Director of Finance

Location: Burlington

Department: Finance

About the Department:

The Finance Department at Islamic Relief Canada is a dynamic and integral part of our organization, dedicated to managing and optimizing our financial resources to support our mission of providing relief and development. Our team is committed to ensuring the highest standards of financial accountability, transparency, and efficiency.

We handle a wide range of financial activities, including donation revenue management, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.

By joining our finance team, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the effectiveness and reach of our humanitarian efforts

Job Purpose:

Islamic Relief Canada is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Finance to lead and enhance our financial operations. Reporting to the COO, the Director of Finance will oversee all aspects of financial reporting, planning, compliance, and process improvement. The Director of Finance will be critical in ensuring financial health and regulatory compliance, enabling cross-departmental collaboration, and driving continuous process improvement across our financial practices to support IRC’s mission.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of financial management, regulatory compliance, and a passion for humanitarian work. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by enhancing financial accountability and driving process efficiencies to support Islamic Relief’s mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Operations and Accounting (30%):

• Plan, implement and evaluate the organization's fiscal function and performance

• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (ASNPO), regulatory requirements with GAAP and CRA, and internal policies and procedures

• Maintain robust internal controls to mitigate financial risks and safeguard organization

• Provide financial analysis and support to guide decision-making and resource allocation for the senior leadership team, board members, and other stakeholders as relevant

• Maintain reliable cash-flow projection, forecasting, and budgeting processes to ensure adequate financial resources for operational needs and strategic goals

• Manage relationships with key stakeholders including external auditors, CRA, etc.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight (20%):

• Oversee and ensure organizational compliance with all relevant regulatory frameworks, including CRA regulations for charities

• Proactively monitor and implement changes in financial and charity compliance regulations

• Collaborate in cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with financial policies, grant agreements, and donor-specific guidelines as relevant

• Lead planning and execution of audits and ensure timely submission of statutory filings

Process Improvement (20%):

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement to enhance financial operations

• Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to financial processes to increase efficiency and accuracy

• Collaborate with Technology and other teams to lead finance system upgrades and implementations to align with best practices and organizational needs

• Work alongside other departments to ensure smooth integration of financial processes across the organization

Team Management and Cross-Team Collaboration (30%):

• Collaborate with other departments, including fundraising, programs, and operations, to develop financial strategies, align on goals, and support organizational objectives

• Participate in cross-functional initiatives, providing financial insights, and contributing to strategic planning and decision-making

• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the Finance team, promoting effective communication, teamwork, and accountability

• Ensure alignment between finance team and the organization’s mission and strategic goals

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and development opportunities to the Finance team

• Set performance objectives, provide regular feedback, and support professional growth

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA designation required

• Experience: 7-10 years of financial management experience, preferably in the non-profit or charitable sector

• Knowledge: Familiarity with CRA regulations for charities, GAAP standards, and donor compliance requirements an asset

• Skills:

• • Effective communication and presentation skills

  • Demonstrated strength in effective collaboration with cross-functional teams

  • Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to simplify financial data to provide insights and recommendations

  • Strong leadership and team management abilities, including building and developing high-performing teams in support of the Organization’s mission and vision

  • Sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus

  • Continuous improvement mindset, with a track record of process improvement

• Must be eligible to work in Canada