Director of Finance and Operations

At Autism Nova Scotia, we believe in the power of belonging, connection, and community. Every day, our teams work alongside Autistic individuals, families, and communities to create opportunities, remove barriers, and help build a province where everyone feels valued and included.

Behind this meaningful work are the people, systems, and resources that help make it all possible. And that's where you come in!

We're looking for a Director of Finance and Operations to join our leadership team!

Are you someone who loves bringing clarity to complex challenges? Do you enjoy building strong systems, finding practical solutions, and helping an organization make thoughtful, informed decisions? Are you equally comfortable looking at the big picture and rolling up your sleeves to get things done?

If so, we'd love to hear from you!

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced financial professional who wants to bring their expertise to an organization making a meaningful difference across Nova Scotia.

Working closely with our Chief Executive Officer and leadership team, you'll play an important role in strengthening our financial sustainability, supporting our operations, and helping us plan confidently for the future.

This is a hands-on leadership position where strategy and practical financial management go hand in hand. You'll help guide important organizational decisions while remaining actively involved in the financial work that keeps everything moving.

Most importantly, you'll be joining a collaborative team of people who care deeply about the work they do and the communities they serve.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Finance and Operations provides leadership across Autism Nova Scotia's financial and operational functions.

You'll be a trusted partner to the CEO, Board of Directors, and organizational leadership team, helping translate financial information into meaningful insights, practical solutions, and sound decisions.

Your work will touch many parts of the organization, from financial planning and reporting to improving operational systems and supporting the teams delivering our programs and services.

We know that great financial leadership is about more than numbers. It's about helping people understand the resources available, plan thoughtfully, and feel confident in the decisions they make.

What You'll Be Doing

Financial Leadership and Management

You'll help keep our financial foundations strong while supporting thoughtful planning for the future.

• Lead and actively manage financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Prepare and maintain annual budgets, financial statements, forecasts, and management reports.
• Stay connected to day-to-day accounting activities, including general ledger management, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, cash flow, and month-end and year-end processes.
• Provide clear, practical financial analysis and recommendations to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Prepare and present financial updates, budgets, and forecasts to the Board and relevant committees.
• Coordinate our annual audit and support financial reporting requirements related to government funding, grants, and contracts.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and our payroll administrator to support accurate and effective payroll processes.

Organizational Operations

You'll help create the systems and processes that make it easier for our teams to do their best work.

• Oversee key operational functions, including administrative systems, facilities, procurement, contracts, vendors, and organizational assets.
• Identify opportunities to make our processes clearer, more consistent, and more effective.
• Work alongside organizational Directors to support thoughtful resource planning and service delivery.
• Help strengthen the infrastructure and operational practices that support our growing and evolving organization.

Risk Management and Organizational Compliance

You'll bring a thoughtful, proactive approach to helping our organization operate responsibly and sustainably.

• Maintain strong financial and operational controls that support accountability and good decision-making.
• Ensure our practices align with applicable legislation, accounting standards, funding agreements, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor financial reporting and contractual obligations.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities for improvement, bringing practical recommendations forward.
• Support clear, accessible policies, procedures, and documentation that help our teams work confidently and consistently.

Leadership and Collaboration

You'll be part of a leadership team that values collaboration, shared problem-solving, and bringing different perspectives to the table.

• Contribute to organizational planning, strategy, and leadership decisions.
• Be a trusted financial and operational resource for the CEO and Directors.
• Lead, mentor, and support employees within the Finance and Operations portfolio.
• Build positive working relationships with auditors, financial institutions, funders, vendors, and community partners.
• Help foster a workplace culture grounded in respect, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who brings strong financial expertise, sound judgment, and a genuine interest in using their skills to support meaningful community work.

You might be someone who enjoys solving a complicated financial puzzle, helping a colleague better understand their budget, or finding a simpler way to make a process work.

You understand that good financial management is both strategic and practical, and you enjoy being involved in both.

Here's what we're hoping you'll bring to the team:

• A post-secondary degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A CPA designation.
• Five to seven years of progressive experience in accounting, financial management, or a related leadership role.
• Strong experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial statements, accounting processes, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Experience coordinating audits and managing financial reporting, funding, or contractual requirements.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with an ability to identify challenges and develop thoughtful, practical solutions.
• The ability to make financial information understandable and useful for colleagues with different backgrounds and areas of expertise.
• A collaborative leadership approach and a genuine interest in helping others succeed.

Experience in a nonprofit, charitable, or publicly funded environment would be a wonderful asset.

We also recognize that professional experience and expertise can develop through different career paths. If this opportunity interests you and you believe you could make a meaningful contribution, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Autism Nova Scotia?

Because the work you do behind the scenes can make an incredible difference in the communities we serve.

At Autism Nova Scotia, you'll be part of a team of dedicated people working toward a shared vision of a more inclusive province.

We value thoughtful ideas, genuine collaboration, and the different perspectives and strengths that each person brings to our organization.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful impact. Your work will directly support the programs, services, and advocacy that make a difference for Autistic individuals and families across Nova Scotia.
• Help shape our future. You'll play an important role in strengthening our financial sustainability and supporting long-term organizational planning.
• Bring your ideas to life. You'll have opportunities to improve systems, strengthen processes, and help us find better ways of working.
• Enjoy variety in your work. This position offers a rewarding combination of strategic leadership, hands-on financial management, and organizational collaboration.
• Be part of something meaningful. You'll work alongside colleagues who care about inclusion, community, and creating positive change.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At Autism Nova Scotia, inclusion is at the heart of what we do, and it's something we continue to learn about, strengthen, and put into practice every day.

We know that people bring different experiences, perspectives, strengths, and ways of thinking and working. We believe those differences make our teams and our organization stronger.

We're committed to creating an accessible, respectful, and welcoming workplace where people feel valued, supported, and able to contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.

We particularly welcome applications from Autistic individuals and people whose perspectives and experiences have been underrepresented in traditional workplaces.

We also recognize that recruitment processes don't always work equally well for everyone. If there are accommodations or adjustments that would help you participate comfortably and meaningfully at any stage, please let us know. We're happy to work with you.

We'd Love to Hear From You!

If you're a financial professional who enjoys working with people, strengthening systems, and contributing to work that matters, we'd be delighted to learn more about you.

Come bring your expertise, your ideas, and your unique perspective to Autism Nova Scotia. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more inclusive community.

Application Closing Date: November 12, 2026