Finance Specialist

About This Role

The Finance Specialist is responsible for the financial management of various programs and operations at the Canadian Red Cross. This includes analyzing, making recommendations, and providing guidance to ensure compliance with the organization's financial policies and procedures. The role plays a key part as an expert in decision-making by providing accurate and up-to-date financial analyses, ensuring that financial transactions are aligned with business objectives and enhance operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed financial analyses and forecasting, providing concrete information and recommendations to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making and improve the organization's financial performance
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial models, tools, and systems to support long-term budgeting, reporting, and financial planning activities
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting in accordance with Canadian accounting standards and the organization's internal policies and procedures
• Coordinate the preparation and review of financial reports, financial statements, and reconciliation, ensuring completeness and accuracy
• Coordinate and manage the annual budget cycle, providing advice and support to program managers and senior leadership in budget development, planning, and allocation
• Provide support to project managers in the financial management of programs by monitoring budgets, conducting variance analyses, identifying fraud risks, and monitoring overall project performance
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including auditors, financial institutions, and program partners to facilitate smooth financial operations and reporting
• Provide guidance and training to staff on financial policies, procedures, and tools to ensure all team members are proficient in sound financial practices and adhere to compliance requirements
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and systems, ensuring the continuous improvement of financial management processes, controls, and compliance
• Stay current on industry accounting standards, financial regulations, and best practices, and recommend changes to organizational policies and procedures, as needed, to maintain compliance and improve financial management

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field
• At least 5 years of job-related work experience
• Strong knowledge and understanding of accounting theory, practices, and policies
• Experience managing financial processes for complex projects or programs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with operational staff, senior leadership, and external parties