Position Overview
Genome Atlantic brings businesses, governments, and researchers together to focus expertise and investment on Atlantic Canada’s priorities. We help partners turn insights from DNA into practical solutions that improve health, increase productivity, and drive business growth and job creation. The team at Genome Atlantic is connected by a collaborative way of working and a shared commitment to making an impact across Atlantic Canada.
We are looking for an experienced finance leader who, working as part of a skilled team, appreciates seeing the impact of what they do.
As our Director, Finance & Administration, you will be the senior financial leader in the organization and a trusted partner to our President & CEO. This is both a leadership role and a hands-on one. You will provide financial insight and advice, while also being directly involved in the accounting, reporting, budgeting, audit, funding and administrative work that keeps the organization aligned with its commitments and vision.
One day you may be preparing financial information for the Board or advising the CEO on an important decision. The next, you may be collaborating on a project with other Genome Center Finance leads , reconciling financial information, working through a funding claim, coordinating an audit requirement, reviewing a contract or solving an operational issue.
For the right person, that combination of collaborative leadership, variety and hands-on involvement is part of what makes the opportunity interesting.
If you are a CPA who enjoys meaningful work, fostering strong relationships and being part of an experienced team where people know and support one another, we would love to hear from you!
The Opportunity
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director, Finance & Administration is responsible for the financial stewardship of Genome Atlantic and the effective administration of across important internal business functions, including:
- accounting, financial management and reporting
- budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis
- funder and project financial management
- external audit and financial controls
- Board and Finance & Audit Committee reporting
- payroll and benefits administration
- selected HR and policy administration
- technology and vendor coordination
- organizational systems and administration
This position has one direct report, the Senior Coordinator, Projects and Finance, and is responsible for providing direction, support and appropriate oversight. The role also works closely with the President & CEO, colleagues, Board members, funders, auditors, project partners and external advisors and contractors.
This role combines strategic financial leadership with hands-on involvement in the day-to-day work. You will contribute directly to Genome Atlantic’s financial and administrative operations, provide trusted advice to the CEO and Board, and help ensure the systems and processes that support the organization are reliable, well managed and effective.
Areas of Responsibility
Financial Leadership & Stewardship
Oversee and work directly within Genome Atlantic’s financial management systems, accounting records, controls and policies; lead budgeting; monitor financial performance; prepare quarterly and annual financial reporting; coordinate the annual audit; and provide financial analysis and advice to support decision-making.
Funding & Project Financial Management
Prepare and oversee financial claims and reporting for funding partners, support project budgeting and financial administration, monitor project financial performance and maintain strong relationships with funders, institutional partners and other Genome Centres.
Board & Governance Support
Prepare and present financial information to the Finance & Audit Committee and Board of Directors and support the President & CEO with the financial and administrative aspects of governance.
Contracts, People & Administration
Work directly with contracts, agreements, payroll and benefits administration, employee documentation, policies, technology and other organizational processes, while coordinating with external professional partners as needed.
Team & Organizational Support
Work collaboratively with an experienced team, share knowledge, strengthen processes and contribute beyond a narrow functional boundary when needed. You will provide direction and support while also valuing the expertise and organizational knowledge of the people around you.
Experience and Qualifications
We are looking for someone who combines strong technical finance expertise with practical business judgement and an approachable, collaborative working style. This includes:
- A CPA designation in good standing
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience, including senior-level responsibility for a finance function.
- Broad experience across the full financial cycle, including accounting operations, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, cash management, financial controls, year-end activities and external audit.
- Experience preparing and presenting financial information to senior leaders, Boards and/or Finance and Audit Committees, with the ability to translate financial information into clear, practical advice that supports good decisions.
- Experience managing externally funded programs, projects or contribution agreements, including budgets, financial claims, reporting and reconciliation.
- Experience building effective relationships with funders, government agencies, institutional partners, auditors and other professional advisors.
- Experience supporting, supervising or developing others, with a collaborative approach that respects the knowledge and expertise colleagues bring.
- A high level of attention to detail and accuracy, with the discipline to ensure financial information, reporting, records and follow-through are complete, reliable and well managed, while still keeping sight of the bigger picture.
- Experience working effectively with external service providers and professional partners, including accounting and IT support.
- Experience with payroll, benefits and confidential employee and compensation information.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to build trusted working relationships through responsiveness, dependability and follow-through.
- Comfort taking ownership, working independently and knowing when to seek input or involve others.
- Comfort moving between strategic advice and hands-on execution, sometimes within the same day.
- A practical mindset and an interest in strengthening systems, simplifying processes and helping the organization work effectively.
- Flexibility, good humour and a willingness to contribute where needed as part of a small, collaborative team.
- Experience with not-for-profit accounting and governance is not required but would be highly valued.
- Experience in contract administration, policy or HR administration, research, innovation, academic, government-funded or project-based environments would be an asset.
- Strong Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 skills are important; experience with QuickBooks would be an asset.
Work Environment
This is a full-time hybrid position based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Genome Atlantic’s current hybrid model includes working in the Halifax office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Monday and Friday.
Periodic travel within Atlantic Canada and elsewhere in Canada may be required. The role also includes predictable periods of increased activity associated with quarter-end and year-end reporting, audits, funding requirements, Board meetings and project milestones.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit at a desk or workstation for extended periods of time while performing computer-based work.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English with team members, stakeholders, and clients through verbal and written communication.
- Ability to travel to other Genome Canada/Genome Centre offices, partner sites, and out-of-province conferences as needed.
How To Apply
If this role speaks to you, we’d love to hear from you!
Please share your cover letter and resume as a single PDF (with your full name in the file name) to recruitment@genomeatlantic.ca with the subject line: Director, Finance and Accounting.
The application deadline is Monday, October 19th, 2026.
Individual accommodations due to a disability are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, citizenship status, marital status, or actual or perceived sexual orientation.
Genome Atlantic is committed to creating an inclusive environment and building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value diversity and recognize that experience comes in many forms and skills are transferable. If you feel enthusiastic about our efforts and believe you have the skills to contribute and excel in this role, apply!
We thank all interested parties; however, only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.
About Genome Atlantic
Genome Atlantic connects ideas and people across public and private sectors to fuel innovation and translate discoveries into solutions across key sectors including energy; mining; aquaculture; agriculture and agri-food; forestry; health; and the environment. Together with our many partners, we have enabled over $170 million in strategic R&D since our inception in 2000, driving sustainable economic development in Atlantic Canada’s natural resources, improving health outcomes, enhancing environmental stewardship, and helping our regional industries adapt to climate change. genomeatlantic.ca
