Volunteer Board Member – Treasurer (CPA Required)

The Harvey Foundation for Justice & Opportunity (HFJO) is a federally incorporated Canadian not-for-profit organization.

Our mission is to advance education and expand access to opportunities for individuals and families whose lives have been materially affected by crime and the criminal justice system.

Through scholarships, educational grants, academic resources, and strategic partnerships, the Foundation seeks to reduce barriers to education and support pathways toward academic achievement, professional development, and greater economic stability.

Our work recognizes that experiences of victimization, justice-system involvement, and the broader consequences experienced by families can significantly affect educational opportunities.

We are building an organization grounded in accountability, transparency, good governance, and a commitment to equitable educational access.

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) to join our Board of Directors as Treasurer.

As a newly incorporated organization establishing its financial systems, governance practices, and inaugural scholarship programs, we are seeking a financial professional who can provide strategic oversight and help strengthen the Foundation's long-term financial sustainability.

The Treasurer will serve as a member of the Board of Directors and provide leadership in financial governance, risk management, budgeting, financial accountability, and organizational stewardship.

This is a governance-focused position, not a day-to-day bookkeeping or accounting role.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Board Chair, Executive Director, and fellow directors to ensure appropriate financial oversight and responsible management of the Foundation's resources.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Governance & Oversight

• Provide strategic financial guidance to the Board of Directors.
• Oversee the development and review of annual operating budgets and financial projections.
• Review financial statements, financial reports, and organizational financial performance.
• Present financial updates and recommendations at Board meetings.
• Monitor financial sustainability, liquidity, and financial risks.
• Support the development of appropriate financial controls, policies, and accountability mechanisms.
• Ensure that restricted funding and scholarship funds are appropriately tracked and reported.

Financial Compliance & Accountability

• Support the Board in understanding financial reporting and compliance obligations applicable to federally incorporated not-for-profit organizations.
• Provide oversight of appropriate financial recordkeeping and reporting practices.
• Support organizational readiness for potential CRA-registered charity status.
• Assist with financial governance policies, including expense reimbursement, signing authorities, budgeting, and financial delegation.
• Help coordinate the Board's review of year-end financial statements and any external financial review or audit requirements.
• Identify potential financial compliance risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.

Strategic Planning & Organizational Development

• Contribute financial expertise to the Foundation's strategic planning and long-term sustainability.
• Support the development of financial strategies for scholarships, educational grants, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships.
• Advise on financial implications of new programs and organizational initiatives.
• Participate in discussions concerning reserves, investment oversight, and responsible resource allocation as the Foundation grows.

Board Governance

• Attend and actively participate in Board meetings.
• Review Board materials and contribute to informed decision-making.
• Serve on or help lead the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, as/if established by the Board.
• Uphold fiduciary duties, confidentiality, ethical standards, and conflict-of-interest requirements.
• Support the Foundation's mission, governance framework, and organizational values.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Hold a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in good standing with the relevant Canadian provincial or territorial accounting body.
• Demonstrate professional experience in accounting, financial management, auditing, financial reporting, or financial governance.
• Possess strong knowledge of financial controls, budgeting, risk management, and financial reporting.
• Have an understanding of Canadian not-for-profit financial reporting standards and applicable regulatory requirements, or demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge.
• Demonstrate sound professional judgment, integrity, and a commitment to ethical financial stewardship.
• Be able to interpret financial information and communicate financial matters clearly to directors without accounting backgrounds.
• Be willing to fulfill the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a director of a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization.
• Be available to commit a minimum of five hours per month.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications would be considered assets:

• Previous experience serving as Treasurer or on a nonprofit Board of Directors (preferred but not required).
• Experience working with Canadian registered charities, foundations, or other nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of CRA charitable registration and reporting requirements.
• Experience with scholarship funds, restricted contributions, grants, or philanthropic funding.
• Experience establishing financial systems for a new or growing nonprofit.
• Familiarity with audit and risk committees.
• Experience in financial planning, corporate finance, public accounting, or nonprofit financial management.
• Interest in educational access, justice, community development, and reducing systemic barriers.

Board Commitment & Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Commit a minimum of five hours per month to Board responsibilities.
• Attend scheduled Board meetings and applicable committee meetings.
• Review financial and governance materials in advance.
• Participate in organizational planning and governance discussions.
• Maintain confidentiality and disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Exercise independent judgment and act in the best interests of the Foundation.
• Support a collaborative, respectful, and accountable Board culture.

The Treasurer is not expected to personally fundraise, make financial contributions, or perform routine bookkeeping as a condition of Board service.

What You Will Gain

This opportunity offers the chance to:

• Help establish the financial governance framework of a newly incorporated Canadian foundation.
• Contribute professional expertise to an organization focused on education, justice, and opportunity.
• Support the development of scholarship and educational assistance programs.
• Collaborate with professionals and community leaders from diverse backgrounds.
• Apply financial leadership skills in a meaningful governance capacity.
• Help shape the Foundation's long-term sustainability and institutional development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

1. A current resume or curriculum vitae, highlighting professional accounting experience, CPA designation, and relevant governance or nonprofit experience.
2. An email or letter of interest outlining why you would like to serve as Treasurer of The Harvey Foundation for Justice & Opportunity and how your professional expertise would contribute to the foundation's financial governance and mission.

Email applications to: cassandra@theharveyfoundation.ca

Email subject line: Volunteer Board Treasurer Application – [Full Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in an interview with representatives of the Foundation.

Candidates selected for appointment may be asked to provide confirmation of their CPA designation and complete applicable Board onboarding documentation.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The Harvey Foundation for Justice & Opportunity is committed to fostering inclusive leadership and meaningful representation in organizational decision-making.

We encourage applications from qualified individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including individuals who have been directly or indirectly impacted by crime or the criminal justice system.

All applicants will be assessed based on their qualifications, professional experience, and ability to contribute to the Foundation's governance and mission.

Learn more: www.theharveyfoundation.ca