Finance Director

Finance Director Job Description

Policy Type: Governance Process

Policy Title: Finance Director

Position: Finance Director

Time Commitment: 20 hours per month

Term: Two-year term, appointed or elected bi-annually at the first board meeting after the AGM (term may be renewed once for a total of four years as per internal bylaws)

Accountability

The Finance Director is an executive and voting member of the board of directors and appointed in a manner consistent with the bylaws. He/she/they is accountable to the board for the fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities outlined below.

Authority

The Finance Director, as other volunteer board members, has no authority to direct staff or take independent action on matters outside of the duties outlined unless given such authority by the board.

Responsibility

The Finance Director serves as the primary steward of WPHC’s financial resources. This role is responsible for the strategic oversight of the organization’s fiscal health, ensuring that funds are available to support women’s para hockey programs across Canada. From managing day-to-day invoicing and bill payments to ensuring compliance with CRA regulations and sport-specific grant requirements, this position provides the financial framework that allows our athletes to excel.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

1. Fiscal Governance & Policy

• Policy Leadership: Develop and maintain high-level financial policies (e.g., travel expense reimbursement, equipment procurement, and reserve fund management) for Board approval.
• Risk Management: Monitor organizational liabilities and ensure appropriate insurance (General Liability, Directors & Officers) is maintained to protect the organization and its members.
• Audit Management: Act as the lead liaison for the annual external audit or financial review; recommend the appointment of auditors to the Board and address any management letter findings.

2. Strategic Budgeting & Planning

• Sport-Specific Budgeting: Collaborate with the High Performance Director and Coaching Staff to develop an annual budget that accounts for seasonal peaks, including national camps, international tournaments, and equipment grants.
• Long-term Sustainability: Advise the Board on the financial feasibility of new programs or expansion efforts (e.g., development camps or grassroots initiatives).

3. Operational Oversight

• Financial Reporting: Prepare and present monthly financial statements to the Board, providing clear analysis of "Actual vs. Budget" figures and forecasting year-end positions.
• Accounts Payable/Receivable: Oversee the timely payment of vendors (ice rentals, travel providers, officials) and the collection of member fees, sponsorships, and grants.
• Banking: Serve as a primary signing officer for all bank accounts and ensure secure management of electronic fund transfers (EFTs).

4. Grant & Donor Stewardship

• Grant Compliance: Ensure that funds from government bodies (e.g., Sport Canada), foundations, and private donors are tracked and spent in strict accordance with funder requirements.
• Tax Compliance: Oversee the preparation and timely filing of the CRA T3010 (Charity Information Return) or NPO Information Return, ensuring WPHC maintains its tax-exempt status.
• Donation Management: Ensure proper tracking of donations and the accurate issuance of charitable tax receipts where applicable.

5. Leadership & Transparency

• Annual Reporting: Lead the financial portion of the WPHC Annual General Meeting (AGM), presenting the audited financial statements to the membership with clarity and transparency.
• Executive Support: Provide the Executive Director and Board President with real-time financial insights to support data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications:

Professional Financial Credentials: A recognized accounting designation (CPA or equivalent) or substantial senior-level experience in financial management and accounting.

Non-Profit & Regulatory Expertise: Proven experience with Canadian non-profit financial standards, including CRA compliance (T3010 or NPO filings) and the management of restricted grant funding.

Strategic Budgeting & Oversight: Strong proficiency in developing complex budgets and internal controls, with the ability to provide long-term fiscal forecasting for seasonal sports programming.

Communication & Clarity: The ability to translate "technical" financial data into clear, actionable insights for a volunteer Board and a diverse membership base.

Mission Alignment: A genuine commitment to sports equity and the growth of para hockey for women and girls across Canada.