Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior leader responsible for the financial stewardship, strategy, and sustainability of New Dawn’s diverse and growing portfolio of operations. The CFO ensures that financial systems, planning, and decision-making align with the organization’s mission, values, and long-term vision.

This role operates beyond traditional financial management, the CFO is a key partner in shaping and executing New Dawn’s strategic direction, supporting capital development projects, organizational financial sustainability and stewardship, and social enterprise growth, development, and acquisition. The CFO provides leadership across a diverse portfolio of social enterprises, charitable and non-profit activities, real estate holdings, and community development initiatives operating within a multi-entity structure.

The CFO brings clarity to complexity and proactively applies their expertise, accounting principles, and industry best practices to identify opportunities for improvement across the organization. They champion new systems, efficiencies, and controls, anticipate challenges before they arise, and recommend solutions that strengthen operations and support informed decision-making. Committed to building organizational capacity, they actively share financial knowledge and insights throughout the organization while helping to balance profitability with community transformation.

Primary Areas of Responsibility 

Organizational Financial Leadership; Strategic Financial Insight & Advising; Financial Processes, Systems & Organizational Integration; Compliance, Audit & Risk Management; Treasury, Cash Flow & Asset Management; Financial Reporting & Analysis 

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Financial Leadership

• Participate actively in senior leadership planning and discussions, offering a financial health and accountability lens to organizational stewardship, planning and decision-making
• Provide the CEO, Vice Presidents, and Board of Directors (when requested by CEO) with accurate, dependable, and timely financial information including reports, dashboards, and analyses
• Participate in organization-wide planning, policy development, and strategic initiatives
• Support a culture of transparency, shared understanding, and responsible financial management across departments 
• Communicate complex financial information in clear, plain language to leaders, staff, partners, and community stakeholders
• Provide direction, coaching, and oversight to the Finance department team, ensuring high-quality work and ongoing professional development
• Support a collaborative culture within the department and across the organization. Set clear expectations around accuracy, timeliness, and accountability in all financial processes within the department, and across the organization 
• Build financial team capacity through training, mentorship, and the development of financial expertise

Strategic Financial Insight & Advising

• Develop and lead the organization’s long-term financial strategy, ensuring alignment between mission objectives, operational priorities, capital investments, and financial sustainability
• Offer strategic financial insights, scenario planning, and forecasting that support organizational growth, stability, and long-term sustainability
• Advise on investments, capital planning, cash flow management, and risk mitigation 
• Monitor trends, emerging risks, and external economic factors that may influence New Dawn’s operations or opportunities

Financial Processes, Systems & Organizational Integration 

• Identify, evaluate, and implement new financial systems, processes, and technologies that improve efficiency, accuracy, data accessibility, and clarity
• Bring order and structure to a complex organization with multiple revenue streams, programs, and business lines 
• Develop tools, templates, and processes that help non-finance staff better understand budgets, financial goals, and reporting requirements 
• Strengthen internal controls, documentation practices, and financial workflows 
• Lead or support process improvement initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency and operational coherence 

Compliance, Audit & Risk Management 

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legal, and contractual financial obligations 
• Lead the annual audit and/or external review process, liaising with external auditors and ensuring timely completion 
• Oversee the direct preparation and submission of government reports, filings, and preparation of funding-related financial documents at the request of managers/staff 
• Ensure appropriate stewardship and risk mitigation processes, and financial safeguards are in place across the organization 

Treasury, Cash Flow & Asset Management 

• Manage cash flow planning and monitoring to ensure adequate liquidity for operations and strategic initiatives 
• Oversee banking relationships, investment strategies, and capital reserves 
• Support real estate and capital project planning, including financing and analysis of major investments 
• Ensure strong systems for managing receivables, payables, procurement, and payroll

Financial Reporting & Analysis 

• Oversee the production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for all divisions and business units and New Dawn Enterprises Consolidated 
• Ensure financial reports are complete, accurate, and aligned with relevant accounting standards 
• Support annual budgeting processes, monitor performance, and support departmental leaders in interpreting financial information 
• Prepare financial information and analysis for board reports, senior leadership analysis and decision making, funding applications, audits, and government filings

Other Duties & Responsibilities 

• Participate in team meetings and organizational activities as required
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of effective solutions
• Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and confidentiality in all interactions involving employees, clients, volunteers, and organizational information
• Demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all interactions, representing New Dawn in a manner consistent with its mission, vision, and values
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through ongoing learning, professional development, networking, and participation in relevant professional associations
• Foster positive workplace relationships through effective communication, mutual respect, collaboration, and reliable follow-through
• Champion and promote New Dawn’s mission, vision, and values both internally and externally

