Senior Manager of Finance

Senior Manager of Finance

About OSCIA

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is a unique not-for-profit farm organization whose diverse membership has a significant presence in all agricultural areas of the province and across all major sectors. The mission of OSCIA is to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices. OSCIA is a leader in agricultural program delivery, including cost-share funding distribution, educational workshop offerings for farmers, and administration of on-farm applied research and knowledge transfer opportunities.

Job Summary

The Senior Financial Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across all financial processes. This role focuses on maintaining strong financial controls, managing reporting and analysis functions, and supporting operational and departmental financial needs. The role oversees the organizations accounting functions, including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, and financial reporting. The role ensures sound financial management across all funding streams, timely reporting to funders, and adherence to internal and external audit standards.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

Financial Operations and Reporting

• Oversee all aspects of accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger and cash flow management.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports in accordance with GAAP and OSCIA policies.
• Manage the month-end and year-end closing processes efficiently and accurately.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting frameworks for multiple funding streams (federal, provincial, and industry).
• Ensure timely preparation of financial reports and claims for funders and program partners.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of CRA filings, including payroll remittances, HST/GST returns, and NPO status verifications, ensuring compliance with federal reporting timelines.
• Prepare and present financial metrics and analytical reports directly to the General Manager to support informed decision-making and organizational performance monitoring.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Coordinate the preparation and monitoring of program and organizational budgets.
• Track financial performance against budgets and provide variance analyses and operational insights.
• Support the development of short-term forecasts to assist with resource allocation and financial planning.
• Ensure program budgets align with funding agreements and organizational priorities.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Develop, maintain, and monitor effective internal control systems to safeguard assets and ensure data integrity.
• Manage financial audits and act as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Conduct periodic internal reviews to test the effectiveness of financial policies and procedures.
• Implement corrective actions based on audit findings and risk assessments
• Develop and maintain up-to-date financial policies, procedures, and SOPs to ensure consistency and accountability.
• Work closely with the Audit Committee to support external audit processes, ensure full transparency, and address any recommendations or findings.

Cash and Asset Management

• Manage cash flow, banking activities, and investment funds to maintain liquidity and financial stability.
• Monitor working capital and recommend operational adjustments to maintain liquidity and efficiency.
• Oversee the management of reserve and restricted funds in accordance with Board-approved policies.
• Ensure timely deposit and reconciliation of funding payments, grants, and reimbursements.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervise and support finance staff, providing guidance, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Collaborate with operational departments to provide financial data, reports, and support for day-to-day decision-making.
• Promote efficiency and accuracy in financial operations through process improvements and system enhancements.
• Foster an environment of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and innovation within financial operations.
• Collaborate with IT, Programs and Research teams to integrate financial systems with broader organizational platforms.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and enhance financial systems, processes, and reporting tools to increase efficiency.
• Lead or support implementation of new accounting or financial management software as needed.
• Identify opportunities to automate recurring processes to reduce errors and improve productivity.
• Ensure strong data integrity and system security in all financial databases.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education:Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional credentials CPA designation is an asset.
• Years of Experience: Minimum 5-8 years of progressive experience in financial management, with a focus on accounting operations and financial reporting.

Specific Experience:

• Experience in nonprofit (NPO) financial management, including fund accounting or grant reporting.
• Proven experience managing financial operations, including general ledger, financial reporting, and budgeting.
• Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Experience overseeing audits and maintaining compliance with internal controls and funding requirements.
• Hands-on experience with ERP or accounting systems (e.g., Sage)
• Experience working with provincial and federal agriculture programs.
• Familiarity with contribution agreements and cost-sharing frameworks.
• Experience overseeing CRA reporting, audits, and presenting financial reports to an Audit Committee.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial data clearly to leadership and governance bodies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Working knowledge of budget development, monitoring, and financial forecasting.
• Understanding of nonprofit funding structures, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with audit processes, internal controls, and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of CRA reporting obligations, tax compliance, and payroll regulations.

Skills:

• Exceptional analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial management software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Abilities:

• Ability to interpret financial data and communicate insights clearly to non-financial staff.
• Ability to lead and motivate a finance team in a collaborative, service-oriented environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Ability to adapt to changing operational needs and implement process improvements.

Behaviour Competencies:

• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile, and dynamic in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ethical behaviour: Ensure personal behaviours align with the Association's core values and code of conduct.
• Relationship development: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, internally and externally.
• Effective communication: Speak, listen, and write in a precise, clear, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools.
• Client focus: Anticipate clients' needs and respond in an appropriate and timely manner, seeking to provide the highest quality service.
• Teamwork development: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve challenges, and make decisions that enhance cross-functional cooperation.
• Initiative: Ability to assess and initiate tasks independently.
• Decision-making: Assess role-based situations to determine the importance, risks, and make clear decisions in a timely manner.
• Time management and organization: Set priorities, develop a task schedule, monitor progress towards deadlines.
• Problem-solving: View problems as learning opportunities, focus on improving future results.
• Cultural Competence: Value diversity and inclusivity, demonstrating an ability to work effectively with trust across various departments.
• Foster Sustainability: Ensuring the work we do improves the viability and sustainability of rural Ontario and Ontario agriculture.
• Continuous Learning: Participates in an environment of professional development and personal growth.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands:

• Hybrid work model combining remote and in-office work, with the position based in Guelph, ON.
• Home office settings require a dependable, high-speed internet connection to ensure effective participation in virtual meetings and online collaboration.
• May require occasional work outside of standard business hours (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends) to attend meetings, events, or respond to organizational needs.
• Requires regular use of a computer; prolonged sitting, typing, and screen time required.
• May involve occasional lifting of light materials (e.g., files, laptop up to 10 lbs).
• Must be adaptable to a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Must hold and maintain a valid drivers licence and have access to reliable transportation for occasional travel to meetings, stakeholder events, and organizational sites.
• Must maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive or organizational information.

OSCIA offers a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in this position!

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT (AODA IN ONTARIO)

OSCIA is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the provincial guidelines for accessibility (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontario Only). As such, OSCIA will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.

HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT

OSCIA strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, OSCIA will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.