Director of Finance and Operations

Director of Finance and Operations

The Director of Finance and Operations is a member of the ICSS senior leadership team and the Executive Director's principal partner on financial strategy, sustainability and operational effectiveness. The role leads all financial, administrative and operational functions, and works with the Board's Finance Committee to strengthen governance, restore financial stability, modernize financial and administrative systems, and support the growth and diversification of ICSS revenue.

About ICSS

Innovative Community Support Services (ICSS) is a not-for-profit agency serving people with developmental disabilities in eastern Ontario, with annual revenue of about $17 million. ICSS operates 14 residential homes and a transitional home, three Community Participation day-program centres in east Ottawa, Supported Independent Living and Community Connections, Employment Solutions, the Spread the Joy social enterprise, and the Sow and Grow Farm in Navan.

ICSS is funded primarily by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), supplemented by fundraising, events and social enterprise revenue. The organization is in a period of renewal, with priorities that include strengthening its financial position, updating its by-laws, increasing revenue and diversifying funding.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and operations

• Ensure all actions support ICSS's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan.
• Take full responsibility and accountability for goals in your area, including budget management, health and safety, staff and volunteer management, and compliance with internal and external policy, funder and accreditation requirements.
• Contribute to strategic leadership as a member of the senior leadership team and provide hands-on management of programs and projects within your portfolio.
• Mentor and manage the Finance Manager and Maintenance Leads including workload prioritization and performance evaluation and management, fostering an analytical, collaborative environment centered on achieving measurable planning outcomes.
• Develop and manage the annual operational plan and both annual and capital budgets for all areas of the department and lead the development of annual work plans for department staff.
• Regularly review existing policies and recommend updates and refinements, or new policies, as needed.
• Anticipate, assess and mitigate legal, financial and reputational risks associated with the department.

Financial strategy and management

• Lead a multi-year financial sustainability plan with the Executive Director to eliminate deficits, reduce debt and strengthen working capital.
• Lead the annual budget process and monitor results, with variance analysis and corrective action.
• Supervise the Finance Manager, who handles day-to-day accounting, reporting, banking and payroll.
• Guide and train program managers and the Executive Assistant on budgets, purchasing and bookkeeping.
• Oversee cash flow and lead lender relationships, including credit facilities and mortgages.
• Strengthen internal controls, including segregation of duties, signing authorities and payment controls.
• Lead the annual audit and deliver timely financial reports to the Executive Director, Finance Committee and Board.

Funder relations and revenue

• Manage MCCSS budget submissions, reporting and compliance.
• Provide costing and financial analysis to support new and diversified revenue.
• Ensure accurate tracking of restricted funds, donations and CRA filings.

Governance, risk and legal oversight

• Provide governance, risk and legal oversight: oversee governance support, maintain risk management frameworks, oversee insurance coverage, and ensure full legal and sector compliance.
• Serve as staff lead to the Finance Committee and support Board governance, policies and corporate filings.
• Maintain an organization-wide risk management framework and risk register.
• Oversee insurance coverage, including directors' and officers' insurance.
• Ensure legal and sector compliance and oversee contracts and legal counsel.

Fleet, Facilities and Maintenance Management

• Oversee the vehicle fleet, including replacement planning, maintenance, driver policies and the safety of vehicles used to transport participants.
• Provide strategic and operational oversight of facilities and maintenance functions across all ICSS properties, ensuring buildings, grounds, equipment and infrastructure are safe, well-maintained, compliant and aligned with organizational needs. This includes oversight of preventive maintenance programs, contractor management, facility inspections, life-safety systems, accessibility requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and support the two Maintenance Leads in planning, prioritizing and delivering maintenance, repair, renovation and capital improvement activities across multiple sites.
• Develop a long-term capital asset plan and oversee capital and renovation projects.
• Manage property financing, leases and property taxes.

Operations and modernization

• Oversee procurement and vendor contracts.
• Work with the IT Director, a senior leadership peer, on IT budgets, systems and cybersecurity.
• Work with Human Resources on compensation, benefits and workforce costing.
• Lead modernization, including the move from paper cheques to electronic payments and digital approvals.

Qualifications & Experience

Education and designation

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, in good standing, required.
• University degree in accounting, finance or business administration; a graduate degree (MBA or equivalent) is an asset.

Experience

• At least 8 years of progressive financial management experience, including 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in a not-for-profit organization with an annual budget of $10 million or more; experience in developmental services, health or social services is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading an organization through financial turnaround, deficit reduction or debt restructuring.
• Experience with MCCSS or other Ontario government transfer-payment funding and reporting.
• Experience managing multi-site operations, a large vehicle fleet, real property portfolios and capital projects.
• Experience supporting a Board of Directors and its Finance.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong strategic, analytical and financial modelling skills, with the ability to turn complex financial information into clear options for decision-makers.
• Sound knowledge of Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, internal controls, payroll and CRA requirements for registered charities.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop a team that includes senior managers and professional staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, funders, lenders, auditors and Board members.
• Advanced proficiency with accounting and payroll software and Microsoft Excel, and experience leading an organization from paper-based to digital financial processes.
• High integrity, sound judgement and discretion with confidential information.
• A commitment to the dignity, inclusion and rights of people with developmental disabilities.

Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of French is an asset.

Working Relationship & Conditions

• Internal: Executive Director, the IT Director and other members of the senior leadership team, program managers, the Executive Assistant, the Board of Directors and its Finance Committee.
• External: MCCSS, the external auditor, banks and lenders, insurers, legal counsel, vendors and community partners.
• Conditions: Primarily office-based, with regular visits to residential homes, day-program centers and other ICSS sites. Occasional evening work for Board and committee meetings.
• Requirements: A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and a valid Ontario driver's license.

This description is not exhaustive. Other related duties may be assigned as agency needs evolve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment process. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates to participate in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs in accordance with applicable accessibility legislation