Director of Finance – Victoria Symphony
Location: Victoria, BC
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (combination of in-office and remote work)
Reports to: CEO
The Victoria Symphony is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Finance to lead the organization’s financial operations and support its mission of enriching our community through music.
This senior leadership role oversees all financial management, budgeting, reporting, payroll, risk management, and administrative functions, ensuring the Symphony’s financial health and long-term sustainability. The Director of Finance oversees financial reporting, cash flow management, forecasting, audit preparation, and regulatory compliance, while contributing to HR administration, IT oversight, and organizational risk management.
The candidate will start in September and have a four-month transition period with the retiring Director.
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Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Reporting
• Prepare timely, accurate financial statements and Board reporting packages.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes in collaboration with the CEO and program teams.
• Maintain internal controls, financial policies, and compliance with GAAP and statutory requirements.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, short-term investments, and financial systems.
• Oversee audit preparation and consult with auditors.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting for Board committees, funders, and internal stakeholders.
Accounting Operations
• Oversee bookkeeping, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable.
• Ensure accurate documentation and secure storage of financial and personnel records.
• Manage capital asset tracking, amortization, and disposal.
• Prepare the annual charitable return and required government filings.
Payroll & Benefits Administration
• Oversee payroll for employees and musicians, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Administer benefits, RRSP contributions, pension and union remittances, and statutory filings.
• Maintain employee records and consult with payroll software providers.
Project & Grant Accounting
• Maintain project-level financial records and reporting.
• Support program staff with project budgets and funding applications.
• Prepare financial reports required by funders and granting agencies.
Information Technology Oversight
• Assess technology needs of the organization and manage data security.
• Consult with IT contractors and support onboarding/offboarding processes.
• Serve as the organization’s Privacy Officer.
Risk Management
• Monitor organizational risk and ensure appropriate insurance coverage.
• Support the Finance & Audit Committee with relevant reporting.
• Negotiate financial services such as interest rates and lines of credit when required.
Human Resources & Administration
• Support HR processes including benefits administration, attendance tracking, and HR policy compliance.
• Participate in hiring processes and provide guidance on employment and contractor agreements.
• Serve on the Health & Safety Committee and support compliance with employment legislation.
• Oversee leases, contracts, and administrative commitments with the Executive Administrative Assistant.
Labour Relations
• Liaise with union and pension representatives.
• Provide financial analysis to support collective agreement negotiations.
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Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field; CPA designation required.
• Minimum six years of progressive finance/accounting experience, including non-profit experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills.
• Excel skills and experience with accounting and payroll software.
• Experience with multi-project and multi-currency environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain financial systems, controls, and policies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and thrive in a demanding environment.
• Love of music and a sense of humour considered an asset.
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Remuneration and Benefits
Salary: $120,000 – 135,000 CAD annually, commensurate with experience
Benefits: Extended health, dental, and RRSP matching
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Organizational Commitment to Equity
The Victoria Symphony is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are members of groups that are historically and currently marginalized or underrepresented in the arts, including, but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and women in leadership.
We are committed to employment equity and to creating a safe, respectful, and accessible environment for all. The Victoria Symphony does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted.
To be eligible to work in Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or authorized in writing to work in Canada under the federal Immigration Act. Eligibility to work in Canada is granted through citizenship, permanent resident status, or a work permit.
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Application Instructions
Applications will remain open until the position is filled.
Interested applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and a current resume to: administration@victoriasymphony.ca
Please include your name and “RE: Application for Director of Finance” in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
