Director of Finance
Are you ready to feel LIFTED and UNSTOPPABLE?
Elmwood School, a leading independent school dedicated to nurturing a love of learning in a joyful and adventurous culture, is seeking a visionary and strategic director of finance and administration to join our leadership team. If you are an experienced financial leader who thrives on empowering accountability and believes in the power of cultivating connections, we invite you to apply.
This is more than a finance role; it is a key leadership position responsible for guiding the operational and fiscal health of our school, ensuring our environment supports the highest aspirations for our students and staff.
This position comes at an exceptionally exciting time as Elmwood is currently determining the feasibility of building a major $11 million addition to the school, presenting a unique opportunity for strategic financial leadership in a major capital project.
Employment Opportunity
● Position: Director of Finance
● Position Type: Full-time - Leadership Team
● Location: Ottawa, Ontario
● Reporting to: Head of School
● Start Date: March 1, 2026, or earlier
● Application Deadline: January 9, 2026
Job Summary
The Director of Finance is a critical member of the Leadership Team, responsible for coordinating and managing all financial functions, payroll administration, and overseeing the facilities, food services (Bistro), and general administration operations and staff. You will provide strategic financial input and leadership on decision-making issues, acting as a steward of the school's resources and mission.
This role requires a leader with an open-minded and curious approach, capable of holding themselves and others to the highest standards of honesty and transparency.
Note on Transition: The successful candidate will benefit from a dedicated transition period, working closely with the current Director of Finance to ensure a comprehensive and smooth start to the role.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Duties
Strategic Financial Leadership:
● Lead, coach, and develop the finance team, ensuring a culture of excellence and accountability
● Provide strategic financial leadership on organizational decision-making
● Plan, organize, implement, direct, and evaluate the organization's fiscal function and performance
● Manage external relationships (bankers, auditors, insurance brokers) and coordinate a successful annual audit
● Provide crucial financial analysis and strategic guidance related to the potential $11 million school addition and future capital planning.
Accounting & Reporting:
● Oversee the monthly closing cycle, analyze operating results vs. budget, and adjust projections.
● Produce accurate and timely financial records for the Leadership Team and Board of Governors Finance Committee.
● Coordinate the annual budgeting process and manage internal controls and process improvement measures.
● Coordinate all statutory reporting (T4/T4A, HST, EHT, etc.), pension fund reporting, and charitable status reporting.
● Report to CAIS (Canadian Accreditation Of Independent Schools) on benchmarking standards.
Administration & Operations:
● Manage the semi-monthly payroll and administer the staff pension and benefits plans.
● Oversee the student billing and accounts payable functions, including reviewing/approving purchasing contracts.
● Lead and manage the Bistro Manager and specific administrative staff, overseeing the functions of Facilities, Food Services, and Administration.
● Review and support the development of school policies and procedures.
Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to our school values and possess:
● CPA (CGA, CMA, or CA) designation is required.
● Minimum 5 years of experience in a comparable senior position, with a budget of at least $10 million.
● Proven experience in payroll administration and staff management responsibilities.
● Experience with major capital project planning, financing, and execution is highly valued.
Key Skills – The Elmwood Leader
● Strategic & Collaborative: Ability to work as a key member of the Leadership Team, providing strategic thinking beyond just financial matters.
● Autonomous & Accountable: High ability to work autonomously while maintaining a high standard of commitment and transparency.
● Communicator & Diplomat: Superior communication and relationship skills, grounded in kindness and respect, to cultivate connections with staff, students, and the community.
● Analytical & Adaptable: Excellent analytical skills, detail-oriented, technically able, and open-minded with a willingness to research and quickly adapt/learn.
● Managerial Acumen: Proven ability to manage, supervise, coach, and develop staff.
How to Apply
Should your background and skills be a match for our needs, please send your cover letter, resume, and portfolio to: hr@elmwood.ca
Please ensure you include “Director of Finance” in the subject line.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. Please contact us if you require accommodation at any stage of the application process or would like more information on our accommodation policies.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
