with financial information requests, ad hoc reporting, and assigned projects

You should have:

• CPA designation, required
• A post-secondary degree or diploma in accounting or finance
• 8 to 10 years of relevant progressive experience, or equivalent
• Proven ability to lead a team, manage competing priorities, and communicate with tact and diplomacy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external interest holders

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in the not-for-profit or broader public sector
• Experience preparing financial materials for boards, audit committees, or similar governance audiences
• Experience with MS Dynamics Business Central ERP System
• Advanced Excel capabilities
• Familiarity with Accounting Standards for Not-For-Profit Organizations (ASNPO)

Why OCAS?

• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with remote work
• Join a collaborative team that is passionate about technology and empowered to explore new ideas and better ways of working 
• Start with 22 vacation days, plus a paid company shutdown during the holiday season 
• Plan for the future with a defined benefit corporate pension plan 
• Access comprehensive benefits, including vision, dental, extended health care, life insurance, and more 
• Give back through paid volunteer time and opportunities to support local charities in your community 

The pay range for this position $92,660.00 - $108,000.00, depending on skills and previous experience.

Position Reports to: Director, Finance & Risk

This position is being offered to replace an existing vacancy