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Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

MEC1 day ago
Vancouver, British Columbia
CA$174,074 - CA$198,839/yearly
C Level
full_time

Top Benefits

Generous annual vacation and paid care time
Maternity and parental leave top‑up
Staff discount and vendor deals

About the role

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Overview We are seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a strategic executive position that blends high-level financial leadership with hands-on operational oversight across Finance and support the entire organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CFO will drive financial excellence, and ensure alignment with the company’s long-term vision.

A key aspect of this role will be shaping and executing MEC’s financial strategy, managing budgets, and ensuring fiscal integrity while maintaining the agility to adapt to a dynamic retail environment. The ideal candidate will possess deep retail finance acumen, proven experience in scaling financial systems, and managing multi-faceted finance functions. They should have a demonstrated track record in leading cross-functional teams to deliver results in a high-growth, customer-focused environment, including expertise in financial planning & analysis, risk management, and process optimization.

Additionally, the CFO will be responsible for enhancing existing systems and processes by integrating key financial metrics to measure performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure data-driven decision-making. The role involves conducting comprehensive reviews of current finance operations to identify inefficiencies and gaps in both the supply chain and finance functions. By addressing these, the CFO will ensure stronger financial controls, cost reduction, and improved organizational performance, driving both immediate improvements and long-term strategic growth. The ability to balance strategic financial initiatives with day-to-day operational demands is critical.

Location: This 4 to 5 day a week in-office role, base out of MEC's HO in Vancouver.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership:

  • Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to define and execute the company’s financial strategy and long-term goals.
  • Develop and implement strategies to optimize capital allocation, cost-effectiveness, and financial sustainability.
  • Analyze market trends, economic conditions, and industry developments to identify financial risks and opportunities for growth.

Operational Excellence

  • Lead financial planning and analysis activities to support data-driven decision-making and strategic initiatives.
  • Ensure robust internal controls and compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance financial processes and reporting accuracy.
  • Negotiate contracts to help manage cost savings programs.
  • Foster a customer-centric culture by developing policies that enhance engagement and satisfaction.
  • Utilize data analytics to monitor customer feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Financial Stewardship

  • Oversee the finance team and leverage the team to create operational reporting across the organization.
  • Utilizing the finance team, manage the financial health of the organization, including financial planning, reporting, and cash flow management overseeing operational budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
  • Collaborate with other executives to drive business strategy and communicate financial performance to key stakeholders.
  • Maintain 13-week cash flow forecast and manage borrowing base liquidity
  • Ability to focus on the recent results and assess how this will impact the near and long term while helping the organization identify actions needed to ensure the business exceeds its budgets.
  • Ensure the company remains in compliance with all requirements under our agreements with lenders
  • Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports within a timely manner
  • Ensure compliance with all regulations and promote transparency and accountability.

People Leadership

  • Build and lead a high-performing finance team by recruiting, training, and mentoring staff.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, encouraging team members to excel and drive results.
  • Establish clear performance metrics and regularly review progress against organizational financial goals.

Qualifications

  • Degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field; relevant financial certifications (CPA, CFA).
  • Minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience in finance, preferably within the retail sector.
  • Proven track record of driving financial improvements and achieving strategic objectives in a complex, fast-paced environment.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to financial decision-making.
  • Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
  • Passion for outdoor activities and a strong understanding of the retail market is an asset.
  • Demonstrates and upholds the Leadership Way guiding principles, setting an example through actions, decision-making, and team engagement.

Leadership Principles Our MEC Leadership Way principles are the backbone of our commitment to fostering a vibrant, outdoor-focused culture. Grounded in integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, these guiding capabilities empower leaders at every level to inspire teamwork and drive meaningful change. By cultivating a culture of trust and accountability, we create an environment where everyone can thrive, adapt to challenges, and contribute to our shared mission of connecting people with the great outdoors. Embrace these principles to help shape a dynamic and supportive workplace that values growth, empathy, and a shared passion for exploration.

  • We know where we’re going. Clearly define our mission, connect work to strategy, and set measurable goals collaboratively.
  • We guide with empathy. Foster understanding and respect, celebrate diversity, and create an inclusive environment.
  • We grow our people. Invest in individual growth, remain accessible to teams, and pursue continuous improvement.
  • We trailblaze. Embrace innovation as a process, encourage experimentation, and learn from mistakes.
  • We pick the right path. Make decisions based on our values, consider diverse perspectives, and communicate reasoning transparently.
  • We change course when needed. Embrace change as an opportunity, adapt strategies swiftly, and lead teams with clear communication and positivity.

The Compensation & Perks! This is a permanent role with the anticipated salary range of $240,750 to $275,000 base + short and long-term incentives. The exact salary will be dependent on the successful candidate’s relevant skills, experience, qualifications and internal equity. If your salary expectations are outside our advertised range, we still encourage you to apply!

  • Generous annual vacation allotment & Paid Care time (Wellness/sick)
  • Maternity and Parental leave top-up
  • Staff Discount and amazing deals straight from vendors
  • Top-notch benefit plan & Retirement plan with matched contributions
  • Paid days to pursue outdoor activities and/or volunteer in your community
  • Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support

About MEC

Retail
5001-10,000

MEC is Canada’s go-to place for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration. Combining high-quality apparel and equipment with expert advice and firsthand experience, MEC supports a wide range of activities including camping, snowsports, watersports, cycling, climbing, hiking, running and travel. Established in 1971, MEC has been a strong backer of community initiatives and has invested $44 million (and counting) into non-profit organizations that support outdoor recreation and conservation. For more information, visit www.mec.ca and follow @mec, or visit one of our stores nationwide.

We outfit our members for every outdoor adventure: from climbing, hiking and camping to snow sports, water sports, cycling and yoga. But we offer more than products: we peddle passion. Regardless of a member’s level of activity or experience, we love to share our expertise and enthusiasm to connect people with quality products that inspire active outdoor lifestyles.

If you want to know what it’s like working here, we also encourage each other to get moving. To get out the front door. Take the plunge. Try something new like riding in a Fondo, bouldering or paddle boarding. MEC is a place where ideas spark and a craving to play outside gets stoked.

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