Director, Finance and IT

Director, Finance and IT

About Dying With Dignity Canada

Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC) is a $3M+ national human-rights charity committed to improving quality of dying, protecting end-of-life rights, and helping people across Canada avoid unwanted suffering. DWDC has four strategic priorities:

1. Nurture a more inclusive and diverse end-of-life rights movement: DWDC will seek out, listen to, and integrate more perspectives in the work that we do
2. Address barriers to accessing a good death: DWDC will lead national advocacy efforts to eliminate obstacles to end-of-life choice, including access to advance requests and end forced transfers
3. Deliver high quality, relevant programs and services: DWDC will provide information, education, and support to individuals, families, and clinicians across Canada
4. Ensure sustainability, resilience, and mission success: DWDC will invest in the growth and development of the organization and its people

DWDC is committed to promoting a culture of wellbeing for our team. We provide extensive benefits and support for all team members so you can focus on doing meaningful work. Our perks include:

• Competitive salary
• Health benefits, including Employee Assistance Program and additional mental health supports
• Matching Group Retirement Savings Program
• Flexible work hours and hybrid work model
• Opportunities for professional development

For more information: www.dyingwithdignity.ca

Position Description

In this newly created role, the Director, Finance and IT will ensure the operational integrity and efficiency of DWDC’s financial processes and reporting and information technology/management systems (IT/IM). An experienced leader, ideally with a CPA designation, the Director will use their skills in financial management and oversight along with their background managing data systems, people and projects to ensure the appropriate infrastructure exists to support DWDC’s strategic and annual goals.

While the Director will prioritize financial functions and IT/IM, they will also directly support the oversight of other key organization pillars in partnership with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.

Reporting to the CEO, with one direct report, the Director, Finance and IT will partner with the CEO and support the Board to ensure DWDC has the operational rigor, resources and compliance to advance short- and longer-term organizational priorities.

The Director, Finance and IT is a hybrid role. Staff are currently working at the DWDC office near Davisville Avenue and Yonge Street two days per week.

Reports to: CEO

Direct Reports: Manager, Operations

Target Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 commensurate with designation/experience

Key Deliverables and Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to support the creation and advancement of DWDC’s strategic priorities and operational plan
• Work with the CEO to systematically identify and leverage organizational strengths and opportunities while identifying and mitigating weaknesses and risks
• Build and improve infrastructure such as policies, systems, reporting and analysis to support directional and budgetary decision-making related to finance and IT/IM
• Monitor organization financial performance, identify areas to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness and work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement solutions for department and organizational challenges
• Function as trusted advisor to the CEO and Board to ensure financial rigor, reporting and optimum information systems
• Manage and coach direct report and external accounting firm relationship
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and reinforce a culture that is grounded in DWDC’s values and mission and high performance within a context of work/life balance

Finance

• Demonstrate proficiency in financial modelling, processes and controls, reporting, planning and budgeting and risk management to support organization success
• Ensure strong financial management and controls and act as a key advisor on financial matters to the CEO, the Senior leadership team and the Board Finance & Audit Committee
• Lead the annual budget process in collaboration with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the budget aligns with forecast and goals
• Ensure financial and budgetary best practices and key performance indicators are established, observed and reported against monthly and quarterly targets across the organization
• Partner with direct reports and outside firm to ensure proper management and oversight of day-to-day financial activities including accounts payable, payroll, reporting, and work with external investment firm as needed to support optimum performance of investments
• Ensure financial management of all activities is consistent with budgets and projections, while communicating any variances to the CEO in a timely and systematic manner
• Oversee the annual audit process in collaboration with the external firm, ensuring compliance with standards and requests

IT/IM

• Oversee day-to-day national office IT/IM operations, including databases, office equipment, contracts and leases
• Create meaningful tracking processes and performance metrics to measure efficiency and effectiveness across the organization
• Assess and implement improved policies, processes and new technologies in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team
• Work with relevant staff and the IT vendor to strategize and manage IT integration to support high organizational performance and cybersecurity
• Develop an approach to streamline protocols and improve the organization of files and documents in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team to enhance document management practises
• Support the creation, quality and delivery of reports for the CEO and Board of Directors as required

Governance

• Support the CEO and Board in ensuring organizational compliance with regulatory requirements and governance best practices
• Collaborate with the CEO on the production of Board and Committee meeting materials, specifically materials related to finance and IT/IM in a timely and accurate manner

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• CPA designation is preferred
• Knowledge and experience leading financial oversight, reporting and analysis in the nonprofit sector
• Investment management experience is an asset
• Knowledge of the laws and policies that govern Canadian charities
• Proven history building organization infrastructure such as reporting metrics, policies and processes to improve efficiency and results
• Superior project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple priorities
• High level of skill and experience with all standard office equipment and software packages, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Quickbooks Online (QBO), and other online tools
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT, NationBuilder or New/Mode is an asset
• A highly resilient, critical thinker with excellent analytical, problem solving and decisionmaking skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience managing vendors and negotiating vendor agreements
• Passion for supporting the end-of-life rights of people across Canada, while considering cultural differences and diverse perspectives on end-of-life care
• Proven commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Degree or diploma in finance, business administration OR a related field, including
• university degree, college diploma and/or relevant skills and knowledge gained through practical experience and self-directed learning

This position is vacant.

Application Instructions

To apply for this senior leadership role please include a cover letter and CV to jobs@dyingwithdignity.ca with the subject line: Director, Finance & IT. The posting closes on April 16th at 5pm ET. Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted regarding next steps. No phone calls please.

Dying With Dignity Canada is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to fair employment practices. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process, as required. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known at any stage during the application process. 

We encourage applications from Black people, Métis, Inuit and First Nations peoples, people of colour, people who identify as having a disability, LGBTQ+ people and people from other equityseeking groups that face systemic discrimination. DWDC is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace, and a working environment free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and violence.