Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
What We Do
YESS is a not-for-profit agency working with youth facing difficult realities. Based in Edmonton, our Youth Support Centre provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 sleep support and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged 15 -24.
We work collaboratively within a network of care, focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness.
We are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to cultivating an environment where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. YESS is an equal opportunity employer and always strives to ensure all employment decisions are grounded in equity, fairness, and merit.
What You Will Do
Reporting to the CEO and as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic financial leadership and oversight of YESS's operations functions. The CFO is responsible for the financial stewardship and long-term sustainability of the organization while overseeing Finance, People & Culture, Facilities Management, Health & Safety, and IT. The CFO partners with the CEO and leadership team to ensure resources, systems, and infrastructure effectively support YESS's mission, strategic priorities, and service delivery.
The role will also be responsible for developing and maintaining corporate policies and processes to maximize use of YESS resources and contribute to the efficient and effective application of resources to achieve YESS’s mandate and goals. The CFO will develop and lead a high-performance operations services team.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning - 20%
- As a key member of the executive team the CFO will participate in the development of the organizations strategic plan and annual operating planning, including the development of KPI’s in line with the mission and mandate and values of the organization. This will include thought leadership initiatives with the goal of YESS being a role model within the youth and crisis space and building process and policies that support these initiatives.
- Develop and lead the annual financial planning process, including organizational budgeting, forecasting, financial sustainability strategies, and key performance indicators.
- Provide strategic advice to the CEO and Board regarding financial performance, risk management, funding strategies, capital planning, and organizational sustainability.
- Lead the development of financial models and business cases to support organizational growth, program expansion, and strategic decision-making.
- The role will further support cross-functional initiatives that drive process improvement, change management, and integration across departments and will collaborate with internal stakeholders to support interdepartmental integration and service delivery.
- Provide regular updates to the CEO and leadership team on all services initiatives.
- The role will also represent YESS professionally in meetings with contractors, partners, and at public events in promoting the mission and vision of the organization.
- This role may act in the CEO role as required from time to time.
Financial Leadership & Operations Oversight – 50%
- Lead all financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis activities.
- Ensure the integrity of financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and maintain internal controls, financial policies, and risk management frameworks.
- Oversee cash flow management, investments, reserves, banking relationships, and financial sustainability initiatives.
- Lead the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with auditors.
- Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, and recommendations to the CEO, Board, and Finance Committee.
- Monitor organizational performance against budget and provide strategic recommendations to support decision-making.
- Lead the financial team and act as a financial and organizational administration resource to other team members and executive leadership.
Facilities Management
- Provide executive oversight of facilities management, ensuring effective stewardship of organizational assets, capital planning, risk management, regulatory compliance, and budget performance.
People & Culture
- Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for the People & Culture function, ensuring alignment between workforce planning, organizational goals, compensation strategies, and financial sustainability.
Health & Safety
- Provide executive oversight of the Health & Safety program, ensuring organizational compliance, risk mitigation, and the allocation of appropriate resources to maintain safe environments for employees and youth.
IT
- Selection and oversight of IT contractor responsible for all hardware and software requirements for the organization.
Team Leadership – 30%
- As the CFO this role will provide leadership and direction to all operations team members by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and high performance.
- The role will develop goals and KPI’s for each team and hold these teams accountable through ongoing feedback and coaching.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team by providing strategic guidance, fostering leadership alignment, and supporting organization-wide decision-making and problem-solving.
Core Competencies & Expectations
These core competencies outline the key behaviors, values, and expectations that guide how employees contribute to the YESS’s mission and work effectively with others.
- Demonstrate integrity by acting with honesty, fairness, respect, and maintaining confidentiality in all interactions.
- Communicate effectively through active listening, clear messaging, and respectful, transparent dialogue with team members and stakeholders.
- Deliver results by meeting performance expectations, taking initiative to solve problems, and supporting team success.
- Provide service excellence by responding professionally and compassionately to the needs of youth, partners, and colleagues.
- Apply strong problem-solving and judgment to assess situations, identify solutions, and seek support when needed.
- Foster teamwork by collaborating effectively, contributing positively to team culture, and valuing diverse perspectives.
Qualifications and Experience
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Undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant field combined with a minimum of 7 years of experience, with a minimum of 3 years progressive senior leadership experience in financial management and operation leadership, including oversight of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and organizational risk management.
- CPA designation is required.
- Experience with strategic planning is also required.
- Experience presenting financial information to executive teams, boards, finance committees, and external stakeholders.
- Some exposure to HR, Facilities, IT and Health & Safety would be an asset.
- Experience leading financial strategy within a nonprofit, social services, healthcare, or public-sector environment would be a strong asset.
What You Bring
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Clear police clearance (PIC) and a Child Intervention (CIRC) check, both obtained within the last six months
- Knowledge of the values, beliefs, and practices of Aboriginal and other cultural and diverse groups.
YESS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
