Manager, Finance

Job Title: Manager, Finance

Organization: Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance (CISWP)
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: President & CEO

Salary Range: $115,000 - $130,000 per annum

Vacancy Type: Existing Vacancy

Requisition Number: 26-1008

About CISWP

The Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness, and Performance (CISWP) is a leading applied research institute dedicated to advancing innovation in workplace safety, wellness, and performance in Canada by integrating applied research, workforce development, advanced technology, and evidence-informed practices in collaboration with partners to deliver measurable, real-world impact.

Position Summary

The Manager, Finance is responsible for leading the Institute's financial operations while providing strategic financial guidance to support organizational sustainability, growth, and accountability. Reporting to the President, this role oversees budgeting, financial reporting, funding compliance, audit coordination, financial controls, procurement oversight, and day-to-day financial management.

CISWP operates within a complex funding environment that requires rigorous financial stewardship, transparent reporting, and compliance with funding agreements and regulatory requirements. The Manager, Finance will play a critical role in ensuring the effective management of funds while supporting leadership in strategic decision-making and long-term planning.

The successful candidate will be equally comfortable managing day-to-day financial operations and contributing to broader organizational strategy.

Work Location and Schedule

• Work must be conducted within Ontario
• Regular schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
• On-site at CISWP office located in Cambridge, ON
• Occasional travel may be required

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Planning

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual operating and project budgets.
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and recommendations to support organizational planning and decision-making.
• Support long-term financial sustainability through multi-year financial planning and scenario analysis.
• Partner with leaders to develop budgets and monitor financial performance across departments and programs.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior leadership, committees, and the Board of Directors.

Financial Operations

• Oversee day-to-day accounting functions and staff including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, cash flow management, and general ledger activities.
• Ensure accurate and timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial reporting.
• Maintain financial records and accounting practices in accordance with applicable accounting standards and organizational policies.
• Oversee banking relationships and cash management activities.

Funding, Grants and Compliance

• Manage financial reporting requirements associated with provincial funding agreements, grants, contracts, and other funding sources.
• Monitor funding utilization and ensure expenditures comply with funding requirements and restrictions.
• Support funding applications, budget development, and financial reporting for new funding opportunities.
• Maintain strong internal controls and accountability processes related to publicly funded programs.
• Monitor compliance with applicable financial, taxation, and regulatory requirements for multiple provinces.

Audit, Risk and Governance

• Lead annual audit activities and act as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support organizational governance activities by providing financial information and analysis to leadership and the Board.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable financial reporting and regulatory obligations.

Procurement and Operational Support

• Provide oversight and guidance regarding purchasing, procurement, and vendor management practices.
• Support contract administration and financial review of vendor agreements.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, financial controls, and organizational effectiveness.
• Support implementation and optimization of financial systems and reporting tools.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related discipline.
• Professional accounting designation (CPA) required.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit coordination, and internal controls.
• Experience managing government funding agreements, grants, contribution agreements, or other externally funded programs.
• Experience supporting senior leadership and governing boards through financial analysis and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial management practices, internal controls, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, financial planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to the responsible stewardship of agency/grant funding.
• Proficiency with financial systems (including Quickbooks Online), reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Assets

• Experience or familiarity with Buy Ontario/Buy Canada directives on procurement is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with procurement processes, including open competitive bidding, is considered an asset.
• Experience within a research institute, post-secondary, healthcare, scientific, innovation, non-profit, or other professional environment is preferred.

Why Join CISWP?

• Work on impactful applied research projects
• Collaborate with industry, government, and academic partners
• Support meaningful improvements in workplace health and safety
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven research environment
• Competitive salary, CAAT-pension plan, and comprehensive benefits package

CISWP is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage applications from women, racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and individuals of diverse gender identities and expressions.