Chief Financial Officer

The Role : Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The CFO reports directly to the President and CEO of Banff Centre and is part of the Management Leadership Team, who meet frequently with the Senior Leadership Team (together referred to as the TLG) actively contributing to the overall strategic direction for the organization to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive growth, net earned contribution, and operational efficiency.

Reporting to the CEO, the CFO is responsible for a Finance Services Team of approximately 10 hybrid / remote professionals.

The role is evolving and could expand to include other groups depending on the background and experience of the successful candidate.

The successful candidate will engage with, mentor, and integrate all levels of staff to always function as a high performing team, maintain open communication, set clear objectives and priorities, and cultivate a positive and supportive organizational culture.

The CFO and the Finance Services Team holds overall accountability for financial planning, control, coordination, and management at Banff Centre.

Collaborating extensively across the organization, key responsibilities include budget development to ensure an annual balanced budget and a three-year planning horizon, as well as collaborating with the TLG on monthly forecasting and remedial actions to ensure fiscal stability.

The CFO provides regular financial information, financial results, capital planning, and updates to the Board and Committees, through the President, and attends the Board meetings where they present financial statements, summary reports, and forecasts.

Specifically, they ensure that the President & CEO, the Board, and the TLG are fully informed about the financial implications of major operational and capital plans, facilitating informed decision-making.

The CFO is responsible for establishing and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures regarding federal sales tax, federal and provincial income tax, municipal property taxes, and user fees.

Given the unique taxation and operational status of the Centre, this may involve negotiating with various levels of government to preserve the Centre's special status and equitable taxation burden.

The CFO and the Financial Services Team ensures the quality & timeliness of financial reporting, the identification of risks, and financial sustainability of Banff Centre’s annual operating, capital, and investments.

They ensure the TLG and Directors involved understand the budgeting process, systems, and are operating within the budget allocations.

They develop and maintain close and effective relationships with government officials, auditors, legal advisors, financial institutions, and other consultants to the Centre.

The CFO will take an active role to lead the implementation and optimization of a new ERP system to streamline financial processes, improve data accuracy, and enhance reporting capabilities.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

The successful applicant will demonstrate the following competencies and skills :

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field and a designation as a CPA. An MBA or other ongoing professional development would be considered an asset.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance leadership roles, with at least 5 years in a senior management capacity.

Experience within the public sector could be an asset.

• Strong understanding of financial principles, practices, and regulations, with proven expertise in financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with ERP systems, with a track record of successful implementation and optimization.

Personal Characteristics

Leadership : Proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Ability to inspire collaborative teamwork that creates trust, builds confidence, and develops high performing and engaged employees.

Experience in managing change, driving innovation, and optimizing processes. Knowledge of relevant industry trends, regulations, and best practices.

Adaptability and resilience to navigate through dynamic business environments.

Strategic : Ability to participate with the leadership team actively contributing to the strategic direction of the organization.

Demonstrated ability of providing strategic insight and guidance to other business leaders around functional business plans, initiatives, budgets, and performance expectations.

Excellent analytical skills and strategic thinking abilities, with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights and recommendations.

Communication : Exceptional communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Possess exceptional administrative, interpersonal, and public presentation capabilities that convey the importance and outcomes of a leading post-secondary arts and leadership organization.

Relationships : A proven track record of developing strong relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization.

You have a reputation as someone with a high level of personal integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct, with a commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial governance and compliance.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion : A demonstrable personal and professional commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access is expected, as well as a deep understanding of the impacts of Truth and Reconciliation.

Express Your Enthusiasm

Banff Centre offers a comprehensive compensation package with a competitive and equitable salary, plus transitional housing, professional development opportunities, employee cafeteria plan, and subsidized fitness membership, among other benefits.

In addition to the Government of Alberta Health Plan, Banff Centre offers extended health and dental insurance, life insurance, vacation time, and participation in a retirement plan.

The quality of life in Banff and surrounding communities is simply extraordinary.

Email a cover letter and tailored resume (PDF or Word document only) to Allan Nelson or Heather Fookes at indicating the job title in the subject line of the email.