Director of Finance
Top Benefits
About the role
Are you a strategic financial professional who thrives in a purpose-driven environment? Do you want to use your skills to help shape the financial future of a dynamic, community-focused organization? We’re looking for a Director of Finance who brings more than just numbers to the table—someone who values integrity, collaboration, and impact.
Reporting to the Executive Director, in this pivotal leadership role, you’ll oversee the full spectrum of financial operations, contribute to key organizational decisions, and help drive sustainable growth. If you're ready to lead with purpose and bring clarity to complex financial landscapes, we want to hear from you.
Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is the future of crop innovation in Canada. This federally registered not for profit organization began operations April 1, 2024. It is carrying on the rich history of the Field Crop Development Centre which has been developing new higher yielding and more climate and disease resistant varieties of cereal grains since 1973 at its lab and research farm in Lacombe, Alberta.
Job Type: This is a full-time role (36.25 hrs per week), working onsite in Lacombe, AB with the opportunity to move to a hybrid work arrangement.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
- Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and performance-to-budget reporting to support strategic decision-making.
- Oversee timely and accurate financial record-keeping, internal controls, and year-end audit preparation.
- Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and compliance with regulatory and funding requirements.
- Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and investment strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
- Support grant and fund management, including budgeting, tracking, and reporting to funders and partners.
- Provide regular financial reports and insights to senior leadership, the Board, and Finance Committee.
- Identify and implement improvements to financial systems and reporting tools.
- Supervise and mentor finance staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
- Contribute to risk management, operational planning, and financial aspects of strategic initiatives.
- Represent the organization in external financial reporting, funder presentations, and audits.
- Oversee the semi-monthly payroll processing and approvals.
- Other duties as required.
Experience and qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
- CPA designation in good standing (or in active pursuit with significant progress).
- At least 5 years of progressive financial and accounting experience, with 1–2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Familiarity with non-profit financial management, including compliance, audit preparation, and grant funding requirements.
- Experience in preparing and filing GST and understanding financial risk management.
- Proficient with QuickBooks (or a comparable system), with a focus on improving efficiency and automation.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail and deadlines.
- Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable information for non-financial audiences.
- Experience with asset management and capital budgeting.
- Background in research-based organizations or industry associations.
- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and program budgeting.
What we offer:
- Competitive base salary ($90,000 to $110,000 per annum depending on education and experience)
- 22 days of vacation to start
- 6 paid wellness days each year
- Immediate access to employer paid Group Benefits including Health and Dental coverage and Short-Term Disability (Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance premiums are paid by the employee)
- Group RRSP matching at 6% upon completion of probation period
* Western Crop Innovations supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.*
About Western Crop Innovations
Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is dedicated to developing feed and forage barley, malting barley, and triticale varieties specifically tailored for the Western Prairies. Operating on a core land base of 400 acres in Lacombe, Alberta, our team of researchers is committed to achieving high yields, bolstering disease resistance, and ensuring superior end-use quality characteristics. To accomplish this, we plant, maintain, and evaluate 40,000 plots annually across our facilities in Lacombe and other sites throughout Alberta in our pursuit of the next breakthrough variety. Supported by in-house expertise in pathology, quality, and biotechnology, our breeding program utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as molecular markers and NIR (near-infrared) spectroscopy to efficiently identify the most exceptional materials in our breeding pipelines. Additionally, our pathology team diligently screens over 12,000 breeding lines in disease nurseries annually. At WCI, we’re driven to deliver varieties that not only enhance environmental sustainability but also improve agronomic outcomes for producers.
Director of Finance
Top Benefits
About the role
Are you a strategic financial professional who thrives in a purpose-driven environment? Do you want to use your skills to help shape the financial future of a dynamic, community-focused organization? We’re looking for a Director of Finance who brings more than just numbers to the table—someone who values integrity, collaboration, and impact.
Reporting to the Executive Director, in this pivotal leadership role, you’ll oversee the full spectrum of financial operations, contribute to key organizational decisions, and help drive sustainable growth. If you're ready to lead with purpose and bring clarity to complex financial landscapes, we want to hear from you.
Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is the future of crop innovation in Canada. This federally registered not for profit organization began operations April 1, 2024. It is carrying on the rich history of the Field Crop Development Centre which has been developing new higher yielding and more climate and disease resistant varieties of cereal grains since 1973 at its lab and research farm in Lacombe, Alberta.
Job Type: This is a full-time role (36.25 hrs per week), working onsite in Lacombe, AB with the opportunity to move to a hybrid work arrangement.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
- Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and performance-to-budget reporting to support strategic decision-making.
- Oversee timely and accurate financial record-keeping, internal controls, and year-end audit preparation.
- Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and compliance with regulatory and funding requirements.
- Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and investment strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
- Support grant and fund management, including budgeting, tracking, and reporting to funders and partners.
- Provide regular financial reports and insights to senior leadership, the Board, and Finance Committee.
- Identify and implement improvements to financial systems and reporting tools.
- Supervise and mentor finance staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
- Contribute to risk management, operational planning, and financial aspects of strategic initiatives.
- Represent the organization in external financial reporting, funder presentations, and audits.
- Oversee the semi-monthly payroll processing and approvals.
- Other duties as required.
Experience and qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
- CPA designation in good standing (or in active pursuit with significant progress).
- At least 5 years of progressive financial and accounting experience, with 1–2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Familiarity with non-profit financial management, including compliance, audit preparation, and grant funding requirements.
- Experience in preparing and filing GST and understanding financial risk management.
- Proficient with QuickBooks (or a comparable system), with a focus on improving efficiency and automation.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail and deadlines.
- Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable information for non-financial audiences.
- Experience with asset management and capital budgeting.
- Background in research-based organizations or industry associations.
- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and program budgeting.
What we offer:
- Competitive base salary ($90,000 to $110,000 per annum depending on education and experience)
- 22 days of vacation to start
- 6 paid wellness days each year
- Immediate access to employer paid Group Benefits including Health and Dental coverage and Short-Term Disability (Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance premiums are paid by the employee)
- Group RRSP matching at 6% upon completion of probation period
* Western Crop Innovations supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.*
About Western Crop Innovations
Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is dedicated to developing feed and forage barley, malting barley, and triticale varieties specifically tailored for the Western Prairies. Operating on a core land base of 400 acres in Lacombe, Alberta, our team of researchers is committed to achieving high yields, bolstering disease resistance, and ensuring superior end-use quality characteristics. To accomplish this, we plant, maintain, and evaluate 40,000 plots annually across our facilities in Lacombe and other sites throughout Alberta in our pursuit of the next breakthrough variety. Supported by in-house expertise in pathology, quality, and biotechnology, our breeding program utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as molecular markers and NIR (near-infrared) spectroscopy to efficiently identify the most exceptional materials in our breeding pipelines. Additionally, our pathology team diligently screens over 12,000 breeding lines in disease nurseries annually. At WCI, we’re driven to deliver varieties that not only enhance environmental sustainability but also improve agronomic outcomes for producers.