Director of Finance and Administration

Position Summary

The Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) plays a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the financial strength, operational resilience, and governance excellence of MSF Canada.

As a member of the Management Team, the DFA provides strategic financial leadership during a period of continued growth and transformation. The role oversees accounting, budgeting, audit, tax compliance, financial reporting, risk management, and administrative systems while stewarding investments in organizational infrastructure, digital tools, and cross-functional collaboration.

The DFA is also the key liaison to the Board's Finance & Audit Committee and represents MSF Canada within the global MSF movement on financial strategy and institutional stewardship.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, systems-oriented financial leader who demonstrates:

• Commitment to MSF’s humanitarian principles and ethical stewardship
• Strategic foresight and sound judgment in complex environments
• Strong governance acumen and comfort engaging with Boards and committees
• Data-driven decision-making and financial modeling expertise
• Resilience and composure under pressure
• A collaborative leadership style that strengthens cross-departmental partnerships
• A commitment to inclusion, anti-oppression, and equitable resource allocation
• The ability to modernize systems while safeguarding compliance and control

This role leads the Finance and Administration team, ensures organizational compliance with Canadian non-profit regulations, and strengthens MSF Canada’s contribution to a financially secure global movement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Financial Leadership
   1. Develop and steward MSF Canada’s financial strategy aligned with organizational growth and global MSF priorities
   2. Provide strategic financial insight to the Deputy Executive Director and Management Team
   3. Use financial analysis, modeling, and forecasting to inform major organizational decisions
   4. Identify opportunities for cost optimization, sustainability, and mission maximization
   5. Equip the organization with strong financial systems and performance indicators
2. Financial Stewardship & Governance
   • Oversee accounting, budgeting, audit, tax, and regulatory compliance functions
   • Ensure timely and accurate financial and statistical reporting for management, regulators, and the Board
   • Serve as the primary liaison to the Finance & Audit Committee, supporting fiduciary oversight
   • Maintain strong internal controls and risk-management frameworks
   • Ensure compliance with Canadian Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations (ASNPO) and CRA requirements
3. Systems, Infrastructure & Administration
   • Lead the development and continuous improvement of financial and administrative systems
   • Oversee implementation and ongoing management of automated financial and information systems
   • Strengthen digital tools and reporting infrastructure to enhance transparency and efficiency
   • Build internal capacity and leverage external expertise to support organizational needs
   • Promote cross-functional collaboration through accessible data and streamlined processes
4. People Leadership & Organizational Partnership
   • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Finance and Administration team
   • Foster a culture of accountability, learning, and inclusion
   • Partner with department leaders to support budgeting, planning, and financial literacy
   • Contribute to Management Team decision-making and organizational strategy
   • Represent MSF Canada within global MSF financial networks and international platforms

Qualifications

Required

• CPA or other recognized professional accounting designation
• Degree in Accounting, Commerce, Finance, or related field
• Senior-level professional experience, preferably within an international or complex non-profit organization
• Demonstrated success managing large budgets, financial reporting, and audits
• Proven experience implementing automated financial systems and strengthening internal controls
• Deep knowledge of Canadian Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations and CRA requirements for registered charities
• Strong governance experience working with Boards or Finance & Audit Committees
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams
• Fluency in English (verbal and written)
• French is an asset

Preferred

• Experience within NGOs, international organizations, or mission-driven environments
• Experience contributing to global financial platforms or institutional membership models
• Strong background in financial modeling and long-term planning
• Experience leading organizational systems transformation or ERP modernization
• Familiarity with MSF’s humanitarian principles and global governance structures

Compensation & Benefits

• 4-year fixed-term contract with possibility of extension (up to 8 years)
• Benefits include:
  • Comprehensive group insurance (health, dental, life, AD&D, Peace of Mind plan)
  • 5% RRSP contribution (no matching required)
  • 4 weeks’ vacation annually
  • Health Spending Accounts
  • Flexible work hours and hybrid model
  • Annual Professional Development budget
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
  • Access to internal Psychosocial Care Unit Services

Join Us

We’d love to hear from you if you are a strategic financial leader who believes strong governance, sound stewardship, and modern systems are essential to advancing humanitarian impact.

👉 Apply now to help safeguard and strengthen the financial foundation that enables MSF's medical humanitarian work around the world