About the role
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
ABOUT SAFEHAVEN For over 35 years, the Safehaven Project for Community Living, a registered Canadian charity, has provided residential, respite, and community-based supports to people with complex developmental and medical needs. We deliver programs across our Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, Woodbridge, and Aurora facilities, as well as in client homes. We are funded by provincial Ministry funding, donor philanthropy, and earned program revenue, and accountable to residents and families, funders, regulators, and our communities.
OUR FUTURE Safehaven is entering a multi-year period of growth and modernization — expanding capacity, completing major capital projects, implementing a new ERP platform, and rebuilding finance around a hybrid in-house and outsourced model. The Director, Finance is central to delivering the financial discipline, reporting integrity, and insight this future requires. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Director, Finance is Safehaven's senior in-house finance leader, owning the integrity of financial operations, external reporting, and forward-looking planning, and leading FP&A across the in-house and outsourced finance function. The Director also modernizes finance through automation, modern analytical tools, and emerging technologies to deliver insight at the speed Safehaven's growth requires.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP The Director reports to the CEO, with the Fractional CFO as strategic advisor. The Director supervises the Senior Financial Analyst, owns the outsourced accounting engagement, sits on the Senior Leadership Team, and is staff lead to the Board's Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE In the first twelve months, success in this role means: Ministry and funder reporting is accurate, on time, and free of material findings; the audit is delivered on schedule with a clean opinion. The outsourced accounting relationship meets service levels, with clear ownership of close, AP, AR, payroll, and statutory filings and a working escalation path back to Safehaven. A credible, board-approved annual budget is in place, backed by program-level forecasts, monthly variance reporting, and a rolling cash forecast the Board trusts. Finance is a constructive partner to program, capital, and philanthropy leaders, supplying the analysis for sound decisions, including ERP and capital project oversight. Automation and modern analytical tools are embedded in recurring finance workflows — external reporting, forecasting, and management reporting — measurably reducing manual effort.
OWNERSHIP & ACCOUNTABILITIES The Director is accountable for the areas below; where work runs through the outsourced engagement, the Director owns its quality and the integrity of the information feeding Safehaven's reporting.
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FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP & OUTSOURCED PARTNER MANAGEMENT The Director owns the outsourced accounting relationship and the integrity of the combined function's financial output. Own the day-to-day outsourced accounting relationship — service levels, scope, change requests, and issue escalation. Review and approve key provider deliverables — monthly close, reconciliations, statutory filings, and audit working papers — before reporting relies on them. Ensure month-end close, AP, AR, payroll, and statutory filings (provider-delivered) are accurate, on time, and compliant. Maintain and enforce internal financial controls — delegation of authority, segregation of duties, and approval workflows. Serve as staff lead to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee — preparing materials, attending meetings, and following through on direction. Drive modernization of the finance operating model — automation, analytical tools, and emerging technologies.
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EXTERNAL FUNDER & REGULATORY REPORTING Accountable for accurate, timely external reporting to Ministry funders, regulators, and other stakeholders. Own the external reporting calendar and ensure all Ministry, funder, and regulatory submissions are filed accurately and on time. Review and approve external funder reports (MOH, MCCSS, and other Ministry submissions) prepared by the SFA before submission. Coordinate with the provider on statutory filings (T3010, HST, TPAR) and confirm they are accurate and supported by underlying records. Serve as primary contact for external auditors, working with the provider on audit working papers and leading the response to queries and findings. Maintain audit-ready documentation for all external reporting — allocation methodologies, supporting schedules, and approvals.
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FINANCIAL PLANNING & ANALYSIS The Director leads FP&A, giving leadership and the Board the forward-looking insight to operate and grow. Lead annual budgeting — consolidated, program-level, capital, and cash plans — and present recommendations to the CEO and Board. Own the rolling forecast (operating, capital, cash) and keep leadership's view of expected performance current and credible. Maintain monthly variance reporting for management and the FAR Committee, with commentary on drivers, risks, and actions. Lead financial modelling and scenario analysis for major decisions — new programs, service expansion, capital projects, campaigns, and funding negotiations. Partner with program, operational, and philanthropy leaders to turn plans into financial plans, and own the analysis behind leadership decisions. Improve FP&A reporting using automation, analytical tools, and AI to lift quality and timeliness.
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CAPITAL PROJECTS & ERP IMPLEMENTATION Leadership shapes the ERP decision framework at the outset; the Director leads implementation and owns its delivery and integration into the finance operating model. Provide financial oversight of capital projects — budgets, funding sources, cash flow, draws, and reporting to funders and the Board. Lead the ERP finance workstream — chart of accounts design, process redesign, controls, configuration, testing, cutover. Serve as accountable lead for ERP delivery — vendor management, project plan, budget, risks, and go/no-go decisions — escalating to the CEO and Finance, Audit & Risk Committee as needed. Use the ERP as the foundation for an automated, data-driven finance function — workflow automation, integrated reporting, analytics, and ongoing AI adoption.