Core Competencies

• Servant leadership 
• Ethics and integrity  
• Client and community-focused 
• Initiative and problem solving     
• Accountability and dependability  
• Strong oral and written communication 
• Teamwork and collaboration      
• Detail orientation   
• Adaptability 
• Leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study (i.e. Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Commerce, Economics, etc.)
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation (exceptional candidates with equivalent senior financial leadership credentials and extensive experience may be considered)
• Minimum five (5) years progressive financial leadership experience, including experience in a senior finance leadership role responsible for organizational financial strategy, reporting, budgeting, and team leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading finance teams and implementing financial systems  
• Strong analytical, forecasting, and strategic planning skills 
• Demonstrated expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, audit preparation, and compliance 
• Exceptional communication skills, with an ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences
• Experience working with non-profit, social enterprise, or multi-unit corporate structures considered an asset
• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and sound problem-solving skills
• Experience working with and advocating for individuals and communities facing vulnerability and systemic barriers
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively as part of a team, and under direction when required
• Strong attention to detail, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with others toward shared goals
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to confidentiality
• Understanding of and working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered practice
• Alignment with New Dawn’s mission, values, and servant leadership philosophy

Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with employees, volunteers, management, participants, children, families, and members of the public
• Travel between worksites and within the community may be required
• Occasional overtime and evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational needs
• Work is performed in an office and community setting and may be busy or noisy at times
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a desktop computer, including the use of standard office equipment and peripherals

Compensation Package

At New Dawn Enterprises, we recognize that employee well-being is fundamental to individual success, organizational excellence, and thriving communities. In addition to competitive salaries, permanent salaried employees may be eligible for the following benefits and supports. Eligibility for specific benefits may vary based on employment status, position, and length of service. 

Group Health Employee Benefits

New Dawn offers eligible employees participation in group benefits which are provided by GroupHEALTH and include coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as insurance coverage including long-term disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment. New Dawn pays 50% of group benefit premiums. Long-term disability premiums are fully employee-paid, allowing any future disability benefits received to remain non-taxable. 

Extended Health & Well-Being   

GroupHEALTH offers integrated wellness services through Sparrow Health, including enhanced mental health support, seamless access to virtual healthcare, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Services include critical incident support, 24/7 crisis assistance, substance-use management, and other wellness resources. 

Retirement Savings Matching Program 
Eligible employees may choose to participate in New Dawn’s Self-Directed Retirement Savings Matching Program by contributing up to 5% of their gross salary toward a registered retirement savings plan, which is deducted from their pay cheque. New Dawn matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of gross salary. Eligible savings accounts include Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and eligible Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIFs).   

Flexible Work Arrangements
In recognition of the benefits of greater work-life balance and the value of flexibility and autonomy for human well-being, New Dawn makes every effort to offer flexible work schedules. Divisions across New Dawn are structured differently and may offer varying levels of flexibility while continuing to meet operational requirements. Depending on the role, flexible arrangements may include self-scheduling (regular schedule and/or time off coverage), flexible start and end times, remote work, and other accommodations.  

Reduced Hours Work Week 

Full-time salaried employees are eligible to participate in a 32-hour reduced-hours work week while maintaining full-time employment status and compensation. These hours can be worked over four 8-hour days, or five 6.5-hour days, with the chosen schedule identified at the beginning of employment and at the start of each year. 

Paid Vacation  

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 120 hours (equivalent to 15 days) of paid vacation annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual vacation hours prorated to their FTE status.   

Paid Mental & Physical Wellness Days  

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 56 hours (7 days) of paid mental and physical wellness leave annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual leave for mental and physical health prorated to their FTE status. These hours can be used to take time off work for physical and/or mental wellness/illness, and to attend appointments for the employee and/or their dependents.  

Paid Holidays  

New Dawn observes the following thirteen (13) public holidays annually, exceeding current statutory minimums. These include: New Year’s Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.  

Subject to operational requirements, New Dawn may provide eligible employees an additional paid office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day annually, allowing employees additional time with family and loved ones without using vacation entitlement.  

Rewards & Recognition  

New Dawn celebrates employee contributions through service awards, milestone recognition, and ongoing appreciation programs that acknowledge achievements and significant personal and professional milestones. 

Paid Required Education Renewals

When certifications, training, licenses, or credentials are required for a position, New Dawn covers renewal costs. Support for professional designations and licensing fees may also be provided based on role requirements and divisional budgets. 

Professional Development 

New Dawn is committed to supporting employees in developing their skills, expanding their knowledge, and pursuing lifelong learning opportunities. Development of new position-relevant skills and perspectives creates a stronger, more informed, and modern organization. Employees are encouraged to explore professional development opportunities in collaboration with their manager. 

Café Marie Discount 

Employees are entitled to a staff discount at Café Marie, located in the Eltuek Arts Centre.  

Corporate YMCA Membership Program

To support employee health and wellness, New Dawn offers a corporate membership in partnership with the Cape Breton YMCA. The corporate membership provides staff with a 12% discount on the cost of individual membership, and New Dawn covers 50% of the discounted individual membership cost.