Senior Accountant

Who we are

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families. 

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.

Who we need

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Finance, we are hiring a Senior Accountant to oversee the organization's accounting operations, financial reporting, fund accounting, and audit preparation. You will lead month-end and year-end close activities, maintain the integrity of the general ledger, oversee restricted and unrestricted funds, and ensure compliance with accounting standards, funding agreements, and regulatory requirements. As the senior accounting resource on the team, you will supervise Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable staff, providing coaching, guidance, and day-to-day support while ensuring accurate and efficient financial operations.

This existing vacancy is a full-time, hybrid position working on-site at our Euclid location with three days on-site and two days off-site per week.

What's in it for you 

Impact. You will play a critical role in maintaining the financial foundation that enables CDI to deliver programs and services to children, youth, and families. From overseeing financial reporting and fund accounting to supporting audits and compliance, your work will help ensure the organization can confidently steward its resources and meet its commitments to funders, stakeholders, and the communities it serves.

Ownership and influence. This is more than a traditional accounting role. As a senior member of the Finance team, you will have the opportunity to shape processes, strengthen controls, and contribute to system and workflow improvements. We are looking for someone who is eager to bring ideas forward, identify opportunities for greater efficiency, and help build a stronger finance function as the organization continues to evolve.

Leadership and growth. You will lead and support Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable team members while partnering closely with the Senior Manager, Finance and Director of Finance. Alongside developing your leadership capabilities, you will gain exposure to complex fund accounting, audit management, regulatory compliance, and not-for-profit financial operations within a collaborative team that values continuous learning and professional growth.

As our new Senior Accountant, you will:

• Lead accounting operations and financial reporting. You will oversee the organization's accounting activities, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records. You will lead month-end and year-end close processes, prepare journal entries and reconciliations, maintain general ledger accuracy, and support the preparation of financial statements and internal reporting. You will ensure transactions are recorded appropriately, accounting standards are applied consistently, and reporting deadlines are met.
• Manage fund accounting and compliance. You will oversee the accounting and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, deferred contributions, and funding agreements. You will ensure financial information is accurately tracked, funding requirements are met, and records support compliance with organizational, regulatory, and reporting obligations. You will also support CRA charity filings and other external reporting requirements as needed.
• Support audits, controls, and continuous improvement. You will serve as a key contact during the annual audit process, preparing schedules, supporting documentation, and responding to auditor requests. You will help maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures while identifying opportunities to improve workflows, increase efficiency, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the finance function.
• Lead and support the accounting team. You will provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and guidance to the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable team members. You will review work, support problem-solving, help prioritize competing demands, and ensure operational activities are completed accurately and on time. Working closely with the Senior Manager, Finance, you will contribute to a collaborative team environment that supports learning, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• The accounting expertise. You bring progressive accounting experience with responsibility for general ledger accounting, reconciliations, month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, and maintaining the accuracy of financial records. You understand accounting principles and standards and can apply sound judgment to ensure financial information is complete, accurate, and compliant.
• The fund accounting and compliance experience. You have experience working within a nonprofit, charitable, public sector, healthcare, education, or other funding-based environment. You understand grants, restricted and unrestricted funding, deferred contributions, and the importance of meeting funding, regulatory, and reporting requirements. We recognize that exceptional candidates may bring strong accounting and audit experience without direct fund accounting exposure and be eager to learn.
• The audit and controls mindset. You have experience preparing audit schedules, supporting external audits, and maintaining strong financial controls. You are detail-oriented and proactive in identifying discrepancies, improving processes, and ensuring the integrity of financial information.
• The leadership experience. You have experience leading, coaching, or supervising others and understand how to provide guidance, review work, and support team development. You enjoy helping others succeed while creating accountability and ensuring operational priorities are achieved.
• The technical skills. You have advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with accounting systems such as QuickBooks or similar financial platforms. Exposure to SAP Concur is an asset. You are comfortable learning new systems and using technology to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• The analytical and problem-solving abilities. You can investigate issues, reconcile complex accounts, identify root causes, and make informed decisions. You bring a thoughtful and practical approach to solving problems and continuously look for opportunities to improve processes and ways of working.
• The ownership and adaptability. You are organized, dependable, and able to manage competing priorities and deadlines. You take ownership of your work, demonstrate initiative, and are motivated by opportunities to contribute beyond your immediate responsibilities.
• The education. You hold a university degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A CPA designation, or progress toward obtaining your CPA, is considered an asset.

Other requirements

All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check and references.

Compensation: At Child Development Institute (CDI), we believe that compensation should be transparent, fair, and supportive of your experience and growth. For this role, the annualized salary is $77,000 - $80,000. Salary is determined by the complexity of the position and internal equity, ensuring a fair and competitive salary within our sector.

We believe in transparency and open conversations about compensation. If you have any questions about our approach, we are happy to discuss them throughout the hiring process.

Join us.

Fostering positive transformations in mental health for over a century, CDI is a world-class leader trusted in helping children, youth and families through a wide range of evidence-informed services to build lasting change.

At CDI, we prioritize the mental well-being and work-life balance of our teams. We acknowledge the reality of the emotionally demanding work each of us puts in every day. To that end, we strive to create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity flourish by offering:

Flexible hours in a planned program environment.

A focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Ongoing paid professional development opportunities and certifications. 

If you want to be part of our vision to make a measurable lifelong impact on the mental health and well-being of children, youth and their families, join us.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application. 

What you can expect from our interview process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor will discuss your interest in the role. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
• A second-round in person panel interview with the Senior Finance Manager, Director of Finance, and an HR representative to discuss your accounting and reporting experience, approach to managing competing priorities, experience supporting audits and compliance requirements, and ability to lead and develop others within a collaborative finance team.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [email protected].