Join the country’s most trusted environmental organization and become a force for good!

About the David Suzuki Foundation

Always grounded in sound evidence, the David Suzuki Foundation empowers people to take action in their communities on the environmental challenges we collectively face. Through evidence-based research, policy analysis, education and citizen empowerment, we conserve and protect the natural environment to create a sustainable Canada.

Our mission is to protect nature’s diversity and the well-being of all life, now and for the future. Our vision is that we all act every day on the understanding that we are One with Nature. #OneNature

You can learn more about us at www.davidsuzuki.org

The David Suzuki Foundation hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. 

Position Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Terms: Permanent, full-time (4-day week)

Location: Based at our Vancouver Office

Reporting to: Our Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary: Based on experience

• Are you a talented senior leader looking for that next challenge?
• Are you a strategic-minded finance professional who loves improving processes, following up on details and is passionate about helping achieve success?
• Are you a natural relationship builder who can establish connections across all levels and departments?
• Would you like to contribute to a growing environmental NGO working to support protecting nature’s diversity and climate solutions?

About the role:

We are currently looking for a collaborative, communications oriented and committed CFO to join us at our DSF Vancouver Headquarters.

As our CFO you’ll work under the direction of our CEO and in partnership with our Senior Management Team as well as our Board, to deliver financial and administrative results.

You will manage accounting, payroll and office administration functions and be responsible for a small team of staff, volunteers and contractors.

Your Responsibilities

Financial stewardship and performance: 

You will apply your experience and expertise to sustain DSF’s long-term financial performance.

• Guide the strategic development and management of DSF’s financial resources;
• Within the guidelines of the Board’s ethical investment policy, maximize the development of DSF’s Endowment Fund;
• Provide sound investment management leadership;
• Seek out opportunities to develop financial management capacity and share economic learning within the organization;
• Support donor relations and fundraising activities.

Finance and accounting leadership:

• Responsible for all internal and external reporting, audit, tax, budgeting and other reporting activities of the organization and its funds, including ensuring activities are carried out in an accurate and timely fashion;
• Ensure adequate internal controls exist throughout the organization;
• Ensure payroll and benefits administration is well managed (in collaboration by HR Director);
• Plan, direct and coordinate DSF’s financial budgeting and forecasting process (with the CEO and Management Team);
• Present financial statements and reports to the Finance Committee and the Board;
• Liaise with external auditors, bankers, investment advisors and credit suppliers;
• Identify and manage organization risks, including insurance.

Board and Management Team Support:

• Put in place forecasting and monitoring tools that permit the organization to measure success and plan for the future;
• Act as a sounding board for the CEO, Management Team and the Board of Directors on issues of strategic importance and on significant proposals;
• Participate in Board Finance Committee and support governance processes;
• Ensure financial information is readily available.

Organizational Development:

• Challenge existing approaches and drive change when needed, demonstrating a commitment to creating a learning organizational culture, committed to continuous improvement.
• Engage effectively across the organization to ensure robust processes and management systems are in place to meet financial and activity targets for the current and future year.

Skills, Experience and Knowledge Required

You have:

• 10+ years of experience, including 5+ years in a controller capacity with the responsibility of leading a team and being part of the senior leadership team.
• CPA or CA designation.
• In depth not-for-profit GAAP and fund reporting experience.
• Sound knowledge of current financial and accounting practices and tools.
• Experience with current and emerging financial information technology and systems functions, ideally with experience with financial systems implementation.
• Strong knowledge of current Canadian legal operating context around investment, charitable status, and employment and human rights (including the Quebec context).
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate and present key messages on complex issues clearly.
• Extensive experience in effective leadership, strategic planning and change management.

What you bring to the role:

• You have a strong desire to make a difference by providing exceptional financial leadership to a trusted environmental organization.
• Ability to manage time efficiently to focus on organizational priorities, special projects and external activities.
• French language written and verbal skills are an asset.

What you get:

• Being part of a team of superstars.
• Generous benefit package.
• 4-day work week.
• Amazing work culture with smart colleagues that care.

Please submit your cover letter and your resume online and submit your application by going to https://davidsuzuki.org/careers/ .  The position will stay open until filled. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage women, First Nations, Inuit and Metis candidates, members of visible minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.