SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICER (14 MONTH CONTRACT) La version française suit.

This is a hybrid position based out of the CIFAR office located in the MaRS Discovery building. Staff are required to be in the office three days a week, ensuring a balance of in-person collaboration and flexibility.

we imagine new possibilities for humanity. Founded in Canada and connected to the world, we provide the platform for high-risk, high-reward research. When you join CIFAR, you aren’t just taking a job: you are joining a community dedicated to the long-term benefit of people and the planet.

For more information, please visit our website.

CIFAR is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Senior Financial Officer to join our Finance team for a 14-month parental leave coverage contract.

Reporting to the Director, Finance, you will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of CIFAR's financial reporting, supporting organizational decision-making, and maintaining strong financial controls. This position is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys both hands‑on financial operations and contributing to process improvements that enhance organizational effectiveness.

As a key member of the Finance team, you will prepare monthly and quarterly financial reporting, oversee researcher compensation processes, support donor and government reporting requirements, and collaborate with colleagues across the organization to ensure financial information is accurate, timely, and meaningful. You will work with the PCAIS (Pan‑Canadian AI Strategy) and CAISI (Canadian AI Safety Institute) staff to complete monthly Cash Flow reports and other reports required by the Federal government.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission‑driven organization operating at the intersection of research, philanthropy, and public funding.

Financial Reporting & Analysis Prepare monthly financial statements, reconciliations,



and supporting analyses to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

Support the annual audit, charitable filings, government reporting, and other compliance requirements.

Maintain the integrity of financial data through reconciliations and ongoing monitoring of financial activity.

Process Improvement & Collaboration Identify opportunities to strengthen financial systems, processes, and internal controls.

Lead or support initiatives that improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability within the Finance function.

You are a collaborative and detail-oriented accounting qualified who enjoys turning complex financial information into accurate, meaningful reporting. You combine strong technical expertise with a continuous improvement mindset and thrive in a mission‑driven workplace.

A degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

At least five years of progressive full-cycle accounting experience.

Strong knowledge of financial reporting, account reconciliations, and accounting principles.

Experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks and advanced Excel and/or Google Sheets skills.

Assets: Experience supporting audits, government reporting, and donor-funded programs.

Our benefits prioritize your well-being, growth and inclusion so you can do your best work in a community of extraordinary thinkers.

Comprehensive wellness - mental health supports, 4 weeks’ vacation, and “CIFAR Days” (days off with pay) throughout the year.





Work Flexibility - We encourage a hybrid working model that includes work‑from‑home arrangements with a minimum of 3 days in the office and Focus Fridays (meeting‑free Fridays every week).

Our Commitment to Inclusion CIFAR is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Our leadership, staff and volunteers strive to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace and, in turn, an environment that will give our diverse global community of researchers the support to successfully address the most important questions facing science and humanity. Ensuring that every person feels valued and welcome, regardless of age, education, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, parental status/responsibility, immigration status, Indigenous status, religion, disability, language, race, place of origin, ethnicity, culture, socio‑economic status, and other attributes is vital to achieving our mission.

We strongly encourage applications from members of our society who face systematic barriers and biases, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous persons, members of visible minority/racialized communities, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, members of marginalized gender identity communities, and persons with disabilities. ACCESSIBILITY FOR APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES CIFAR is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please include any materials or processes that may be used to ensure your equal participation.

CIFAR frequently communicates in both official languages and our preference is to hire employees who are fluent in both English and French where possible. Other languages are also considered an asset. For a French version of the job posting, please visit CIFAR is supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta, and Quebec, as well as international partner organizations, individuals, foundations, and corporations. #

📌 Senior Finance Officer (14 Month Contract) (Toronto)
🏢 CIFAR
📍 Toronto