Organization: Canadian Council on Invasive Species
Location: Remote from anywhere in Canada.
Term: Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
Contract range: $50,000-$60,000
Start Date: Flexible within September/October 2023
About Us
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) operates as a federally incorporated, non-profit multiagency charity and serves as the national non-government voice on invasive species. We work to build collaborative solutions to reduce the introduction and spread of invasive species to Canada’s waters and lands. CCIS is guided by 10 provincial/territorial invasive species chapters, and Indigenous, business and government representatives from across Canada. Working cooperatively across jurisdictional boundaries, CCIS extends its support to various actions and provides valuable information, all aimed at mitigating the threats and impacts of invasive species.
Contract Overview
The Financial Advisor contractor will play a critical role in ensuring that our organization adheres to best practices in financial management and compliance. This individual will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing financial policies that ensure the sound fiscal management of both the national nonprofit society and its provincial chapters. The Financial Advisor will contribute to enhancing the financial stability, transparency, and accountability of CCIS. A willingness to create healthier landscapes, free of invasive species, is essential.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Collaborate with the executive team, Board and chapter representatives to understand the financial needs and challenges of both the national Charity and its provincial chapters.
- Conduct thorough analyses of existing financial policies, identifying gaps, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
- Recommend a robust financial accounting platform to help bolster the council for current and future growth.
- Provide expert guidance and recommendations on financial best practices, risk management, compliance to relevant regulations and charitable organization reporting.
- Develop comprehensive and adaptable financial systems and policy frameworks tailored to the unique requirements of the national council and its individual provincial chapters.
- Lead the implementation and communication of new/improved financial policies across the organization and its chapters.
- Work closely with finance teams at both the national and provincial levels to ensure effective policy execution and adherence.
- Monitor the effectiveness of implemented policies, track key performance indicators, and make necessary adjustments as needed.
- Arrange for and/or deliver training and materials, via teleconference and self-directed learning, to educate staff, board members, chapter personnel and volunteers on financial management software, principles, best practices, and the new/revised CCIS policies.
- Potentially participate in board meetings and committee meetings to provide insights and recommendations on financial matters.
- Develop evaluation and feedback mechanisms to measure & emphasize effectiveness of new systems on an ongoing basis.
All deliverables will be user-friendly, accessible, inclusive and take into full consideration the nature of the relationship between the national umbrella organization (CCIS) and its varying levels of relationships with provincial/territorial chapters, and their potential uses of the deliverables.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA) are preferred but not compulsory.
- Proven track record of at least five years in financial systems and policy development with nonprofit and/or charitable organizations.
- Strong understanding of financial regulations, compliance, and best practices within a national charity.
- Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and trends.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey technical information to nonexpert stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at various organizational levels.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple tasks and priorities.
- Proficiency in financial software and tools.
Other relevant skills not required but considered an asset:
- Experience engaging Indigenous communities.
- Knowledge of invasive species and/or stewardship.
- Fluent in French and/or other languages.
Benefits
- An opportunity to expand skills in natural resources sector with a nationally recognized non-profit.
- Flexible work hours and ability to work from home.
Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and samples or links to past work to Andy Telfer, Project Manager [andy@canadainvasives.ca]. Please include “Finance Advisor Contract” in the subject line.
Closing date for applications has been extended to September 15, 2023, 5 pm EST.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working with the Canadian Council on Invasive Species, only those who are short-listed will be contacted.
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species and its Chapters are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, and age. We encourage those who self-identify as Indigenous, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ to apply.
We respectfully acknowledge that the Canadian Council on Invasive Species operates on the traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples, including the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, whose presence and stewardship of this land predates the arrival of settlers.
We recognize and honour the diverse histories, languages, cultures, and spiritual beliefs of Indigenous Peoples, and the ongoing impact of colonization, residential schools, and systemic oppression on their lives and communities.
We commit to learning from and working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples to protect and restore the health of the land, waters, and ecosystems that sustain us all. We also acknowledge that invasive species are a threat to the ecological balance and biodiversity of this land, and that their management requires a holistic approach that respects the traditional knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples.
