Specialist, Finance

Position Overview

The Specialist, Finance ensures Efficiency Canada's financial operations are accurate, timely, and well-organized, providing reliable financial information to support reporting, planning, and decision-making.

Reporting to the Director, Operations, this role oversees the day-to-day execution of core financial processes, including reconciliations, financial reporting, budget tracking, and maintaining accurate financial records.

The Specialist also serves as a trusted financial partner and primary liaison with Carleton University. This includes building strong relationships across relevant departments, navigating institutional financial processes, proactively resolving issues, and ensuring Efficiency Canada's financial requirements are met.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with strong accounting knowledge, sound judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage financial responsibilities while working collaboratively across teams.

Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Accounting

• Maintain accurate and complete financial records in QuickBooks and related financial systems.
• Complete monthly reconciliations, month-end processes, and recurring financial reporting.
• Review transactions, expenses, and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures.
• Monitor financial activity, identify discrepancies, and follow through on issues to ensure timely resolution.
• Work closely with the operations team on financial administration, including invoice processing, expense tracking, data entry, and documentation.
• Maintain financial records, reporting schedules, and established controls to support consistent and reliable operations.

Budgeting, Reporting & Financial Planning

• Prepare regular budget-to-actual reports, expense summaries, and financial updates for organizational leadership and budget holders.
• Track revenue, expenses, funding allocations, and financial commitments against approved budgets.
• Support organizational budgeting and financial planning by preparing accurate financial information and maintaining budget tracking tools.
• Coordinate financial requirements for year-end reporting, audits, and funder reporting.

Carleton University & Financial Partnerships

• Serve as the primary financial liaison with Carleton University, including Finance, Research Financial Services, and other relevant administrative departments.
• Independently navigate institutional processes, clarify requirements, troubleshoot issues, and work with Carleton partners to resolve outstanding matters.
• Anticipate financial requirements and deadlines, proactively coordinating with Carleton contacts to prevent delays or disruptions.
• Provide clear financial information and guidance to colleagues, helping them understand and navigate financial processes and requirements.

Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement

• Work with the Operations Specialist to maintain and improve financial workflows, tools, and processes.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.
• Support the implementation of financial process improvements and ensure established procedures are consistently followed.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Post-secondary education in accounting, finance, bookkeeping, business administration, or a related field, with approximately 2–4 years of relevant experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Financial Expertise: Strong knowledge of accounting practices, reconciliations, month-end processes, financial reporting, and revenue and expense tracking.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with QuickBooks, strong spreadsheet skills, and comfort learning new financial systems and tools.
• Reporting & Budgeting: Experience preparing financial reports, budget-to-actual comparisons, and supporting documentation. Experience with grant-funded projects or funder reporting is an asset.
• Accuracy & Accountability: Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to independently manage recurring responsibilities and deadlines.
• Problem-Solving: Sound judgement and the ability to investigate discrepancies, resolve issues, and proactively identify when additional support or clarification is needed.
• Relationship Management: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build trusted relationships, navigate institutional processes, and work effectively with internal and external partners.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: A proactive, reliable, and collaborative approach, with an interest in improving processes and supporting effective team operations.

Additional Requirements & Assets

• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Based in Ontario is preferred.
• Comfortable working remotely and using tools such as Slack, Asana, Google Meet, and Google Workspace.
• Experience in a nonprofit, charitable, research, or mission-driven organization is an asset.
• Familiarity with energy and environmental issues in Canada is an asset.

Reporting Structure

The Specialist, Finance reports directly to the Director, Operations.

Compensation & benefits

• $78,000 annual salary
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Work remotely with opportunities to meet team members at in-person events.
• A knowledgeable, high-achieving, experienced and fun team
• 22 vacation days
• 18 wellness day
• Additional days off around statutory long weekends from April to September, an annual winter holiday shutdown, and your birthday off
• $2500 Training and development budget to support your professional goals

To Apply

Applications will be accepted until November 27, 2026. We encourage you to apply early, as applications will be reviewed and candidates may be invited to interview on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is selected.

To apply, please complete this Google Form.

Please name your resume file using the format Last Name, First Name – Resume. Please include your availability and, if you're comfortable sharing, your pronouns.

Alternative application method: If you are unable to access the Google Form, you can apply by emailing [email protected]with the subject line “Email Application – Finance Specialist”.

About Efficiency Canada

Efficiency Canada is the national voice for an energy efficient economy. We envision a future where Canada uses energy efficiency to its fullest potential. Efficiency Canada is housed at Carleton University’s Sustainable Energy Research Centre, which is located on the traditional unceded territories of the Algonquin nation.