The YMCA’s Mission is to create life-enhancing opportunities for the growth and development of all people in spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is committed to the values of respect, honesty, caring, responsibility, diversity and social inclusion.

The YMCA of Northern Alberta has extensive experience and operates facilities in partnerships with municipalities across Central and Northern Alberta. They employ over 1,100 staff, 350 volunteers and provide programs and services to over 120,000 individuals.

The Role

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) reporting to the CEO, this position manages the YMCA’s resources and coordinates the development of financial strategies in support of overall business objectives. The CFO participates in the development of long-term strategy for the entire organization and the financial management activities required to sustain that strategy. The CFO is a key partner and leader to the Board of Directors and Audit and Finance Committee. The CFO is also a partner to the CEO and leader for the organization, with both strategic and operational focuses.

The Candidate

• A university degree combined with an accounting designation (a graduate degree in business, finance or accounting would be considered an asset).
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Designation.
• Significant experience in analyzing operational results from a financial perspective to develop strategies leading to improvements in process, efficiency and financial results.
• Possess a genuine passion and commitment to making a positive contribution to your community and bettering people’s’ lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a Finance and Accounting team of eight individuals. 
• Leverage data and business intelligence to identify efficiencies as well as establish direction for operational priorities.
• Optimize external resources (partners, data, reports and insights) to help provide direction to the YMCA.
• Lead long-term development planning, investment strategies and policy development that helps ensure the health and sustainability of the organization including, but not limited to bank and debt financing, financial investments, etc.
• Lead and build capacity in the finance and accounting group as well as develop financial acumen/literacy amongst the organization’s leaders. Provide direction, templates and training for planning and reporting for leaders across the YMCA.
• The CFO’s office holds stewardship responsibilities for oversight and reporting activities for contracts and overall compliance (CRA, legislative and otherwise), with an emphasis on coordinating internal reporting functions and requirements as well as meeting all external funder reporting requirements. 

Personal Characteristics

Vision, Planning and Drive

You have a compelling organizational vision that reflects the complexities and challenges of an ever-changing landscape. You have the drive, knowledge and dedication to shape, prepare and lead an organization into the future.

You have a keen ability to understand, plan and adapt to change. Challenges invigorate you and you would thrive in being part of a growing, agile organization.

Communication

You enjoy leading robust, critical, and respectful discussions. You present your message to a variety of audiences in a rapidly evolving digital and social media environment. You write clearly and persuasively and can inspire people with your vision.

You cultivate and encourage honesty and transparency when interacting with staff, colleagues and stakeholders including (but not limited to) government representatives, the Board, community members and fellow cause-oriented organizations.

Leadership

You are a self-confident strategic leader, able to hold your colleagues accountable and motivate staff with vision and innovative thinking. You build and foster successful relationships and you enjoy managing differing perspectives and opinions. You support and mentor staff and teams to create and foster a healthy work environment.

You lead change in a “challenge-positive” way by developing trusting and meaningful relationships with partners inside and outside the Y.

Technologically Advanced

You have strong knowledge of integrated financial and operational management systems and digital transformation.

Work Ethic and Style

You lead by example through your commitment to hard work and accountability and a commitment to sustainable work-life balance.

Decision Making and Problem Solving

You are grounded, have common sense and are a practical data-informed decision-maker. You are a systems thinker and glean meaning from whatever information is available, add personal wisdom and experience to come to the best conclusion and solution.

We understand and appreciate our clients’ ever-increasing desire for candidates to reflect the communities in which they work and live. The Vogel Group is committed to inclusivity and diversity was we search for outstanding leadership talent for our clients.

We encourage candidates of all ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, physical challenges, sexual orientations, and identifications to feel confident in exploring and declaring candidacy for any of our search assignments.

For a full profile or to apply, please contact:

Rick Vogel, ICD.D.

Founding Principal                       

780.665.4965 ext. 101                  rick@thevogelgroup.ca

The Vogel Group is a leadership search firm with offices in Alberta and Ontario conducting national searches for a wide range of clients. We work with like-minded organizations that value a partnership based on integrity, authenticity and an unwavering commitment to excellence