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PHILANTHROPY & DONOR STEWARDSHIP FINANCE Philanthropy is modest today but is expected to become a key dependency. The CEO and Fractional CFO set its strategy; the Director leads operationally, building the infrastructure, policies, and reporting to scale it with Ministry-level discipline. Operationalize the philanthropy financial strategy — pledge accounting, recognition, gift acceptance, and campaign planning. Ensure donor and restricted-fund accounting (provider-performed) is accurate, segregated, and supports timely stewardship reporting. Approve donor-facing financial reports and impact statements. Provide financial oversight of major gift, campaign, and grant-funded initiatives, including budget-vs-actual reporting to donors and funders. Build the financial infrastructure for a growing philanthropy function — restricted-fund tracking, campaign reporting, and processes that scale with donor activity.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED CPA designation in good standing. Minimum 8 years of progressive finance experience, much in the not-for-profit sector (ideally healthcare or social services), including 3+ years in senior finance leadership covering budgeting, external reporting, and audit. Experience leading a finance function combining in-house staff with outsourced or shared-service accounting providers. Experience supporting external financial audits, including owning the audit relationship and resolving findings. Strong knowledge of Canadian not-for-profit accounting standards (ASNPO) and charity reporting, including T3010 and HST. Experience with ADP or a comparable cloud-based payroll system. Proficiency in QuickBooks or a comparable accounting system. Ability to present financial information clearly to senior executives, Boards, and non-financial stakeholders. People-management experience, including coaching and developing analytical staff. PREFERRED Experience with MOH or MCCSS funder reporting. ERP implementation experience on the finance side — chart of accounts, process redesign, configuration, testing, or cutover. Experience supporting capital projects — budgeting, funder draws, and reporting. Exposure to philanthropy or fundraising finance — restricted-fund accounting and donor or campaign reporting. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Mission-driven, with genuine commitment to the people and communities Safehaven serves. Strong professional judgment in financial integrity, controls, and disclosure. Confident, constructive operator able to hold an outsourced partner and internal stakeholders to account without straining the relationship. Clear, direct communicator — in writing, in meetings, and before the Board. WORKING CONDITIONS Full-time, permanent, Toronto-based, with a hybrid arrangement and regular on-site presence at Safehaven locations. Occasional travel between Safehaven sites and to funder, donor, and partner meetings. Periodic extended hours during year-end audit, budget, Board reporting, and ERP cycles.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ACCOMMODATION
Safehaven is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce reflecting the communities we serve and an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and persons from any cultural or religious background.
Safehaven provides accommodation throughout recruitment, selection, and employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you require accommodation at any stage, please let us know.
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About the role
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
ABOUT SAFEHAVEN For over 35 years, the Safehaven Project for Community Living, a registered Canadian charity, has provided residential, respite, and community-based supports to people with complex developmental and medical needs. We deliver programs across our Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, Woodbridge, and Aurora facilities, as well as in client homes. We are funded by provincial Ministry funding, donor philanthropy, and earned program revenue, and accountable to residents and families, funders, regulators, and our communities.
OUR FUTURE Safehaven is entering a multi-year period of growth and modernization — expanding capacity, completing major capital projects, implementing a new ERP platform, and rebuilding finance around a hybrid in-house and outsourced model. The Director, Finance is central to delivering the financial discipline, reporting integrity, and insight this future requires. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Director, Finance is Safehaven's senior in-house finance leader, owning the integrity of financial operations, external reporting, and forward-looking planning, and leading FP&A across the in-house and outsourced finance function. The Director also modernizes finance through automation, modern analytical tools, and emerging technologies to deliver insight at the speed Safehaven's growth requires.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP The Director reports to the CEO, with the Fractional CFO as strategic advisor. The Director supervises the Senior Financial Analyst, owns the outsourced accounting engagement, sits on the Senior Leadership Team, and is staff lead to the Board's Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE In the first twelve months, success in this role means: Ministry and funder reporting is accurate, on time, and free of material findings; the audit is delivered on schedule with a clean opinion. The outsourced accounting relationship meets service levels, with clear ownership of close, AP, AR, payroll, and statutory filings and a working escalation path back to Safehaven. A credible, board-approved annual budget is in place, backed by program-level forecasts, monthly variance reporting, and a rolling cash forecast the Board trusts. Finance is a constructive partner to program, capital, and philanthropy leaders, supplying the analysis for sound decisions, including ERP and capital project oversight. Automation and modern analytical tools are embedded in recurring finance workflows — external reporting, forecasting, and management reporting — measurably reducing manual effort.
OWNERSHIP & ACCOUNTABILITIES The Director is accountable for the areas below; where work runs through the outsourced engagement, the Director owns its quality and the integrity of the information feeding Safehaven's reporting.
-
FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP & OUTSOURCED PARTNER MANAGEMENT The Director owns the outsourced accounting relationship and the integrity of the combined function's financial output. Own the day-to-day outsourced accounting relationship — service levels, scope, change requests, and issue escalation. Review and approve key provider deliverables — monthly close, reconciliations, statutory filings, and audit working papers — before reporting relies on them. Ensure month-end close, AP, AR, payroll, and statutory filings (provider-delivered) are accurate, on time, and compliant. Maintain and enforce internal financial controls — delegation of authority, segregation of duties, and approval workflows. Serve as staff lead to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee — preparing materials, attending meetings, and following through on direction. Drive modernization of the finance operating model — automation, analytical tools, and emerging technologies.
