Organization Summary
With a legacy spanning over 900 years, St. John Ambulance continues to make a profound impact through its commitment to public safety, education, and volunteerism. St. John Ambulance delivers nationally accredited programs and high-quality products designed to empower individuals and organizations with lifesaving skills. Through its network of dedicated volunteer first responders, it plays a vital role in strengthening communities and enhancing emergency preparedness coast to coast.
The St. John Council for Alberta has a proud history of service, dating back to its founding in 1897. Officially registered as a charitable organization in 1996 under the name St. John Ambulance Alberta , it continues to be a cornerstone of safety and community care across the province. Today, St. John Alberta operates seven Training and Community Service Centres, supported by a dedicated team of 40 employees and 500 volunteers who contribute over 28,000 hours of community service annually. In addition, a network of 300 certified instructors who deliver lifesaving training to more than 70,000 Albertans each year—strengthening resilience and preparedness in communities across Alberta.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, the Finance Manager is responsible for leading the organization's financial planning, reporting, budgeting, and analysis functions while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information. The Finance Manager provides strategic financial guidance to support business decisions, oversees accounting operations, and ensures compliance with applicable legislation, accounting standards, and organizational policies. This role collaborates closely with department leaders to develop budgets, improve financial performance, implement process improvements, and support organizational growth. The Finance Manager also oversees the Finance team, providing leadership, mentorship, and performance management to ensure operational excellence and continuous professional development.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, revise and continually evaluate financial policy, processes, and internal controls to enhance accountability while ensuring alignment with applicable legislation, regulations, policies and frameworks.
Provide strategic financial advice and recommendations to the Vice President of Operations and Executive Leadership Team to support organizational planning and growth.
Prepare and present financial reports, budget updates, forecasts, and strategic financial recommendations to the Senior Management Team.
Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
Monitor organizational financial performance, identify trends, and provide recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with department managers.
Coordinate all activities within the Finance Department including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general accounting, payroll, special projects accounting, financial planning, and reporting.
Oversee payroll administration including accurate and timely payroll processing, statutory remittances, and compliance with applicable legislation and organizational policies.
Code, enter, verify, and reconcile transactions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoices, purchase orders, and bank statements.
Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, tax legislation, and internal financial policies.
Prepare year-end working papers and lead external audit activities.
Develop and maintain financial dashboards, KPI reporting, and business intelligence tools to support strategic decision-making.
Analyze financial and operational data to identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and revenue enhancement.
Investigate variances in budgets, financial reporting, and internal controls, and implement corrective measures.
Maintain and reconcile financial data between Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Business Central accounting systems.
Manage National and Provincial accounts including account setup within Microsoft CRM and Business Central.
Lead, coach, and support the Finance team to achieve individual and departmental objectives.
Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide regular feedback and performance evaluations.
Ensure consistent communication and collaboration across the Finance team and with other departments.
Promote a safe and inclusive work environment for team members and internal stakeholders.
Ensure financial activities are conducted in compliance with Alberta OHS legislation and internal safety policies.
Serves as an active member of both provincial and national organizational committees as required.
Other related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope of the position.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field supplemented by a CPA designation.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including leadership responsibilities.
Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and more specifically ASNPO.
Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and financial analysis.
Demonstrated ability to prepare and present financial information to senior leadership and executives.
Experience using Microsoft Business Central and/or Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power BI, and business intelligence tools.
Strong business intelligence and data analytics skills with the ability to interpret financial and operational data.
Core Competencies
Strategic Thinking : Ability to align financial planning and analysis with organizational goals and long-term business strategy.
Business Acumen: Understands the organization's operations and financial drivers, applying business knowledge to identify opportunities, manage risk, and support strategic decision-making.
Financial Analysis : Strong ability to interpret financial information, identify trends, and provide actionable business recommendations.
Attention to Detail: Consistently produces accurate financial information, identifies discrepancies, and ensures the integrity of financial records and reporting.
Resource & Fiscal Management: Uses financial, human, and operational resources effectively and responsibly.
Business Intelligence : Proficient in leveraging financial systems, dashboards, and data analytics to support informed decision-making.
Leadership : Ability to motivate, develop, and support team members while fostering collaboration and accountability.
Problem Solving : Uses sound judgment and analytical thinking to resolve complex financial and operational issues.
Decision Making: Evaluates financial and operational information, assesses risks and opportunities, and makes timely, well-informed decisions that support organizational objectives and sound fiscal management.
Project Leadership : Capable of leading financial initiatives, process improvements, and cross-functional projects.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills : Communicates complex financial information clearly and effectively to employees, senior leadership, executive teams, and the Board of Directors; builds positive working relationships and delivers professional presentations that support informed decision-making.
Organizational & Time Management : Manages multiple priorities efficiently, delegates responsibilities appropriately, and consistently meets deadlines.
Accountability & Integrity : Takes ownership of responsibilities, maintains the confidentiality of sensitive financial, payroll, employee, and organizational information, follows through on commitments, and upholds the highest ethical and professional standards.
Health & Safety : Demonstrates leadership in health and safety by complying with applicable occupational health and safety legislation, promoting a safe and respectful workplace, and integrating health and safety considerations into planning and decision-making.
Working Conditions
Primarily office-based with regular interaction across multiple regional locations in Alberta.
Fast-paced and dynamic environment requiring adaptability and effective prioritization.
Occasional travel within Alberta to visit regional offices, attend meetings, and support operational initiatives.
Valid driver's license is required.
Full-time position, typically Monday to Friday during standard business hours.
Flexibility may be required during budgeting cycles, month-end and year-end reporting, audits, or other critical financial deadlines.
Minimal physical demands; primarily sedentary work involving computer use and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Occasional lifting of office materials or equipment during site visits or organizational events.
Reports directly to the Vice President of Operations.
