Description

Vice presidents of finance typically are near the top of a business' hierarchical structure. They keep their business profitable, ensure spending is low, and stay in line with government regulations. Primary responsibilities for this job are to direct finances and coordinate the budget. While planning budgets, they also set goals for certain milestones and goals the company needs to meet. Vice presidents of finance also oversee the duties carried out by the lower-level employees in the finance department. They manage financial reporting, accounting, daily operations, and monthly operations results. They also handle the company's taxes and its interactions with regulatory agencies.One typically finds vice presidents of finance in any medium- to large-sized company with a finance department. They typically work during regular business hours in an office setting and preside over a department of accounting and finance employees. As top management employees, they also work with the president and chief executive officer of their business. In this position, they usually work in their own office and have a secretary or assistant.Educational requirements for this position typically are a master's degree in finance, business, or accounting. They must also possess extensive accounting experience, and it is usually preferred that they are certified as a public accountant and have five to 10 years of experience in a mid- to senior-level role in accounting or finance.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Vice President VP, Finance with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, to ensure the company's financial health and growth. Manage and monitor the company's financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to optimize financial outcomes.
  • Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and mitigate financial risks. Establish and enforce financial guidelines and protocols to safeguard the company's assets and maintain financial integrity.
  • Provide strategic financial guidance and insights to senior management, helping to drive business decisions and facilitate growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide recommendations for improving profitability and operational efficiency.
  • Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals, ensuring their professional development and fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Vice President (VP), Finance, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive financial expertise and knowledge of accounting principles to oversee all financial operations and make informed strategic decisions.
  • Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and mentor a team of finance professionals, ensuring cohesive collaboration and achieving departmental objectives.
  • Proven track record in financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling, to drive business growth and optimize financial performance.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively communicate financial information to stakeholders, including executives, board members, and external partners.

Essential Skills For Vice President (VP), Finance

1

Strategic Foresight

2

Leadership Management

3

Strategic Management

4

Leadership Communication

Career Prospects

The role of Vice President VP, Finance is crucial for overseeing financial operations and strategic planning. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Financial Controller: A position responsible for managing financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls within an organization.
  • Risk Manager: A role focused on identifying and mitigating financial risks, developing risk management strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Investment Analyst: A position involving analyzing investment opportunities, conducting research, and providing recommendations for portfolio management.
  • Corporate Treasurer: A role that involves managing cash flow, liquidity, and financial risk for a company, including overseeing banking relationships and optimizing working capital.

How to Learn

The role of Vice President (VP), Finance in Canada is projected to have strong growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, this job role has seen a consistent increase in demand. The number of employment opportunities for VP, Finance is expected to rise significantly in the future. Recent data points from Google indicate that the financial industry continues to evolve, leading to a greater demand for experienced finance professionals in leadership positions. This trend is expected to continue with various companies seeking skilled VPs to drive financial strategies and contribute to organizational success.