Senior Director, Finance | Directeur principal ou directrice principale, Finances

Senior Director, Finance

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Term: Full-time, indeterminate

Vacancy status: This job posting is for an existing vacancy

Work location: National Capital Region, hybrid (in the office 3-4 days per week)

Overview

Since 1992, Tree Canada has worked relentlessly to grow Canada’s tree canopy through our greening programs, research, and engagement efforts. We are the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. Our track record of collaborating with all levels of government, the urban forestry sector, business partners, and community groups uniquely positions us to engage Canadians in the fight against climate change. Together we plant millions of trees each year, helping to grow resilient ecosystems and healthier, greener communities across Canada.

If you believe in the benefits of trees and are looking for a dynamic workplace that is poised for growth, Tree Canada would love to hear from you!

Position summary

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role contributes to organizational strategy and is accountable for translating strategic priorities into functional direction, performance, and long-term impact. The Senior Director, Finance is accountable for shaping and advancing Tree Canada’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities while supporting sustainable growth, financial stability, and long-term impact. The role oversees financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance, ensuring the organization meets all regulatory and funder requirements. The Senior Director leads and develops a multi-level team, strengthens organizational capability, and cultivates high-impact relationships with financial partners, auditors, and stakeholders to support Tree Canada’s financial health and long-term sustainability.

Key responsibilities and duties

Leadership and Organizational Alignment

• Leads and develops a multi-level finance team, ensuring strong capability, alignment, and succession.
• Aligns financial strategy and priorities with organizational goals, program plans, and revenue strategies.
• Works cross-functionally with senior leaders to integrate financial planning with program delivery, revenue generation, and operational priorities.
• Strengthens a culture of accountability, financial discipline, and informed decision-making across the organization.
• Acts as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Accountable for financial reporting to the Board of Directors and its Finance Committee. Prepares financial reporting packages and presents financial results, forecasts, and risks.
• Contributes to enterprise decision-making by providing insight on financial sustainability, resource allocation, and organizational performance.

Finance Strategy and Growth

• Accountable for the development and execution of Tree Canada’s financial strategy.
• Develops and advances multi-year financial plans aligned with organizational priorities and growth objectives.
• Ensures effective financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
• Leads the management of cash flow, investment of reserves/surplus funds, and banking relationships.
• Aligns financial resources, systems, and processes to support organizational growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
• Identifies and advances opportunities to strengthen financial performance, cost effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
• Positions Tree Canada with strong financial practices that support credibility with funders, partners, and stakeholders.

Partnerships and Innovation

• Builds and sustains strategic relationships with auditors, financial institutions, funders, and external advisors.
• Positions Tree Canada as a credible and trusted organization through strong financial stewardship and transparency.
• Identifies and advances opportunities to strengthen financial sustainability through improved funding models, revenue diversification strategies, reporting, and financial practices.
• Shapes the oversight of financial systems and financial data integrity.
• Leads the development of financial approaches and tools that support multi-year planning and organizational decision-making.
• Anticipates emerging trends in financial management, compliance, and reporting to inform strategy and organizational positioning.
• Champions innovation in financial systems, reporting, and data use to strengthen insight, efficiency, and impact.

Other related duties as assigned.

Education, skills and experience

• Post-secondary education in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• Professional accounting designation (CPA) is required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum 12–15 years of relevant experience, including significant experience in senior financial leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading financial strategy, planning, reporting, and compliance in complex organizations.
• Experience working with Boards, Finance Committees, and external auditors.
• Experience in a not-for-profit or mission-driven environment is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead organizational financial strategies aligned with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability.
• Proven experience leading and developing multi-level teams, with a focus on capability building and succession.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across functions, aligning financial strategy with program delivery and organizational priorities.
• Significant experience managing financial operations, reporting, and compliance in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Deep understanding of financial management, risk, governance, and regulatory requirements in a not-for-profit or mission-driven context.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making capability in complex, dynamic, and evolving environments.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and present financial insights to diverse stakeholders.
• Respect for the values and differences that all members of a small team bring to an office environment; adaptable to different approaches and flexible to move in new directions.
• Commitment to the work and values of Tree Canada, in particular a passion for the environment and a belief that organizations and individuals can and do improve lives by planting trees and addressing climate change.

What we offer

• Annual salary: $120,000 - $135,000
• 37.5 hours per week
• 4 weeks of vacation
• 15 sick days
• Personal days
• 100% employer-paid benefits (employees must contribute to the cost of long-term disability coverage)
• RRSP program with employer contributions
• Training and development opportunities throughout the year

Diversity and inclusion at Tree Canada

Tree Canada is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates to self-identify as members of equity deserving groups such as, but not limited to, members of racialized communities, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and/or people with disabilities.

We are committed to reducing barriers in the workplace. Please let us know if you require any accommodation at any stage of the application process.

You don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at Tree Canada!

Statement on artificial intelligence

Tree Canada is committed to a fair and equitable hiring practice that considers each candidate’s unique individual qualifications and experience. As part of our recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence tools to support or assist the review of applications. These tools may help us identify candidates whose qualifications best match job requirements.

How to apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking Apply. This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.