Senior Director, Finance & Business Services
CAWSTJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
CAWST is seeking a Senior Director, Finance & Business Services in Calgary for full-time onsite work, reporting to the CEO and serving as Treasurer. This dual role blends strategic financial stewardship with operational leadership of the Calgary office, overseeing governance, risk, investments, HR, and operations. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in finance and operations, CPA, and a Bachelor’s in Business or Accounting, plus non-profit sector experience, with the ability to translate financials for boards. To apply, include a cover letter that reveals your motivations and stories beyond the resume, tailor examples to CAWST’s mission, and ensure your resume is attached. We value equity and inclusion; expect a hybrid schedule and note that real humans read applications.
Company Description
CAWST is a Canadian charity and licensed not-for-profit professional engineering consultancy teaching people how to bring safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene in their homes, schools and clinics, using simple, affordable technologies.
At the heart of everything we do is our belief that when people have their basic water and sanitation needs met, they have the opportunity to succeed. This is what drives our dedicated team to work with a global network of more than 1,500 clients and partners. Together, we have reached over 70 million people since our inception in 2001.
Collectively, we are making a difference at a scale beyond what any of us could do individually. But our job isn’t done yet and we need you to help us expand our reach.
Job Description
The Position: Senior Director, Finance & Business Services
Reports to: CEO
Type: Full Time, Permanent
The Senior Director, Finance & Business Services is a dual-impact leadership role responsible for CAWST’s financial health and the operational success of our Calgary headquarters. Reporting to the CEO, this individual serves as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team and an Officer of the Board (Treasurer). We are seeking an executive who balances high-level financial oversight with a grounded, people-centric approach to leadership; someone who can provide financial oversight and governance and a multi-disciplinary team with equal skill and composure.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Stewardship & Governance
Board Liaison: Serve as Treasurer and an Officer of the Board, providing expert counsel to the Audit, Risk, and Finance Committee. Coordinate Board and committee meetings and processes.
Organizational Strategy: Partner with the Senior Leadership Team to align financial resources and operational goals with CAWST’s global mission.
Risk & Investment: Direct the organization's risk management framework, including the insurance portfolio and investment strategies.
Business Services & Operational Leadership
Operational Oversight: Provide executive leadership for the Calgary office, overseeing business cycles and office administration to ensure a productive and collaborative work environment.
Human Resources: Lead the HR function, providing executive oversight to ensure our culture remains supportive, inclusive, and professional.
System Optimization: Drive efficiency across the organization by overseeing the implementation and use of financial and operational technologies.
Financial Management & Grant Stewardship
Financial Integrity: Oversee the full accounting cycle, ensuring rigorous compliance with applicable accounting standards. Oversee investments, ensuring optimized returns balanced against risk and organizational funding needs.
Grant & Contract Compliance: Provide high-level guidance and support for complex funding models and grants.
Budgeting & Analysis: Lead annual budgeting and forecasting, providing the leadership team with the logical insights needed for informed decision-making.
Qualifications
10+ years of progressive leadership in finance and business operations. Proven experience managing diverse teams (Finance, HR, and/or Operations) is essential.
Strong experience with the Microsoft office suite
CPA designation is required, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Business or Accounting.
Proven ability to strategically plan and execute financial and operational goals that align organizational resources with long-term mission objectives.
The ability to navigate complex organizational challenges with a calm, analytical, and steady hand.
Exceptional emotional intelligence, with a track record of building trust and fostering positive relationships at all levels.
Strong strategic communication ability and experience translating complex financial concepts for Board members, staff, and external stakeholders.
Prior experience in the Charitable or Non-Profit sector
Additional Information
Work Environment
Hybrid work environment: In-office (Monday - Wednesday) & Remote (Thursday - Friday, when possible), with flexibility for in-person meetings and events. Please note that this role may require more than three days per week in-office on a regular basis, so remote days are not guaranteed.
Benefits of Working at CAWST
Work that directly improves lives through safe water and sanitation.
A culture that values creativity, collaboration, and inclusion.
Flexible work environment and professional growth opportunities.
Global experiences and meaningful travel that contribute to improved WASH outcomes worldwide.
When applying, please include:
A cover letter that tells us more about you past what we can see on your resume, and why you are excited to work with CAWST. We will not consider your application unless this is included.
Please note: Your application will be read by real humans on our team, not an AI bot.
Your resume
CAWST values equitable opportunities, sustainable solutions, and collaborative and inclusive processes. CAWST recognizes and accepts differences in cultural, religious, and political processes and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.