-
EXTERNAL FUNDER & REGULATORY REPORTING Accountable for accurate, timely external reporting to Ministry funders, regulators, and other stakeholders. Own the external reporting calendar and ensure all Ministry, funder, and regulatory submissions are filed accurately and on time. Review and approve external funder reports (MOH, MCCSS, and other Ministry submissions) prepared by the SFA before submission. Coordinate with the provider on statutory filings (T3010, HST, TPAR) and confirm they are accurate and supported by underlying records. Serve as primary contact for external auditors, working with the provider on audit working papers and leading the response to queries and findings. Maintain audit-ready documentation for all external reporting — allocation methodologies, supporting schedules, and approvals.
-
FINANCIAL PLANNING & ANALYSIS The Director leads FP&A, giving leadership and the Board the forward-looking insight to operate and grow. Lead annual budgeting — consolidated, program-level, capital, and cash plans — and present recommendations to the CEO and Board. Own the rolling forecast (operating, capital, cash) and keep leadership's view of expected performance current and credible. Maintain monthly variance reporting for management and the FAR Committee, with commentary on drivers, risks, and actions. Lead financial modelling and scenario analysis for major decisions — new programs, service expansion, capital projects, campaigns, and funding negotiations. Partner with program, operational, and philanthropy leaders to turn plans into financial plans, and own the analysis behind leadership decisions. Improve FP&A reporting using automation, analytical tools, and AI to lift quality and timeliness.
-
CAPITAL PROJECTS & ERP IMPLEMENTATION Leadership shapes the ERP decision framework at the outset; the Director leads implementation and owns its delivery and integration into the finance operating model. Provide financial oversight of capital projects — budgets, funding sources, cash flow, draws, and reporting to funders and the Board. Lead the ERP finance workstream — chart of accounts design, process redesign, controls, configuration, testing, cutover. Serve as accountable lead for ERP delivery — vendor management, project plan, budget, risks, and go/no-go decisions — escalating to the CEO and Finance, Audit & Risk Committee as needed. Use the ERP as the foundation for an automated, data-driven finance function — workflow automation, integrated reporting, analytics, and ongoing AI adoption.
-
PHILANTHROPY & DONOR STEWARDSHIP FINANCE Philanthropy is modest today but is expected to become a key dependency. The CEO and Fractional CFO set its strategy; the Director leads operationally, building the infrastructure, policies, and reporting to scale it with Ministry-level discipline. Operationalize the philanthropy financial strategy — pledge accounting, recognition, gift acceptance, and campaign planning. Ensure donor and restricted-fund accounting (provider-performed) is accurate, segregated, and supports timely stewardship reporting. Approve donor-facing financial reports and impact statements. Provide financial oversight of major gift, campaign, and grant-funded initiatives, including budget-vs-actual reporting to donors and funders. Build the financial infrastructure for a growing philanthropy function — restricted-fund tracking, campaign reporting, and processes that scale with donor activity.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED CPA designation in good standing. Minimum 8 years of progressive finance experience, much in the not-for-profit sector (ideally healthcare or social services), including 3+ years in senior finance leadership covering budgeting, external reporting, and audit. Experience leading a finance function combining in-house staff with outsourced or shared-service accounting providers. Experience supporting external financial audits, including owning the audit relationship and resolving findings. Strong knowledge of Canadian not-for-profit accounting standards (ASNPO) and charity reporting, including T3010 and HST. Experience with ADP or a comparable cloud-based payroll system. Proficiency in QuickBooks or a comparable accounting system. Ability to present financial information clearly to senior executives, Boards, and non-financial stakeholders. People-management experience, including coaching and developing analytical staff. PREFERRED Experience with MOH or MCCSS funder reporting. ERP implementation experience on the finance side — chart of accounts, process redesign, configuration, testing, or cutover. Experience supporting capital projects — budgeting, funder draws, and reporting. Exposure to philanthropy or fundraising finance — restricted-fund accounting and donor or campaign reporting. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Mission-driven, with genuine commitment to the people and communities Safehaven serves. Strong professional judgment in financial integrity, controls, and disclosure. Confident, constructive operator able to hold an outsourced partner and internal stakeholders to account without straining the relationship. Clear, direct communicator — in writing, in meetings, and before the Board. WORKING CONDITIONS Full-time, permanent, Toronto-based, with a hybrid arrangement and regular on-site presence at Safehaven locations. Occasional travel between Safehaven sites and to funder, donor, and partner meetings. Periodic extended hours during year-end audit, budget, Board reporting, and ERP cycles.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ACCOMMODATION
Safehaven is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce reflecting the communities we serve and an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and persons from any cultural or religious background.
Safehaven provides accommodation throughout recruitment, selection, and employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you require accommodation at any stage, please let us know.