Director, Finance, HR and Operations

Brion Raffoul is a leading IP boutique law firm in Canada, situated in Westboro, Ottawa. Our exceptional team is passionate about helping innovative companies protect their ideas, designs and brands worldwide. Our clients include domestic and multinational companies, government agencies, as well as universities.

We are seeking a Director, Finance, HR and Operations to join our operations on a full-time basis. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, the Director will be responsible for managing the full scope of the company’s financials, including the day-to-day accounting operations, and for leading the firm’s human resources and day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate will bring a positive, hands-on approach and must be comfortable with problem-solving and managing multiple priorities at once, holding staff accountable and following tasks through to completion without reminders. This is a terrific opportunity to take full ownership of a senior role while working directly with the Managing Partner to help shape the future of the business.

As a member of the management team, the Director will contribute to strategic planning, ensure compliance with legislative requirements, and provide leadership to staff, the Managing Partner and Management Team. The role also supervises and mentors a team of 20 to support daily operations. The Director is the first point of contact for all staff matters and manages people directly: setting clear expectations, giving timely feedback, and addressing performance and policy issues.

Key Responsibilities:

Human Resources & People Management

• Lead all HR operations for the firm’s staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management and departures.
• Own the full employee life cycle: a written training plan in place before each new hire’s first day; 30, 60 and 90-day check-ins; and structured departures (notices, systems access, equipment, firm announcements).
• Hold staff accountable: set clear expectations, deliver regular substantive feedback, and address performance and policy issues (including attendance and work-from-home policies) directly and promptly.
• Plan and maintain a firm-wide training calendar and track completion.
• Review timesheets, expense claims and other staff submissions for completeness and accuracy before they reach the partners.
• Oversee payroll, benefits, group health insurance and RRSP programs, employment contracts and employee records.
• Onboard contractors and outsourced staff, confirming equipment, systems access, confidentiality agreements and schedules in writing before the start date.
• Maintain HR policies and the employee handbook, and advise leadership on employment standards, health and safety, human rights and other legislative compliance.
• Promote a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.

Financial Management & Accounting

• Lead all financial operations, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with GAAP.
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
• Prepare, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
• Review all reports and calculations for accuracy and completeness before distribution.
• Work with the IP Manager and administrative staff so work is invoiced at a regular cadence through the month, avoiding month-end backlogs.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and investments.
• Coordinate the annual audit and liaise with auditors and the Financial Institutions.
• Complete all statutory filings, including CRA returns, HST, EHT and payroll remittances.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and procedures.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process with the Managing Partner.
• Provide forecasts, variance analyses, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Plan and lead finance system changes, such as an accounting software migration, with a written project plan, timeline and staff training.

Administrative Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise and mentor staff members (Administrative & Accounting Support, Reception & Office Support)
• Provide coaching and professional development to enhance team skills and performance.
• Ensure effective daily operations, workflow coordination, and clear communication across the administrative team.
• Oversee reception and office upkeep (supplies, cleaning, deliveries) with regular checks, so issues are caught and resolved without partner involvement.
• Improve administrative processes, systems, and tools for operational efficiency.

Facilities & Operations Management

• Oversee building operations and maintenance, working with contractors and suppliers, and following up on repairs through to completion.
• Manage service agreements for Security, HVAC, and other ad hoc maintenance contracts.
• Lead risk management and insurance review processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and workplace health and safety standards.
• Develop and implement facilities and operational continuity policies.

Information Technology & Systems

• Oversee IT systems, data security, and technology operations with support from external IT consultant
• Plan and manage technology upgrades and infrastructure improvements as required
• Support digital transformation efforts to enhance efficiency and data integrity.
• Use AI and automation tools to streamline reporting and administrative work.
• Manage the annual IT budget.

Organizational Support & Collaboration

• Participate in organizational strategy, planning, and reporting as part of the management team.
• Provide financial and administrative guidance to the Executive Team.
• Support communications and marketing initiatives.
• Foster collaboration and effective communication across all departments.
• Represent the organization in external meetings as required.

The ideal candidate is an experienced and technically strong financial, HR and administrative leader who brings a solid foundation in accounting, budgeting, human resources and organizational operations. You bring strong hands-on accounting experience (10+ years), ideally within a profit-oriented professional services environment, including at least 5 years leading HR and managing people directly. With strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you excel at turning complex financial information into clear insights to the Executive Team. You are an effective people manager who holds people accountable, fosters collaboration, supports staff growth, and builds positive relationships across the organization. Highly organized and detail-oriented, the candidate demonstrates strong communication skills, adherence to best practices, and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community values. You read carefully, check your own work before it goes out, ask the right questions before acting, and manage multiple priorities without needing reminders.

What Makes a Candidate Stand Out:

• Holds or is actively pursuing a CPA designation and brings advanced proficiency in QuickBooks and Excel.
• Holds or is pursuing a CPHR designation or equivalent HR training.
• Demonstrates successful experience leading finance and administration, including preparing budgets, operational accounting, cash flow management & financial reporting.
• You bring strong hands-on accounting experience (10+ years) and a proven record in HR, operations, or administrative leadership.
• Experience in a law firm, patent agency or other professional services firm, including disbursement accounting, is a strong asset.
• Shows a proven track record of improving systems, processes, and organizational efficiency across finance, HR, IT, and facilities operations.
• Brings strong communication skills and the ability to convey technical information with clarity to diverse audiences.