Manager, Finance & Operations

Position Overview

At Junior Achievement Northern Alberta (JA), we believe every young person deserves the skills and confidence to build a successful future.

Each year, nearly 45,000 students across Northern Alberta participate in JA programs that develop financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness. Behind every classroom experience, volunteer, donor and event is a strong operational foundation that makes it all possible.

We're looking for a highly organized and motivated finance and operations professional who wants to broaden their experience while helping build the operational foundation behind one of Alberta's leading youth charities.

If you love spreadsheets, financial analysis, solving operational challenges and making organizations run better, this is an opportunity to use those talents to create meaningful impact for thousands of young people.

About the Role

Reporting to the President & CEO, you'll play a key role in coordinating JA's financial and operational activities while working closely with our outsourced Controller, bookkeeping, payroll and IT partners.

This is a role for someone who loves numbers but wants more than accounting. You'll partner with the President & CEO to understand the story behind the financials, support organizational decision-making through accurate financial information, strong operational coordination and continuous process improvement.

You'll oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, organizational operations, technology, governance, compliance, human resources administration and vendor relationships.

Working alongside outsourced bookkeeping, payroll, Controller and IT providers, you'll ensure our organization operates efficiently while providing timely financial reporting and operational support that helps leadership make informed decisions.

If you're someone who naturally asks, "How could this work better?" you'll thrive here.

What You’ll Do Here

Drive Financial Excellence

• Lead JA's annual budgeting and forecasting process in partnership with the President & CEO.
• Lead the monthly budget, variance analysis, cash flow forecasting and financial reporting cycle.
• Prepare financial dashboards and reports for the leadership team, Audit & Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Oversee accounts receivable, administer accounts payable, revenue reconciliation and financial reporting.
• Coordinate the annual external audit.
• Monitor organizational financial performance and communicate emerging issues to the President & CEO.
• Maintain strong internal financial controls, policies and financial compliance.

Strengthen Operational Excellence

• Oversee office operations, facilities and organizational systems.
• Lead process improvements that increase efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
• Coordinate JA's bi-annual AGLC Casino, including volunteer scheduling, financial administration and regulatory compliance.
• Manage business continuity planning and organizational risk documentation.

Manage Business Partnerships

• Oversee relationships with outsourced bookkeeping, Controller, payroll, IT, insurance, benefits and other strategic service providers.
• Coordinate technology purchases, software licensing and vendor contracts.
• Support cybersecurity awareness and technology best practices across the organization.
• Ensure staff have the tools, systems and operational support they need to succeed.

Lead JA Canada Compliance

• Coordinate required financial, governance and operational reporting to JA Canada.
• Administer annual license fee calculations, reconciliations and payments.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison with JA Canada on finance and compliance matters.

Support Organizational Growth

• Prepare fundraising revenue reports, forecasts and financial analysis.
• Support grant reporting, restricted fund management and donor agreement compliance.
• Ensure compliance with CRA regulations, charitable receipting requirements and fundraising legislation.
• Support budgeting, financial administration and reconciliation for major fundraising events.
• Coordinate organizational insurance renewals and corporate compliance requirements.
• Support governance activities and maintain key corporate records.

Support People & Culture

• Coordinate payroll information, employee benefits and annual HR administration.
• Manage onboarding, offboarding, employee records, leave administration and HR documentation.
• Support implementation of HR policies and annual people processes.

In addition to the outlined responsibilities, all JA employees are expected to actively participate in events and opportunities that support the overall mission and goals of Junior Achievement. These additional duties are essential for fostering positive relationships with donors, stakeholders, supporters and the community at large and contribute to the overall success of Junior Achievement.

About You

You're the person everyone relies on to keep things running smoothly.

You’re someone who enjoys solving problems, keeping things organized and making systems work better. You're comfortable working with financial information, enjoy learning new skills and take pride in producing accurate, reliable work.

You are highly analytical, exceptionally organized and naturally curious. You take pride in accuracy, thrive in collaborative environments and believe great operations create great impact.

You're looking for an opportunity to expand your experience across finance, operations and organizational leadership.

What You’ll Bring

We're looking for someone who combines strong financial expertise with exceptional organizational skills.

You likely bring

• 3 - 5 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, operations or business administration.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills.
• Experience supporting budgeting, financial reporting or accounting processes.
• Comfort interpreting financial statements and presenting information clearly.
• Experience managing external service providers and vendor relationships.
• Strong project management, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience preparing reports for leadership or Boards.
• Experience with QuickBooks accounting software and Salesforce CRM system.
• High attention to detail and a passion for continuous improvement.
• Experience working with nonprofit or charitable organizations, including knowledge of CRA charitable regulations, is considered an asset.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At JA, you'll do more than manage budgets—you'll help build an organization that changes lives.

Make a Difference

Your work will directly support thousands of students discovering their potential through entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness.

Be a Strategic Partner

Work closely with the President & CEO and leadership team while gaining experience across finance, operations and organizational leadership.

Build Something Better

We're growing, evolving and continuously improving. Your ideas will matter, and you'll have the opportunity to improve systems that support long-term impact.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $65,000 - $72,000

You’ll also enjoy

• 35-hour work week
• Flexible work environment
• Free downtown parking
• Paid office closure over the December holidays
• RRSP matching
• Health Spending Account
• Professional development funding
• Opportunity to work directly with an experienced CEO and outsourced finance professionals

How to Apply

If you're excited about combining financial expertise with meaningful purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to HRJA@janorthalberta.org with the subject line "Manager, Finance & Operations."

Successful candidates will be required to complete a criminal record check.

Junior Achievement Northern Alberta is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experience.

Pay: $65,000.00-$72,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Company events
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Work Location: In person