What Is Start Proud

Start Proud aims to connect LGBTQ+ students with employers, while promoting the development of LGBTQ+ professionals, and celebrating the achievements and service of those in the community.

We facilitate the professional development of LGBTQ+ students as they transition from school to career in order to build a national network within the community. Our vision is to empower members of the LGBTQ+ community to be Canada’s leaders of tomorrow, where all institutions embrace inclusiveness within the workplace and diversity within the workforce.

About the Role:

The Director of Finance reports directly to the Executive Vice President of Internal Operations and in partnership with the Corporate Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the financial health of the organization. In this role, you will lead Start Proud’s budgeting, financial tracking, and reporting processes to ensure our initiatives are supported by sound financial planning. You will work closely with the Finance Associate(s) and the executive team to ensure responsible fiscal management across the organization.

You will also liaise with initiative and functional team leads to support them in understanding their budgets, facilitate timely reimbursements and payments, and provide insights into financial performance that support informed decision-making.

In this role you will:

• Manage Financial Operations: Oversee and maintain the organization's financial records, including budgets, expense tracking, and forecasting. Ensure compliance with internal policies and nonprofit financial best practices.
• Develop and Monitor Budgets: Work with initiative and functional leads to develop annual and event-specific budgets. Track actuals against projections and identify opportunities to optimize spending.
• Coordinate Payments and Reimbursements: Ensure timely processing of payments, vendor invoices, and volunteer reimbursements using Start Proud’s approved financial tools and workflows. Support the organization’s shift to centralized, auditable digital payment solutions.
• Lead Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports for the Executive team and Board of Directors. Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to support organizational decision-making.
• Support Grant Applications and Sponsorships: Assist with budgetary inputs for grant applications and provide financial documentation or forecasting required by sponsors or external funders.
• Maintain Financial Policies: Ensure adherence to Start Proud’s financial policies and procedures, and recommend improvements as necessary to improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Financial Management Experience: Experience managing finances for a nonprofit, student group, or volunteer-run organization. Comfort with budgeting, reporting, and financial reconciliation.
• Background in Accounting or Finance: Education or professional experience in accounting, finance, or a related field is required. This may include a degree or diploma in accounting/finance, work experience in financial roles, or relevant certifications.
• Familiarity with Financial Tools: Experience using tools such as Excel or financial software to track and analyze data. Familiarity with platforms like QuickBooks, Wave, or Plooto is a plus.
• Detail-Oriented and Organized: Strong attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple budgets, timelines, and payment workflows without oversight.
• Communication and Collaboration: Ability to clearly communicate financial insights to non-financial audiences and support cross-functional teams with budget-related inquiries.
• Integrity and Accountability: A strong sense of ethics and responsibility when handling organizational funds and financial data.
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Commitment

• ~5-15 hours per month
• Mandatory attendance at team team meetings

Application Instructions:

Please submit your resume via the link above. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Candidates from the LGBTQ+ community or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity and/or sexual orientation are strongly encouraged to apply. Lived experience as a member of any equity-deserving community is considered a strong asset.

We’re committed to providing accommodations throughout the application, interview, and employment process. If you require accommodation to be at your best, please let us know during the application process.

Why Start Proud?

• Springboard your professional development by gaining valuable experience as part of a national non-profit in a functional area you are looking to grow your skills in. We are here to develop you, even if you have little experience.
• Make an impact in our organization and the community we serve! We are growing and evolving quickly, so there are many opportunities to make a difference.
• Build your network with friendly and supportive LGBTQ+ students and professionals that are eager to support and mentor each other.

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