Chief Financial Officer

The Upper Grand District School Board (“UGDSB”) is situated on the ancestral, treaty and title lands of two Anishinaabek Ojibwe Nations: the Michi Saagig of the Credit and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. This land also includes a specified tract of land granted to the Six Nations of the Grand River. These Nations hold legal and specific rights in their respective territories. This area has been and continues to be home for Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.

The UGDSB employs a team of approximately 6,500 dedicated staff who serve more than 35,000 students attending a variety of programs across 66 elementary and 11 secondary schools as well as continuing education and adult learning centres in the counties of Dufferin, Wellington, and the City of Guelph. It is committed to supporting student achievement and well-being through a team of dedicated staff and strong learning communities, always striving to meet the diverse needs of its students. To learn more about the UGDSB, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQKVRNgBITY

It is within this context that UGDSB welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its Chief Financial Officer.

Reporting to the Director of Education/CEO, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Executive Committee, providing strategic and operational leadership for the Board’s financial and business services functions. The CFO is responsible for the overall stewardship of the Board’s financial resources, serving as Treasurer to the Board ensuring fiscal sustainability, legislative compliance, and effective financial planning in support of UGDSB’s strategic priorities. This role provides expert financial advice to the Director of Education/CEO, executive leadership team, and the Board of Trustees, and plays a critical role in long-term planning, risk management, and organizational decision-making. The CFO also provides leadership to several key functional areas, including Insurance and Risk Management, Financial Services, Procurement, Budgeting and Financial Reporting, ERP Project Management, ensuring these teams operate efficiently, collaboratively, and in alignment with the Board’s Multi Year Plan, Vision 2026+.

As a qualified candidate for the role, you are a strategic and systems-level thinker who effectively balances fiscal responsibility with organizational and student-centred priorities. Your career includes senior-level financial leadership experience from a similarly complex, unionized organization; experience from within a school board or the broader public sector is considered an asset. You have been responsible for capital planning, reserves, investments, long-term financial sustainability strategies and have familiarity with public sector financial management, reporting, internal controls, and risk management activities; experience with Ministry of Education funding models is considered an asset. You are adept at leading large, diverse teams within a unionized environment, and have experience with organizational change, process improvements, and modernization initiatives. You are an excellent communicator who can translate complex financial information into clear, accurate, and actionable insights for senior leadership and Board members. You are adept at managing competing priorities in a complex regulatory environment, and have strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. As a collaborative leader, you build and sustain strong working relationships across an organization and with external partners. You demonstrate principled decision-making, sound judgment, accountability, and professionalism, and lead with a demonstrated commitment to human rights in all aspects of leadership and service delivery. Candidates must hold a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation or equivalent designation and an undergraduate degree from a recognized university. You must hold or be committed to obtaining Ontario Supervisory Officer’s Qualifications (Business) within a specified timeframe.

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity with UGDSB, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca). 

Please note, all applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET, MARCH 3, 2026.

Use of AI: As part of our recruitment practices, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be used in the screening, assessment, or selection process for this job posting.

Vulnerable Sector Check: An original Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) must be provided prior to the commencement of employment. The VSC must be dated within 6 months of the start date of employment. For further information, refer to the UGDSB’s Criminal Record Check for requirements.

Self Identification Form: Candidates will be provided a PDF self identification form once they apply. The UGDSB is committed to fair and equitable hiring practices. As part of this commitment, it collects voluntary self-identification data to achieve an inclusive, diverse and representative workforce. The data aims to intentionally identify and remove barriers for equity-deserving communities at each stage of the hiring process. Completing the form is voluntary. If you prefer not to answer any or all questions, you can select “Prefer not to answer”. Choosing “Prefer not to answer” as a response will not impact your application or consideration for employment. If you have questions or concerns about this form, please contact plc@ugdsb.on.ca .

Salary Range: The salary for this position falls under the Ontario Government’s Executive Compensation Framework and is set at $196,637.

Compensation Package: UGDSB offers its employees a comprehensive range of total rewards designed to recognize their contributions to shared success, including competitive compensation, a defined benefit pension plan, professional development opportunities, and vibrant wellness programs.

Location/WFH: This role is based at the Head Office in Guelph. UGDSB offers a blended model, with some flexibility for remote work, subject to change with notice. 

The UGDSB is committed to building a diverse staff that is reflective of the community and students we serve. We actively encourage applications from members of groups who have historically and/or currently experience marginalization and/or barriers to equity, including, but not limited to: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples; Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination based on race, ancestry, ethnicity, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin; Persons with disabilities.

At UGDSB, we recognize that individuals may hold overlapping identities, which shape their experiences in unique ways. We are committed to our responsibility to create and maintain inclusive, equitable environments where everyone can fully participate, thrive, and reach their potential.

While we thank all applicants for their interest in working for the UGDSB, we wish to advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to those legally eligible to work in Canada.

UGDSB and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or assessment processes.