On behalf of St. Michaels University School (SMUS) we have a new senior leadership opportunity for a collaborative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in Victoria, BC. Reporting to the Head of School, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all financial and administrative operations to ensure the School’s long-term fiscal health, sustainability, and responsible stewardship of resources. This role also provides executive oversight of Information Technology, Risk Management, Privacy Compliance, and External Programs.
Do you bring 10+ years of senior financial leadership experience, preferably in independent schools or the non-profit sector? Would you be described as a solutions-focused leader who works well independently but enjoys partnering with all departments? Is working in a positive environment with colleagues who are engaged and love what they are doing important to you? If you have answered “yes,” this is an opportunity to utilize our high integrity, strong work ethic, and positive, approachable leadership presence while becoming deeply engaged in the life of this amazing school.
What makes St. Michaels University School a great employer?
St. Michaels University School is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 day and boarding school with a global reputation for academic excellence and supporting the whole student. Their students, from over 30 countries, are offered opportunities in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, service, and outdoor education.
When you join their culture of excellence, you will be making a difference and supporting their vision for students to learn, to lead and to serve, all while developing your career. In their beautiful work environment, you will also enjoy:
- Competitive compensation including a salary of $190,000 - $240,000 annually based on related experience and education
- Professional growth opportunities
- 4 weeks vacation, as well as some school holidays
- Extensive health benefits that start on your date of hire
- A strong RRSP matching program
- A generous tuition discount for your children if accepted to the school
- The opportunity to join an outstanding and supportive Senior Leadership Team
What could your day as our new CFO include?
- Leadership and Oversight: Lead, mentor, and support senior operational leaders, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture while building leadership capacity and professional growth across reporting teams.
- Budget and Finance: Provide strategic financial leadership to the Head of School and Board of Governors, overseeing operating and capital budgets, financial reporting, and long-term planning to support sustainability, accessibility, and institutional strength. Ensure sound financial governance through effective controls, compliance, risk oversight, benchmarking, and management of financial institutions, while collaborating closely with Admissions and Advancement to align enrolment, financial aid, and fundraising strategies with budget priorities.
- Risk Management and Privacy: Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and data-related risks through effective insurance management, privacy governance, staff training, and compliance with legislative and best-practice standards for confidentiality and data protection.
- Information Technology: Provide strategic oversight of IT governance, cybersecurity, and systems sustainability, ensuring technology effectively supports academic and administrative operations, meets data security and disaster recovery standards, and is procured and managed with accessibility, usability, and inclusive design in mind.
- External Programs and Ancillary Revenue: Oversee external programs and ancillary revenue activities, including summer camps, ensuring strong financial performance, prudent risk management, contractual oversight, and alignment with the School’s sustainability goals, reputation, and commitment to inclusive access.
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Apply an equity-informed approach to budgeting, financial aid, procurement, technology access, and operational decision-making, ensuring policies and practices support fairness, accessibility, and belonging for students, families, employees, and partners.
This is only a small sampling of what your day could hold. Please be sure to review the full Job Description at https://tallsky.ca/job/chief-financial-officer-cfo/ to learn more about this opportunity.
Our ideal CFO brings:
- Minimum 10 years senior financial leadership experience, preferably in independent schools or the non-profit sector.
- Professional accounting designation (CPA or equivalent).
- Experience creating and managing multi-million dollar budgets, forecasting, and knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and fund accounting.
- Experience managing various financing vehicles.
- Experience overseeing operational and administrative portfolios, including IT and external revenue programs.
- Knowledge of laws and financial reporting standards for independent schools.
- Familiarity with CAIS, NAIS and ISABC benchmarking and best practices.
Skills and Abilities that will help you thrive in this role:
- High integrity, strong work ethic, and an approachable leadership presence.
- Demonstrated ability to lead financial and operational decisions with an equity and accessibility lens in a mission-driven, not-for-profit educational environment.
- Proven capacity to balance competing institutional priorities through sound judgment, strategic thinking, and practical implementation.
- Strong communicator and listener with excellent interpersonal, organizational, and conflict resolution skills.
- Collaborative, solutions-oriented leader who works effectively both independently and in partnership across departments.
How to apply:
Before applying to this senior leadership opportunity, please be sure to review the full Job Description at https://tallsky.ca/job/chief-financial-officer-cfo/ to confirm that you bring the required skills and experience to excel in this exciting role. If you do, and you would love to join a culture where people from all backgrounds and walks of life can flourish, then forward your confidential application to TallSky Consulting. We look forward to receiving your application!
We thank all applicants; however, after initial acknowledgement, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $190,000.00-$240,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Store discount
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Victoria, BC V8P 4P5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Senior Financial Leadership: 10 years (required)
- Independent Schools or Non-Profit: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Chartered Professional Accountant (required)
Work Location: In person
