Chief Financial Officer

Organizational Focus

Pacifica Housing has been providing safe and affordable homes for almost 35 years. We are a rapidly growing organization dedicated to meeting the housing and support needs of our community. As such, we are committed to building our fast-growing team with a culture that supports our people and reinforces our core values of authenticity, leadership, respect, and social justice.

Pacifica is proud to be a Certified Living Wage Employer by The Living Wage for Families Campaign.

The CFO is primarily accountable for overseeing all financial responsibilities for the organization. As a member of the organization’s Executive Team, the CFO will play a critical role in shaping and implementing financial strategies that support our mission to provide safe, affordable, and quality rental housing to underserved communities. This position requires a strong leader with expertise in financial management, budgeting, and compliance within the non-profit sector.

Primary Objectives:

• Contribute as a key member of the Executive Team by contributing to strategic and financial planning while resolving critical financial issues by leading the development and implementation of financial management strategies and daily financial administration activities including providing leadership to accounting staff.
• Provide financial management/budget expertise and advice to the Chief Executive Officer including budget development and monitoring.
• Apply financial management expertise to advise the Chief Executive Officer on approaches that will develop greater financial autonomy through diversification of income, in alignment with Pacifica’s strategic goals and values.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy and Planning:

• Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the organization’s mission, values, and goals under the direction of the CEO in accordance with strategic objectives established by the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with the CEO and board of directors to create long-term financial plans.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Financial Management and Oversight:

• Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, budgets, and reports.
• Manage cash flow and oversee investment strategies to ensure financial stability.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Oversee the annual budgeting process, working closely with the Controller and department heads to develop realistic and achievable budgets.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions.
• Provide regular financial reports related to capital projects and operations to the CEO, board, and senior management.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and accounting standards in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
• Oversee audits and work with external auditors to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets and ensure financial integrity.

Fundraising and Grant Management:

• Collaborate with the development team to secure funding from grants, donations, and other revenue sources.
• Oversee the management of grant financials, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with grant requirements.
• Provide financial oversight for fundraising activities and campaigns.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Provide professional development opportunities to ensure the team stays current with best practices and industry standards.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, grantors, financial institutions, and community partners.
• Represent the organization in financial matters with external stakeholders.
• Communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders.

Procurement:

• Oversee procurement activities through the Procurement Specialist and ensure processes align with Pacifica Housing’s Procurement Policy and signing authority.

Information Systems Management:

• Working directly with the Manager, IT oversee the management of the operational policies, procedures, and protocols to support the delivery of Society services.
• Ensure that information technology systems are in place and operating efficiently and effectively.
• Support appropriate supervisory staff in developing task protocols, information, and work flow systems, as well as general efficiencies.
• Develop and implement systems and processes to establish and maintain records for the Society.
• Manage relevant vendors; negotiate and manage relevant contracts.
• Support the transition to a cloud-based system as well as ongoing evolution of systems.
• Execute other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education:

• Chartered Professional Accountant designation is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field (Master’s Degree considered an asset).

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years progressively more responsible professional accounting or financial auditing experience is required.
• Minimum two (2) years as a Financial Director or equivalent experience is required.

Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Superior knowledge of Canada Revenue reporting requirements and the various Acts and Legislation related to financial accounting and reporting for charitable organizations in Canada and in BC.
• Working knowledge of GAAP financial reporting theory and practices, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Ability to clearly communicate financial information and processes with non-financial stakeholders both internal and external to the organization.
• Demonstrated experience in developing budgets and budget models and in variance reporting.
• Demonstrated skills in managing/mentoring others.

Additional Criteria for Role:

• Completion of a Criminal Record Check with the Vulnerable Sector is required before employment commences.
• Valid BC Driver’s Licence & access to a reliable vehicle.

Benefits:

• A mission-driven and meaningful working environment.
• Competitive salary from a Certified Living Wage Employer.
• Minimum six (6) percent vacation accrual rate for all regular employees.
• Excellent benefits package for regular employees (includes extended health and dental, life insurance, and more).
• Competitive RRSP (not employee match required).
• Employee assistance program.
• Excellent wellness time.
• Career development and internal advancement opportunities.
• Organization and individual training opportunities.
• Robust team building and staff social events.
• Dog-friendly offices.

Pacifica Housing advises all employees, contractors, and volunteers of the risk of violence, injury, and harm that is present in the execution of their duties. Pacifica Housing is committed to providing a safe and risk-free workplace; however, we acknowledge the inherent risk in social housing and direct support work while in homes and in other support relationships.

Pacifica celebrates diversity and what makes you uniquely you. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, and diversability.