Senior Finance Officer (14 Month Contract

SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICER (14 MONTH CONTRACT)

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This is a hybrid position based out of the CIFAR office located in the MaRS Discovery building. Staff are required to be in the office three days a week, ensuring a balance of in-person collaboration and flexibility.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The Next Leap Starts Here. At CIFAR, we don’t just solve complex challenges; we imagine new possibilities for humanity. We are a global catalyst for breakthroughs, mobilizing the world’s most brilliant minds to tackle the questions that define our future. Founded in Canada and connected to the world, we provide the platform for high-risk, high-reward research. When you join CIFAR, you aren’t just taking a job: you are joining a community dedicated to the long-term benefit of people and the planet.

For more information, please visit our website.

CIFAR is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Senior Financial Officer to join our Finance team for a 14-month parental leave coverage contract.

Reporting to the Director, Finance, you will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of CIFAR's financial reporting, supporting organizational decision-making, and maintaining strong financial controls. This position is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys both hands‑on financial operations and contributing to process improvements that enhance organizational effectiveness.

As a key member of the Finance team, you will prepare monthly and quarterly financial reporting, oversee researcher compensation processes, support donor and government reporting requirements, and collaborate with colleagues across the organization to ensure financial information is accurate, timely, and meaningful. You will work with the PCAIS (Pan‑Canadian AI Strategy) and CAISI (Canadian AI Safety Institute) staff to complete monthly Cash Flow reports and other reports required by the Federal government.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission‑driven organization operating at the intersection of research, philanthropy, and public funding.

• Prepare monthly financial statements, reconciliations, and supporting analyses to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Analyze financial results, including budget-to-actual variances, and support donor and management reporting.
• Contribute to quarterly and year‑end financial reporting that informs organizational decision‑making.

• Lead researcher compensation and other key financial processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and excellent stakeholder service.
• Support the annual audit, charitable filings, government reporting, and other compliance requirements.
• Maintain the integrity of financial data through reconciliations and ongoing monitoring of financial activity.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Lead or support initiatives that improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability within the Finance function.
• Collaborate with colleagues across CIFAR and external partners to support organizational priorities and reporting requirements.

You are a collaborative and detail-oriented accounting professional who enjoys turning complex financial information into accurate, meaningful reporting. You combine strong technical expertise with a continuous improvement mindset and thrive in a mission‑driven environment.

• A degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressive full-cycle accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, account reconciliations, and accounting principles.
• Experience with accounting software such as Quick Books and advanced Excel and/or Google Sheets skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• CPA designation (or progress toward completion).
• Experience in the nonprofit, charitable, research, higher education, or publicly funded sector.
• Expe…