Type: Regular, Full-Time

Expected Start Date: October 2025

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Toronto, ON (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $125,000-$140,000 Annually

Summary

Oceana Canada was established as an independent charity in 2015 and is part of the largest international advocacy group dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana Canada has successfully campaigned to ban plastic pollution, end the shark fin trade, make rebuilding depleted fish populations the law, improve the way fisheries are managed and protect marine habitat.

Canada has the longest coastline in the world, with an ocean surface area of 7.1 million square kilometres, or 70 per cent of its landmass. Oceana Canada believes that Canada has a national and global obligation to manage our natural resources responsibly and help ensure a sustainable source of protein for the world’s growing population.

Oceana Canada works with civil society, academics, fishers, Indigenous Peoples and the federal government to return Canada’s formerly vibrant oceans to health and abundance. By restoring Canada’s oceans, we can strengthen our communities, reap greater economic and nutritional benefits, and protect our future.

Oceana Canada seeks a Director of Finance and Administration, based in Toronto. Reporting to Executive Director, the Director of Finance and Administration is responsible for ensuring that Oceana Canada’s systems are working efficiently and effectively to support the organization’s strategic goals. They will ensure that Oceana Canada is meeting legal and regulatory requirements and is following the established policies and procedures of the office. The Director leads the budget process (annual, campaign and donor) and produces financial reports and analyses for the Executive Director, donors, and external auditors. They ensure that Oceana Canada’s resources are properly utilized, in accordance with the charity’s policies and procedures, and in strict conformity with all regulations and donor requirements. They are responsible for the financial, accounting, human resources, office administration, IT , contracts and procurement functions in Canada.

The Director of Finance and Administration is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the charity’s financial operations, ensuring strong internal controls, compliance with regulatory requirements, and alignment of financial practices with the organization’s mission and values. This role also provides organizational oversight for risk management, office operations, HR functions, and IT systems to support operational excellence across Oceana.

Principal duties and responsibilities

Regulatory and policy compliance and risk management

•       Ensure compliance with CRA and provincial/federal regulations, including filings, audits, and risk mitigation.

•       Maintain internal controls and actively monitor organizational risk exposure.

Oversight of physical and remote office operations in Canada

•       Oversee financial and operational aspects of office infrastructure, remote work support, and vendor contracts across Canada.

•       Ensure vendor compliance and safe, functional work environments aligned with local and Oceana standards.

Oversight of information technology within Canada

•       Support the implementation and use of IT systems and tools at the country level, ensuring they meet local operational needs.

•       Ensure compliance with data privacy laws and alignment with Oceana standards and policies.

Oversight of human resources and people operations

•       Oversee payroll, benefits, and financial aspects of HR operations.

•       Ensure compliance with employment standards and alignment of HR policies with organizational values and foster an inclusive, supportive work culture.

•       Lead corrective performance improvement plans and termination processes as necessary in conjunction with the Executive Director

•       Review salaries for pay equity, advise on performance assessment increases and promotions aligned with Oceana Canada policies.

Oversight of accounting and financial management

Financial strategy and mission alignment:

•       Lead financial planning and reporting to ensure alignment with strategic goals and long-term sustainability.

•       Manage the organization’s assets, ensuring all investment decisions align with CRA regulations governing registered charities.

Budgeting and forecasting:

•       Develop and manage annual budgets, variance analysis, and forecasts in collaboration with department leads.

Grants, donor data, and donation processing:

•       Oversee compliance and financial tracking for grants and donations, ensuring CRA and financial reporting requirements to funders and CRA are met in a timely manner.

Internal Controls:

•       Maintain and enforce internal controls, financial policies, and audit readiness to ensure transparency and accountability.

Collaboration with Oceana, Inc.

Liaise with and support Oceana, Inc’s departments—such as Fundraising, IT, HR and Legal—and coordinate collaboration, including negotiation of service agreements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and recognized accounting designation in good standing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profits and CRA regulations
• More than 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting/finance, or operations, with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Proven leadership in budgeting, financial planning, and grants management.
• Familiarity with HR, IT, and operational best practices in a mission-driven organization.
• Must be highly self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently and accurately in a collaborative environment.
• Must possess strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills
• Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, professional publications, technical documentation, and relevant government regulations.
• Proficient in writing clear, concise reports, business correspondence, and operational or procedural manuals.
• Must have experience in preparing or overseeing payroll and statutory tax deductions.
• Must be familiar of Canadian tax regulations, social security, and employment legislation in different provinces.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a cross-functional and geographically distributed team
• Must have good planning and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Working knowledge of Windows-based applications, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience using Salesforce, Engaging Network, and Netsuite are strong assets.
• Understanding of US GAAP is an asset
• A commitment to Oceana Canada’s mission, goals, and values.

This is a permanent full-time position that comes with a comprehensive and generous benefits package, including paid time off, health and dental coverage. This is a hybrid remote role, with in-office collaboration on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, offering a great balance of flexibility and team engagement.

Oceana Canada is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, support will be provided in the recruitment process and accommodations for disabilities will be provided on request wherever appropriate. All offers of employment are conditional upon the successful completion of reference checks and a criminal background check.

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.