Director of Finance and Operations

At Autism Nova Scotia, our work is rooted in belonging and inclusion. We are committed to supporting Autistic individuals, families, and communities through programs, services, advocacy, and meaningful connections.

We are looking for a Director of Finance and Operations who brings strong financial expertise, practical leadership, and a genuine interest in strengthening the systems that support meaningful community work.

This is an opportunity to take on a broad and influential leadership role within a mission-driven organization. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team, you will help shape the organization’s financial sustainability, strengthen operational practices, and support responsible decision-making across the organization.

This is a hands-on Director role. You will provide strategic financial guidance while remaining directly involved in the day-to-day financial work, from budgeting and forecasting to accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and audit preparation. You will also oversee key operational functions and help ensure the organization has the processes, controls, and infrastructure it needs to operate effectively.

If you enjoy bringing clarity to complexity, building strong systems, and balancing strategic thinking with practical execution, this could be an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for the leadership and management of the organization’s financial and operational functions.

You will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and organizational Directors, providing financial insight, operational guidance, and recommendations that support organizational priorities and long-term sustainability.

Your responsibilities will include:

Financial Leadership and Management

• Lead and actively manage the organization’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, and financial controls.

• Prepare, monitor, and maintain annual budgets, financial statements, forecasts, and management reports.

• Manage core accounting activities, including general ledger, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, cash flow, and month-end and year-end processes.

• Provide financial analysis, reporting, and recommendations to the CEO and Board of Directors.

• Prepare and present budgets, financial statements, forecasts, and financial updates to the Board and relevant committees, as required.

• Coordinate the annual audit and manage financial reporting requirements associated with government funding, grants, and contracts.

• Oversee the financial aspects of payroll in collaboration with Human Resources and the payroll administrator.

Organizational Operations

• Oversee organizational operations, administrative systems, facilities, procurement, contracts, vendors, and organizational assets.

• Strengthen operational policies, procedures, and processes to support consistency, efficiency, and accountability.

• Work collaboratively with Directors to support resource allocation and effective service delivery.

• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and organizational infrastructure.

Risk Management and Organizational Compliance

• Maintain appropriate financial and operational controls and support organizational risk management.

• Ensure financial and operational practices align with applicable legislation, accounting standards, funding agreements, and regulatory requirements.

• Monitor funder reporting and contractual obligations.

• Identify emerging risks, compliance gaps, and opportunities for improvement, bringing recommendations forward to the CEO.

• Support organizational accountability through effective policies, procedures, and documentation.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Contribute to organizational strategy and leadership team decision-making.

• Provide financial and operational advice to the CEO and Directors.

• Lead and support employees within the Finance and Operations portfolio.

• Build effective relationships with auditors, financial institutions, funders, vendors, and other external partners.

What you bring

You are a thoughtful, solutions-oriented financial professional who is comfortable working at both the strategic and operational levels. You bring the technical expertise to manage complex financial responsibilities, along with the judgment and communication skills to help others understand and use financial information effectively.

You will bring:

• A post-secondary degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

• CPA designation

• Five to seven years of progressive experience in accounting, financial management, or a related leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial statements, accounting processes, reconciliations, and internal controls.

• Experience managing audits, financial reporting, and funding or contractual requirements.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to identify risks, solve problems, and recommend practical solutions.

• The ability to communicate financial information clearly and build effective working relationships across an organization.

• Experience in a nonprofit, charitable, or publicly funded environment is considered an asset.

Why join Autism Nova Scotia?

At Autism Nova Scotia, you will be part of an organization whose work has a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities across the province.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Contribute directly to the financial sustainability and long-term success of a respected community organization.

• Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors on important organizational and financial decisions.

• Shape and strengthen financial and operational systems.

• Bring your expertise to a role with both strategic influence and hands-on responsibility.

• Support an organization committed to understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At Autism Nova Scotia, inclusion is not simply a statement of values; it is something we strive to put into practice. We recognize that people bring different experiences, perspectives, strengths, and ways of working, and that meaningful inclusion requires us to recognize and address barriers to participation.

We are committed to creating an accessible, respectful, and welcoming workplace where people feel valued, supported, and able to contribute authentically. We particularly welcome applications from Autistic individuals and people whose perspectives and experiences are underrepresented in traditional workplaces.

If you require accommodations or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know so that we can support your participation.

Closing Date: Nov. 12th, 2026