Head of Finance & Administration

About this position

The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s industry association for responsible investment (RI). The RIA aims to drive the growth and development of RI in Canada, with a vision to align capital with sustainable and inclusive development as codified in the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our members include asset managers, asset owners, advisors, and service providers who support these objectives.

Please note that our staff are working from home through the end of 2021. When staff return to the office sometime in 2022, work will take place in a “hybrid” format. Staff will work from home on some days, and at the office on others to facilitate collaboration and teambuilding. Our office is located at 111 Peter Street in downtown Toronto.


We strongly encourage bilingual (English and French) candidates to apply.

Position Overview
As Head of Finance & Administration, you will join a small a team of 10 staff members working to promote responsible investment in Canada. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Operations and Membership Teams, you will be accountable for the financial management of the association, and you will provide administrative leadership as we build and optimize the organization’s financial and administrative processes. Your work will include oversight of full-cycle accounting, financial statement preparation, annual audit participation, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. You will oversee one direct report, and collectively you and your direct report will be the Finance Team. You will work closely with the RIA’s Treasurer and Finance and Audit Committee (F&AC), participating in Board and Committee meetings and contributing to finance policy development.

Key Accountabilities
You will be accountable for the following duties with support from one direct report, who you will hire and train.

Financial Management

• Manage the Finance Team towards successful execution of full cycle accounting including management of accounts payable, invoicing & accounts receivable, payroll, statutory remittances, reconciling bank accounts and financial reporting.
• Responsible for all government remittances and other tax filings (payroll, G/HST, QST, WSIB) on a timely and accurate basis.
• Support the Membership Team with the membership renewal process, including invoicing and member renewal tracking.
• Support the Operations Team with any financial requirements necessary for successfully delivering the RIA’s programs and events.
• Prepare monthly financial statements for review with the CEO. This includes reporting and analyzing budget variances and working closely with the CEO to regularly update the year-end forecast.
• Closely manage and report on cash flow.
• Prepare quarterly financial statements for F&AC and Board meetings; attend all Board and F&AC meetings, as well as other board committee meetings as needed to make presentations and respond to questions.
• Work with the CEO and F&AC in preparing the annual operating budget.
• Prepare year-end working papers for our external auditor, KPMG. This includes preparation of all financial statements and related notes, and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and best practices for non-profit organizations.
• Maintain and continuously improve efficiency of finance and accounting procedures, ensuring that relevant policies are followed, and controls are effective.

• Oversee key administrative projects such as process optimization, policy development and implementation.
• Manage the RIA’s payroll via Ceridian, our third-party payroll service provider.
• Ensure the reconciliation of payroll accounts and Ceridian year-end reporting; issue T4s prepared by Ceridian.
• Process contract payments to RIA’s associates / sub-contractors.
• Administer the RIA’s benefit, pension and wellness plan; handle new employee enrolment and staffing / salary updates.
• Oversee the tracking of RIA staff vacation, sick days, and other absences.

• CPA designation and a university degree.
• Minimum 7 years of increasingly progressive experience in accounting and finance role(s), preferably in the non-profit sector or the investment industry.
• Minimum 3 years of experience overseeing direct report(s) with responsibility for hiring, training, coaching, and management.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Canadian accounting standards for non-profit organizations (“ASNPO”) and regulations governing non-profit accounting.
• Proficient in QuickBooks accounting software (or skills to transfer from QuickBooks over to another accounting program).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word programs. The RIA also uses Google Drive, Salesforce, Dropbox, and Slack, so familiarity with these programs would be an asset.
• Bilingualism (French and English) would be a valuable asset.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Meticulous attention to detail in all areas of work.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Due to the nature of this position, the successful candidate will be required to pass a mandatory background check.

• You welcome the challenge of building and implementing systems, policies, and protocols to strengthen and optimize internal processes.
• You are a resilient and collaborative leader who inspires excellence and performs well at strategic and tactical levels.
• You foster a learning culture with a propensity to share knowledge and provide mentorship as well as take the initiative to work independently to exceed expectations with minimal supervision.
• You are a problem solver who is adaptable, resourceful, and entrepreneurial.
• You have the ability to interpret financial statements in relation to actual business operations and decision-making.
• You have a deep respect for compliance, process and deadlines.
• You are all about accuracy and attention to detail!
• You are passionate about societal issues such as sustainable development, human rights, diversity, and good corporate governance.

• Competitive salary for a non-profit organization.
• Health and dental benefits after completing three-month probationary period.
• 6% RRSP contributions after one year of employment.
• $1,000 annual credit for professional development activities.
• $1,000 annual credit for wellness expenses.
• Full coverage of annual CPA dues.
• Three weeks of paid vacation (FTE), plus the RIA winter office closure between December 24th and January 1st, for a total of four weeks of paid time off.
• When it is safe to return to the office, you will work in a bright, modern office space in downtown Toronto with sit-stand desks and nearby access to public transit.
• Be part of a small team of professionals who are helping to create positive societal change in the investment industry!

About us

The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s industry association for responsible investment (RI). The RIA aims to drive the growth and development of RI in Canada, with a vision to align capital with sustainable and inclusive development as codified in the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our members include asset managers, asset owners, advisors, and service providers who support these objectives.

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