Reports to: Vice President, Operations and CFO
Duration: Indeterminate
Location: Ottawa, ON (hybrid) or other location

Salary Range: $97,990-$122,487-$146,985

Hiring Range: The hiring range will typically fall between the minimum and the midpoint.

Final salary will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications, in alignment with CWF’s internal equity policies and salary administration guidelines.

Who We Are

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada’s wildlife is conserved for generations to come.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities, including but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles.

Position Overview

The Director of Finance leads the organization’s financial management function, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, controls, and planning. Reporting to the Vice President – Operations and CFO, this role provides technical leadership across all aspects of financial reporting and compliance, while supporting strategic decision‑making through long‑range planning, forecasting, and analysis.

The Director of Finance plays a key role in strengthening financial frameworks, supporting governance, and enabling organizational sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Leads the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards, ensuring the integrity, consistency, and accuracy of all financial reporting.
• Serves as the organization’s lead authority on accounting standards, financial reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Leads the annual audit process, including preparation of working papers and coordination with auditors and external advisors; serves as the primary liaison with auditors, financial institutions, and consultants.
• Prepares and presents financial materials, reports, and analysis for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Finance and Audit Committee, as required.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Leads long-range financial planning, forecasting, and modelling to support organizational sustainability and inform decision-making.
• Monitors financial performance against budgets, identifying variances, risks, and opportunities, and provides recommendations to leadership.
• Provides financial analysis and insights to support both operational and strategic decision-making.
• Partners with departments across the organization to support financial planning and performance management; provides guidance to Department Directors on budgeting and forecasting.
• Supports the Vice President - Operations and CFO by informing financial strategy through analysis, planning, and technical expertise.

Functional Leadership & Controls:

• Leads the day-to-day operations of the Finance function, ensuring effective, efficient, and accurate financial processes.
• Leads and manages a team of approximately five Finance staff.
• Establishes and maintains financial policies, internal controls, and reporting frameworks to support strong governance and accountability.
• Develops and monitors standards of performance and efficiency within the Finance function.
• Drives continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and reporting tools.

Cash Flow & Financial Stewardship

• Oversees organizational cash flow, including forecasting, monitoring, and management of liquidity needs.
• Collaborates with internal teams and external funders to ensure cash flow requirements are met and aligned with operational priorities.
• Monitors grant revenue and expenditures to ensure compliance with funding agreements and budget requirements.

Financial Oversight & Administration

• Reviews and approves financial transactions, including purchase orders, invoices, contracts (within delegated authority), and estate donations.
• Oversees payroll operations, including review and approval of payroll processing, remittances, and year-end reporting.
• Administers employee benefit programs, including pension and group RRSP plans.
• Provides financial input on employment-related matters, including consultation with Human Resources and legal counsel on severance calculations.

Education, Experience, and Abilities

• CPA designation in good standing (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Finance or accounting.
• Strong technical expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and audit.
• Experience leading a Finance function and managing people.
• Experience in the not‑for‑profit or charitable sector considered an asset.

Work Conditions

• Full-time indeterminate position.
• Typically working Monday through Friday for 37.5 hours per week.
• Location: Based out of CWF’s Head Office in Ottawa, ON (Kanata), with hybrid flexibility to work-from-home two consecutive days per week.

Why Work With Us?

• Join a team of passionate individuals dedicated to wildlife and habitat conservation.
• Friendly and casual work environment.
• Office located in the quiet suburbs of Kanata which includes a kitchen lounge, living plant wall, and outdoor demonstration gardens.
• Expand your professional network within science, education, and fundraising sectors.
• We are committed to building a diverse workforce.
• We offer a competitive benefits plan at no cost to employees, including health, dental, vision, long‑term disability (LTD), and access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• We offer Group RSP enrollment with 5% matching.
• 13 paid stat holidays per year.
• Generous time-off policies include paid vacation days, sick days, float days, and appointment times.
• Complimentary subscription to Canadian Wildlife magazine.

Application Deadline: June 7, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: July 13, 2026

How to Apply: Interested candidates are instructed to submit a cover letter and resume. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation!

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is committed to providing accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please let us know.