Finance Officer

• Financial Management and Reporting: Collaborate with management and program teams to align financial objectives with UWC’s mission, providing accurate and timely financial reports while ensuring transparency. Assess current practices to develop best-in-class frameworks, policies, and budgets, and adopt a hands-on approach to support effective financial management.
• Strategic Collaboration and Advising: Work with diverse teams to evaluate budgetary needs and resource allocation, while advising management on project financial viability to enhance strategic decision-making.
• Operations: Implement new processes and oversee their execution to ensure quality and effectiveness. Contribute to the development and mentoring of a Junior Financial and Team Administrator on new practices, maintaining oversight for quality and accuracy.
• Financial Documentation and Reporting: Draft and review financial documentation and reports with various teams, ensuring compliance with Canadian tax regulations and contributing to essential financial initiatives.
• Agreement Processing and Compliance: Assist in the internal processing and review of financial agreements and donor requirements to maintain accuracy and transparency.
• Financial Strategy Development: Develop and execute financial strategies to meet organizational deliverables, set budgets and performance metrics, and provide regular updates to management.
• Budget Management and Advisory: Manage the operational burn rate of the UWC budget in collaboration with the Executive Director, ensuring accurate forecasting and funding while addressing the needs of the Board.
• Performance Monitoring and Improvement: Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor financial performance, conduct regular reviews against targets, and recommend improvements.
• Project Viability and Resource Allocation: Advise management on project viability and collaborate with teams to assess budgetary needs, ensuring effective resource allocation to achieve project goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Build strong relationships with donors and partners, develop donor-responsive financial reporting to inspire trust, and serve as a point of contact for financial inquiries, ensuring clarity and responsiveness.
• There may be opportunities from time to time, to contribute to varied activities related to general program development.

Selection Criteria

Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required. Advanced certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA) are preferred.
Technical skills: Proficiency in QuickBooks is essential. Experience with donor management platforms (CMAs) is desirable.
Financial Governance and Management: Extensive experience in not-for-profit governance, financial risk management, and financial management, particularly within the nonprofit sector.
Collaboration and Initiative: Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and take initiative, effectively contributing to achieving financial objectives.
Attention to Detail and Problem-Solving: Strong commitment to accuracy in financial reporting, with exceptional problem-solving skills and adaptability to changing organizational needs.
Strategic Development: Expertise in developing and executing financial strategies that align with organizational goals.
Documentation Compliance: Proven track record in drafting and reviewing financial documentation, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, donor expectations, and internal policies.
Financial Reporting: Proficient in preparing accurate and timely financial reports with a focus on transparency and accountability.
Performance Monitoring: Experience in establishing and monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess financial performance and drive improvements.
Financial Assessment: Ability to evaluate the financial viability of projects and provide strategic insights to management.
Resource Allocation: Experience collaborating with teams to determine budgetary needs and allocate resources effectively.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal abilities and excellent communication skills, with a proven track record of building relationships and addressing financial inquiries with internal and external stakeholders, including donors and partners.
Analytical Skills and Adaptability: Strong analytical skills for conducting financial reviews and making data-driven recommendations, combined with the flexibility to respond to changing organizational needs and priorities.
Passion for Progress: A demonstrated alignment with UWC’s mission and values, with a commitment to promoting financial integrity and sustainability within the organization.