The Opportunity
An established, owner-led operation in Prince Edward Island is creating a new senior leadership role to support the next phase of the business.
The Director of Financial Operations will work closely with ownership to evaluate the company’s current operational and financial performance, strengthen internal systems, and help guide the business forward.
This is a newly created, hands-on role offering meaningful influence, close partnership with ownership, and the opportunity to share in the vison and shape how the business operates going forward.
Role Overview
This role blends being the financial lead along with being a member of the operational leadership team. The successful candidate will support day-to-day operations and lead financial management, balancing on-the-ground involvement with disciplined analysis and strategic planning.
The individual will bring structure, clarity, and visibility to the financial responsibilities of the business while respecting the practical, owner-led nature of the business.
Initial Mandate
- Analyze financial performance and current operational workflows.
- Identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Strengthen reporting, budgeting, and performance tracking.
- Introduce practical systems and processes that support better decision-making.
- Build trust and credibility with ownership, staff, and external advisors.
Operational Responsibilities
- Work with team leads and support day-to-day operations, including production planning, labour coordination, and resource utilization.
- Evaluate and improve workflows, SOPs, and operational controls.
- Work with team leads and support workforce planning, scheduling, and productivity tracking.
- Monitor operational performance metrics and recommend improvements.
- Coordinate with suppliers, logistics partners, and external service providers.
Financial Responsibilities
- Lead and support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management in partnership with ownership.
- Review monthly financial statements and work closely with external accountants.
- Improve cost visibility and margin analysis by activity, season, or product.
- Support and contribute to lender reporting, capital planning, and funding initiatives.
- Help ensure compliance with CRA and applicable provincial requirements.
Qualifications & Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; advanced education considered an asset.
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in good standing is required.
- Proven executive leadership experience overseeing finance, operations, or an integrated portfolio within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
- Minimum seven (7)+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in financial stewardship, strategic planning, and organizational performance management, preferably within a large or public sector organization.
- Strong financial literacy and ability to interpret and analyze financial statements.
- Comfortable working closely with ownership in a hands-on, practical environment.
- Analytical, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented.
What Success Looks Like
- Strategic Business Contributor: Operates as a right-hand to the owner, contributing to corporate strategy rather than just reporting on it. A forward-thinking partner to the owner, who balances financial discipline with business growth
- Forward-Looking Insight: Uses data analytics to anticipate financial trends and issues before they arise, rather than just analyzing past performance.
- Exceptional Communicator: Able to translate complex financial data into a compelling narrative for ownership and team leads.
- Risk Mitigation Specialist: Balances risk and reward, ensuring the company takes calculated risks to drive value while maintaining strong compliance and internal controls.
- Technological Proficiency: Leverages modern finance technology to streamline processes (e.g., automation, AI) and improve decision-making speed.
- Capital Allocator & Steward: Focuses on maximizing economic yield, managing cash flow, and acting as a responsible custodian of company assets.
- Empathetic Leader: Builds, mentors, and leads high-performing finance team.
- Operational & Financial Insight: Clear understanding of current operational and financial performance.
- Margin & Cost Optimization: Improved cost control and margin visibility.