Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

THE ORGANIZATION

The organization is an award-winning lighting and audiovisual design-build firm with extensive international experience across themed attractions, museums, architectural environments, public spaces, building facades, presentation centers, and public art installations. Operating within the specialty lighting, controls, and integrated technology sector, the company delivers complex, turnkey solutions in visually and technically demanding environments.

The business provides end-to-end services including design, procurement, integration, programming, and ongoing support for specialty lighting, lighting controls, audiovisual systems, and interactive technologies. Through an integrated delivery model, the organization assumes full responsibility for complex project scopes, aligning design intent, technology, and execution to deliver reliable, high-quality outcomes for clients across a wide range of industries.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a critical executive leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational performance, and long-term financial strategy of a rapidly scaling organization. This is a hands-on, operationally focused leadership position requiring deep expertise in project-based accounting, financial systems, and the financial realities of design-build environments.

The organization has experienced significant growth in recent years. The incoming CFO will play a key role in further strengthening financial systems, optimizing processes, and building a scalable financial infrastructure to support continued growth.

Working closely with the executive leadership team, the CFO will provide strategic financial guidance, support data-driven decision-making, and ensure financial discipline across the organization. This role balances strategic oversight with day-to-day operational involvement, requiring a leader who is comfortable working at both the executive and granular levels of the business.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer will focus on six core areas:

 Financial Strategy, Planning, and Performance Management

• Develop and oversee the company’s financial strategy to support sustainable growth and alignment with corporate objectives.
• Provide financial insights, modeling, and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making, investments, and resource allocation.
• Lead annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and long-range financial planning processes.
• Establish and monitor key financial metrics to drive accountability, performance management, and fiscal discipline.
• Evaluate financial risks and opportunities to ensure the company remains financially resilient while pursuing growth initiatives.

 Project Accounting and Financial Operations

• Oversee project-based accounting for approximately 200 active projects annually, including long-term, multi-year projects with complex scopes.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition, cost tracking, margin analysis, and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting.
• Develop and refine systems, tools, and processes to support scalable and reliable project accounting practices.
• Partner with project management and operations teams to ensure financial visibility and accountability at the project level.

 Accounting, Reporting, and Compliance

• Oversee accounting operations, financial close processes, and timely, accurate financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial regulations, tax laws, and internal company policies.
• Manage audit processes and relationships with external accountants and advisors.
• Maintain strong internal controls and governance practices appropriate for a growing organization.

 Cash Flow, Risk Management, and Capital Stewardship

• Manage cash flow, working capital, and financial risk across the organization.
• Oversee banking relationships, credit facilities, and financial institutions.
• Evaluate investment decisions and capital allocation to support long-term business objectives.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies without compromising quality or delivery.

 Executive Leadership and Stakeholder Partnership

• Serve as a key financial advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team.
• Prepare and present financial reports, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership and the board.
• Develop relationships with investors, lenders, and external stakeholders as required.
• Contribute actively to strategic planning, operational reviews, and leadership discussions.

 Team Leadership and Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering professional growth and high performance.
• Support a remote finance team, ensuring strong engagement, communication, and accountability.
• Continue building scalable finance processes, documentation, and best practices to support organizational maturity.
• Promote a culture of financial transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally within design-build, construction, or project-based professional services environments.
• Bachelor’s degree and CPA, CA, or ACA designation preferred.
• Experience working in international markets or with global teams preferred.
• Deep expertise in project accounting, including long-term, complex, multi-year projects.
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to engage in hands-on system setup, process improvement, and day-to-day financial oversight.
• Experience supporting rapidly scaling organizations where financial foundations required development or restructuring.
• Strong understanding of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop junior finance professionals.
• Experience working with remote or distributed teams is considered a strong asset.
• Advanced proficiency with financial systems, ERPs, and reporting tools.
• Industry experience in construction, design-build, live entertainment, or adjacent project-driven sectors is highly preferred.

WHAT MAKES YOU GREAT:

• A pragmatic, solutions-oriented leader who balances strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Comfortable working at both the executive level and within the details of systems, processes, and financial data.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate financial information into clear, actionable insights.
• High emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style.
• Resilient, adaptable, and energized by building structure in dynamic, evolving environments.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.

Benefits

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE COMPANY:

• Growth Opportunity: Be part of a business that is scaling up.
• Impactful Work: Play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the organization.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with passionate professionals.
• Competitive Compensation: A comprehensive salary and benefits package.
• Company Culture: A supportive, team-oriented atmosphere where your contributions matter.

 TOTAL REWARDS & POSITION DETAILS:

• Location: Remote (Canada-based). 
• Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, standard business hours, with flexibility as required.
• Travel: Minimal; occasional in-person leadership meetings.
• Compensation:  $160,000 - $180,000 CAD, depending on candidate experience.
• Extended Benefits: Health, Vision, and Dental.
• Additional Perks:Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid or fully remote options