Join Our Team: We're Hiring a Director of Finance

Now Hiring: Director of Finance 

Location: Toronto, ON (Hybrid) 

Type: Permanent, part-time (30 hours/week) 

The Gairdner Foundation—home to Canada’s most prestigious biomedical research awards—is seeking a Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership as we continue advancing our mission of celebrating and supporting world-leading science.

Reporting to the President and Scientific Director, the Director of Finance is a key member of the executive team, providing oversight of all financial operations, compliance, risk management, data and technology oversight, and board committee support.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and oversee all financial operations of the Foundation, including accounting; budgeting, financial planning and forecasting; treasury functions and cash flow management; payroll processing; investment co-ordination and financial controls.
• Manage all financial reporting processes, including maintenance of financial records, year-end working papers, annual financial statements, and financial reporting to funders and government partners.
• Lead the annual external audit process and coordinate any additional audits required by the Foundation.
• Ensure compliance with all provincial and federal funding agreements, including preparation and submission of required financial reports and audit documentation.
• Manage relationships with external financial partners including banks, investment managers, auditors, insurers and other external stakeholders.
• Provide oversight of the Foundation's information technology & data management systems, security and controls through external vendors, ensuring appropriate cybersecurity, data integrity, business continuity, and risk management practices.
• Provide staff and organisational support to the Audit and Investment Committees including preparation of meeting materials and reporting.
• Provide financial advice and insights to the President and Scientific Director, executive team, and Board of Directors.

What We Are Looking For:

• Professional accounting designation (CPA preferred) or equivalent senior financial leadership experience.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in financial management, reporting, audit, and strategic planning.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, compliance, risk management, and governance practices.
• Demonstrated experience providing high-level governance and executive support to Boards of Directors or Board Committees.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience in the charitable sector is an asset.
• Bilingualism is an asset.

What We Offer:

• Competitive annual salary and benefits package.
• A dynamic and varied role with responsibility for finance, investments, and risk management.
• Hybrid work (downtown Toronto office + some remote flexibility).
• A collaborative, mission-driven team environment.
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a respected Canadian charitable organization.

  This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic financial leader to join a small, high-impact team at one of Canada’s most respected scientific organizations.

To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter to Paige O’Beirne, Director, Operations (paige@gairdner.org) by Friday, July 24, 2026.