Become a changemaker with Islamic Relief Canada! Join our team and work towards our mission to mobilize Canadians to transform more lives around the world in the most trusted manner.
Reporting to: The Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for: Head of Finance, Head of IT and Head of Operations (includes people & culture and operations)
A. Background Information
Islamic Relief Canada (IRC) is a leading registered charity dedicated to alleviating poverty and suffering in over 40 countries worldwide. Established in 2006 as part of the global Islamic Relief family, IRC supports emergency relief, sustainable development, and advocacy initiatives that empower vulnerable communities. With headquarters in Burlington, Ontario, and a strong network of volunteers across Canada, IRC works to inspire generosity and mobilize resources to address urgent humanitarian needs. Guided by Islamic values of compassion, justice, and social responsibility, IRC partners with local and international organizations to deliver impactful programs and advocate for lasting change.
B. Job Purpose
The CFO role is a strategic and pivotal position at IRC, entrusted with ensuring the smooth and effective running of the organization. The post holder oversees a diverse portfolio of functions which, while independent in nature, are deeply interconnected and collectively vital to driving organizational growth, operational excellence, and efficiency. By providing cohesive leadership across these portfolios, the CFO ensures that IRC continues to achieve its mission with impact, accountability, and sustainability.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer serves as an essential member of Islamic Relief Canada’s senior leadership team (SLT). The post holder will be an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting the entire organization.
In partnership with the SLT, the CFO provides leadership and oversight across Finance, People & Culture, Information Technology, and Operations & Facilities, ensuring these functions are aligned with organizational strategy, regulatory requirements, and sector best practices. The post holder is accountable for safeguarding the organization’s financial sustainability, fostering a high-performing and engaged workforce, driving the effective use of technology, and ensuring safe, secure, and efficient management of organizational operations and facilities.
C. Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Finance & Corporate Services
- Provide strategic leadership for the organization’s financial planning, budgeting, sustainability, and stewardship, ensuring alignment with long-term organizational goals.
- Oversee fiscal functions including financial reporting, audits, compliance, treasury, investments in accordance with regulatory standards and best practice.
- Lead the development and implementation of financial policies, controls, and systems that enable transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on financial matters, providing insight and foresight to support informed decision-making.
- Strengthen collaboration with international affiliates to ensure coherence in financial governance, compliance, and resource management.
- People & Culture
- Provide vision and strategic direction for the People & Culture function, ensuring workforce planning, talent management, and leadership development align with organizational strategy.
- Champion a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, innovation, and high performance across the organization.
- Oversee the design and implementation of HR strategies that support recruitment, retention, succession planning, and staff wellbeing.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, organizational policies, and sector standards, while promoting ethical leadership and organizational values.
- Develop systems for monitoring staff performance and engagement, fostering an environment of accountability, recognition, and continuous improvement.
- Information Technology (IT)
- Provide strategic oversight for IT, ensuring systems, data, and digital tools effectively support organizational growth and efficiency.
- Lead the development and execution of a digital transformation strategy that enhances operational effectiveness and future-proofs the organization.
- Ensure robust cybersecurity, data protection, and IT governance frameworks are in place.
- Oversee the selection, implementation, and optimization of technology platforms, including ERP and other enterprise-wide systems.
- Foster innovation by leveraging technology to enable collaboration, improve service delivery, and drive organizational impact.
- Operations & Facilities
- Provide leadership for the Operations & Facilities function, ensuring safe, secure, and efficient management of organizational premises and assets.
- Oversee strategic planning for facilities management, building maintenance, security, and administrative services to support a productive work environment.
- Ensure policies, procedures, and systems are in place for risk management, health and safety, and continuity of operations.
- Drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the management of contracts, procurement, and general administration.
- Champion sustainability and environmental responsibility in facilities management and operational practices.
- Other
- Any other duties as determined by the CEO or the Treasurer
D. Key Working Relationships
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Direct reporting line; strategic partner in organizational planning and decision-making.
- Treasurer of the Board: Close collaboration on financial stewardship, reporting, and compliance matters.
- Finance, Audit & Risk Management (FARM) Committee: Prepare and present financial reports, risk assessments, and compliance updates; act as the main liaison between management and the committee.
- External Auditors and Advisors: Lead engagement with external auditors, legal, and financial advisors to ensure compliance, accountability, and sound governance.
- Other C-Suite Officers and Directors: Collaborate with peers across departments (Programs, Fundraising, Communications, People & Culture, IT, Operations) to ensure organizational cohesion and alignment with strategic goals.
E. Person Specification
- Qualifications & Competencies
- Degree in accounting.
- CPA (CA, CMA, CGA) with at least five years of related experience and/or training.
- Demonstrated 5-7 years of experience with external reporting, external audits including documentation skills and audit files.
- Knowledgeable about the Canada Revenue Agency’s compliance guidelines, rules and regulations affecting registered charities in Canada.
- Familiarity with fund accounting and regulations governing non-profit organizations.
- Must be a strategic visionary with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment and strong operational focus.
- Excellent communication skills to address contentious and/or complex information or issues with diversified forms of communication.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
- Willingness to work long and abnormal hours as a senior leader of a fast-paced growing organization.
- Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also collaboratively with others at varying levels of seniority.
- Motivation and commitment to IRC’s values and humanitarian principles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Eligibility to work in Canada.
- Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
- Strong leadership skills.
- Track record of bringing innovative creative thinking and fresh ideas to IRC.
- Ability to evaluate initiatives and programs within the scope of the post and deliver new initiatives that build on their successes.
- Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously, take initiative and make decisions.
- Excellent project management and attention to detail when managing large and complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
Starting Salary:
$100,000.00
Please note: The posted starting salary is intended to provide potential candidates with a general understanding of the compensation associated with the position. The actual salary offered will start at this figure, with adjustments possible based on individual qualifications and other relevant factors