COWICHAN INTERCULTURAL SOCIETY www.cowichanintercultural.org

Finance Manager

Cowichan Intercultural Society (CIS)

Location: Duncan, BC (On-site / Hybrid options negotiable after onboarding) Compensation: $40–$44 per hour, based on relevant experience and qualifications

Hours: Full Time

Reports to: Executive Director Start date: Immediate

About CIS

Cowichan Intercultural Society supports newcomers and builds inclusive communities through settlement, language, family and community programs. We are seeking an experienced nonprofit finance professional to strengthen our financial systems and help ensure our resources support meaningful, sustainable services.

The opportunity The Finance Manager will lead financial management and carry out the hands-on accounting that supports our programs and operations.

You will take ownership of accounting in Sage, payroll oversight, reconciliations, funder financial reporting, budgeting, cash-flow forecasting and financial analysis. Working closely with the Executive Director, Finance Assistant and program managers, you will help teams manage their approved budgets, anticipate changing needs and assess the financial sustainability of programs.

The Finance Manager will work collaboratively with the Finance Assistant, with clear responsibilities for preparation, processing and review.

This role requires both practical accounting expertise and the judgment to turn financial information into clear recommendations and sound decisions within delegated authority.

Experience in nonprofit accounting and hands-on proficiency with Sage accounting software are required.

Key responsibilities

Accounting and bookkeeping

Maintain accurate, complete and timely accounting records in Sage, using consistent account and project coding.

Coordinate accounts payable and receivable with the Finance Assistant, ensuring payments are prepared for approval and outstanding balances are monitored.

Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards and relevant balance-sheet accounts.

Maintain supporting documentation for transactions, journal entries, accruals, prepayments and adjustments.

Track restricted funding, deferred contributions and project expenditures, applying appropriate accounting treatment.

Complete monthly and year-end accounting processes and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Coordinate financial administration with existing staff, with clear responsibilities for data entry, documentation and review.

Payroll and employee financial administration

Working with the Finance Assistant:

Maintain accurate payroll allocations across programs and funding sources, supported by documented allocation methods and approvals.

Reconcile payroll, deductions, remittances, benefits and RRSP contributions.

Ensure payroll submissions and remittances are completed accurately and on time.

Funder financial reporting and compliance

Maintain a calendar of financial reporting, claim and reconciliation deadlines.

Prepare timely financial claims and reports for funders, as applicable.

Reconcile each financial submission to Sage and retain a clear audit trail.





Review funding agreements and approved budgets to identify eligible costs, allocation requirements, restrictions and approval conditions.

Monitor spending against funding limits and identify forecast underspending, overspending or potential ineligible costs early.

Prepare proposed budget reallocations and amendments for Executive Director review, and provide supporting financial information for any required funder approval.

Provide financial information to the Executive Director and program staff for inclusion in service, narrative and annual reports.

Budgeting, forecasting and financial decisions

Lead preparation of annual organizational and program budgets with the Executive Director and program managers.

Produce monthly financial statements, budget-to-actual reports, variance analysis and year-end forecasts.

Maintain cash-flow forecasts covering payroll, operating costs, funding receipts, mortgage payments and other commitments.

Monitor building costs, space allocations and debt-service requirements, distinguishing operating expenses from cash obligations.

Develop staffing and wage forecasts, program costing and scenarios for funding changes.

Present clear recommendations on affordability, financial risks, cost recovery and opportunities to improve resource use.

Make routine financial decisions within approved budgets, policies and delegated authority, and escalate matters requiring further approval.

Supporting program managers

Provide managers with timely, understandable financial information for their programs.

Meet regularly with managers to review spending, commitments, forecasts and emerging needs.

Equip managers to manage their approved budgets and follow purchasing, documentation and expense procedures.

Coordinate proposed budget changes and explain their effect on program and organizational finances.

Establish consistent reporting tools that reduce duplicate tracking and improve accountability.

Controls, audit and financial administration

Maintain practical financial procedures, approval controls and secure financial records.

Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, payroll providers and other financial consultants.

Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations and supporting documents, and address resulting recommendations.

Coordinate annual financial and charity reporting, including the T3010 where applicable, with external professionals and authorized reviewers.

Act as a CRA representative where formally authorized.

Coordinate insurance renewals and coverage reviews with the Executive Director, program managers and insurance broker.

Maintain banking and signing-authority records and oversee credit card and petty cash processes.

Prepare financial information for Board and finance committee review and attend meetings as required.





Authority and accountability The Finance Manager is accountable for accurate financial records, timely reporting, reliable forecasts and proactive financial advice.

Program managers remain accountable for program delivery and spending within approved budgets. The Executive Director and authorized Board representatives retain approvals required under CIS policies and signing authorities. Payments, payroll and significant adjustments must receive appropriate independent approval.

Required qualifications and experience

Demonstrated experience in nonprofit accounting, including organizations with multiple restricted funding sources.

Hands-on proficiency with Sage accounting software, including project or departmental allocations and financial reporting.

Experience managing bookkeeping, payroll, reconciliations, month-end processes and year-end preparation.

Experience preparing funder financial reports, claims, budgets and forecasts.

Strong Excel skills and the ability to build clear, reliable financial schedules.

Relevant education in accounting, finance or bookkeeping, or an equivalent combination of training and substantial experience.

Working knowledge of Canadian payroll requirements and nonprofit financial reporting practices.

Solid attention to detail, confidentiality and sound professional judgment.

Ability to explain financial information clearly to colleagues without a finance background.

Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines and collaborate respectfully across teams.

Assets

CPA designation, progress toward a CPA designation, or a recognized bookkeeping qualification.

Experience with IRCC-funded settlement services, BCNSP, Safe Haven or comparable government contribution agreements.

Experience with registered charities, T3010 preparation and external audits.

Familiarity with community-serving and intercultural organizations.

What success looks like

Accounting records and reconciliations are current and dependable.

Payroll, remittances and funder financial submissions are accurate and timely.

Managers understand their budgets and act early when circumstances change.

The Executive Director and Board receive clear financial information and actionable recommendations.

CIS can anticipate cash needs and make informed decisions about staffing, programs and sustainability.

Criminal Record Check (CRC): The successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

How to apply

Please submit your résumé and a brief cover letter outlining your nonprofit finance experience, Sage proficiency and availability to [email protected]

Diversity & Inclusion: Cowichan Intercultural Society is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment process.

Pay: $40.00-$44.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 37.0 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- On-site parking
- RRSP match

Work Location: In person

📌 Finance Manager (Duncan)
🏢 Cowichan Intercultural Society
📍 Duncan