Vice President, Finance

WHO WE ARE 

BioTalent Canada is the HR partner for Canada’s biotechnology industry. Our success relies on the power of our relationships – our team has built a dynamic network of associations, academic institutions, service providers, and employers doing incredible, leading-edge work to drive the Canadian biotechnology economy forward. Our services help that network to strengthen skills, connect job-ready talent to industry, and enable employers to create thriving workforces that support their growth.

Recently named a Great Place to Work® and Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023, by Great Place to Work Canada, as well as being listed as a Best Workplace by HRD Canada for 2023, BioTalent Canada practices the same industry standards it recommends to stakeholders. These distinctions were awarded to BioTalent Canada following a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work®.

 

OUR VISION 

The Canadian bio-economy is people-focused, a career of choice and a key driver of the Canadian economy.

 

OUR MISSION 

We strengthen Canada’s bio-economy by providing valuable, evidence-based labour market information and the best job-ready human resources available.

 

OUR VALUES 

Acting in partnership we harness our candor, enthusiasm and sincerity to demonstrate leadership, credibility, integrity and diversity.

 

WHAT WE DO 

We conduct Labour Market Research to provide insights for our partners into workforce availability. We deliver wage subsidies and facilitate career placement opportunities to help employers reduce the risk of hiring and allow biotechnology workers access to unique opportunities in their field. We provide job search and candidate search tools to connect employers with talent, and we provide professional development opportunities for workers to develop the skills they need to support Canada’s bio-economy. We are connection-creators and relationship-builders, and we thrive on opening doors and creating opportunities for the groups we serve.

Our team is the key to our success. We have a dedicated group of high-performing employees who live our values and are driven to achieve great things, but we balance our commitment and hard work with our joie-de-vivre – we prize hilarious jokes, innovative approaches, diverse perspectives, and community-mindedness.

We take pride in the work environment at BioTalent Canada, and we offer a number of unique programs and benefits to employees to enrich their experience working here. In 2019, we enlisted an external consulting firm to conduct market research to determine the market competitiveness of our current programs and benefits. Out of that study, we learned that among Canadian Non-Profit and Small- to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), BioTalent Canada’s collective paid leave programs (including vacation, sick time, personal emergency leave, volunteer time off and statutory holidays) are above market.

 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Vice President, Finance is responsible for the finances of BioTalent Canada. Reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this role works in partnership with the Senior Management Team to ensure BioTalent Canada remains on solid, progressive and safe financial footing to ensure its sustainability and presence as a thought leader in the bioeconomy.  Working with the President & CEO, the Vice President (VP), Finance will oversee the operational and financial strategic direction of the organization.

To be successful in this role, the individual must provide strategic oversight of the accounting and finance functions, develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures, oversee external and internal audits, ensure detailed review all financial statements and management reports, establish and maintain relationships with financial institutions, external venders, and funders and oversee the financials of human resources functions of payroll and benefits management. In addition, the individual will oversee key operational support functions such as Enterprise Risk Management, internal and external Information Technology systems, and fulfilment of core contractual program obligations.

 

In this role you can expect to:

Financial Acumen

Understand the meaning and implications of key financial indicators; manages overall financial performance; uses financial analysis to evaluate strategic options and opportunities.

·       Identify key future developments likely to affect the financial demands of BioTalent Canada

·       Analyze patterns, trends, and benefits of alternatives before making decisions

·       Recognize and consider the implications of financial decisions

·       Communicate effectively the value of services provided by the team or vendors

Alignment

Support BioTalent Canada’s President & CEO by providing timely, direct, and critical insights on initiatives, emerging opportunities, and client behavior.

·       Scan the internal and external environment for potential risks and provides timely feedback to the President & CEO

·       Share professional judgment readily with other senior leaders including the President & CEO

·       Shift direction when dictated by strategic shifts at BioTalent Canada

·       Meet the information needs of the President & CEO

 

Strategic Accounting and Finance Management

Oversee financial planning activities and is responsible for BioTalent Canada’s accounting, financial reporting, financial systems and functions. Facilitates continuous improvement of all accounting aspects, including the completion of the month-end process, external audit coordination.

 

Reporting (Corporate and Government), including but not limited to:

·       Lead all areas of BioTalent Canada’s financial management and develop relevant strategies, policies and processes

·       Manage and coordinate all corporate fiscal and government compliance reporting, including annual financial statements, year-end accruals, audits, and quarterly financials

·       Maintain capital assets and technology registers

 

Enterprise Risk Management

Take responsibility for the Organization’s enterprise risk management (ERM) and third-party risk management (TPRM) which includes and is not limited to:

·       Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify, assess, monitor, and control all enterprise-level risks

·       Develop best-practice processes and methodologies to assess and manage risks consistently across the organization

·       Report risks and mitigations to the Senior Management Team in support of strategic decision-making and planning

·       Ensure that organizational risks are effectively mitigated through policies, procedures, training, initiatives and other controls

·       Manage TPRM through the entirety of the vendor lifecycle, financial, environmental, reputational, and cyber security risks

·       Perform Cyber Inherent risk and Due Diligence assessment for third-parties

 

Accounting Policies and Procedures

Oversee the critical finance function of the organization and manage a team that carry out the day to day activities summarized below.

 

General Accounting and Quality Control

• Review and post AP and general journal entries
• Maintain chart of accounts and G/L
• Monitor cash flow, treasury, inter-fund allocations
• Analyze process flows and internal controls, recommend improvements

 

Payroll & Benefits Administration

 

Capital Purchases – Furniture, Computers and Software

Review requirements and provide cost analysis: furniture, facility improvements, computers, and software, phone system hardware and software
Ensure proper recording and amortization in accordance with internal or funder policies and procedures

Facility Management

Lead the office space lease and future procurement of office space discussions
OTHER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate and develop financial strategies aligned with BioTalent Canada’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Objectives
• Oversee the operational implementation of the Corporate Strategic Plan in collaboration with the Senior Management team
• Attend Board and Board Committee meetings on request and wherever appropriate
• Plan and oversee strategically the management of all Finances associated with BioTalent Canada’s members, corporate partners, customers and the public
• Work collaboratively with project and development managers an to ensure financial strategies are appropriate to achieve project deliverables on time and on budget
• Provide technical guidance, coaching and oversight to any individuals with reporting lines to Finance
• Develop and architect the corporate digital, IT and cyber-security strategy in liaison with external subject matter experts
• Act as financial spokesperson upon request and develop and maintain relationships with the other national and regional associations and stakeholders where appropriate
• Oversee financial analytics providing evidence-based metrics on same and making recommendations to achieve project and corporate Mission Objectives
• Undertake other appropriate Senior Management level duties for BioTalent Canada as requested by the President and CEO

 

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Advanced written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information and messages with simplicity and clarity
• 5+ years senior leadership experience with the demonstrated ability to foster growth and development of engaged teams
• 10+ years Finance experience, preferably in the not-for-profit sector with a strong understanding of federal government programs, contribution agreements and treasury board guidelines
• Successful track record of development and implementing sound financial management systems, policies, teams and software
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and ability to successfully manage multi-functional and diverse portfolios
• Strong analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills
• High affinity for data and metrics to help design evidence-based solutions
• A commitment to and track-record of success in diverse and inclusive work environments
• Bachelor’s or Masters degree in accounting, business, or finance. A CPA designation is strongly preferred.

 

Preferred qualifications include:

• An affable leadership style that inspires both excellence and camaraderie
• Ability to function in both Canada’s official languages
• Knowledge of/experience in the biotechnology industry in Canada
• Project development experience

 

BioTalent Canada offers a competitive total rewards package. BioTalent Canada offers a hybrid work environment, with opportunities to regularly work from the Ottawa office. The expectations for this role would involve working from the office at minimum twice per week.

If you are interested in this position, please click the apply button and submit a cover letter and resume for consideration. The posting will remain open until the position has been successfully filled.

BioTalent Canada prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities.  Accommodations are available upon request for applications in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest in BioTalent Canada, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

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