Director of Finance

Director of Finance
Souris, PE
Salary: Starting at $120,000
Reference # HL – ONDA – 9438 

Onda is an R&D and contract service organization focused on the application of biotechnologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in aquaculture and related industries. The company combines extensive experience in aquaculture with strong expertise in aquatic animal health, nutrition, and molecular biology to deliver research-based solutions to clients across Canada and internationally. Onda is seeking a strategic and collaborative Director of Finance to join our senior leadership team.

The Director of Finance is a key member of the senior leadership team and reports directly to the CEO. This role is responsible for strengthening organizational capacity in financial management, supporting strategic decision making, and ensuring the achievement of corporate objectives.

The successful candidate will bring strong financial expertise, operational insight, and leadership capability to guide Ondas financial strategy during a period of growth and increasing organizational complexity. The role will also contribute to the development and optimization of pricing models for Onda’s contract research and service offerings, ensuring financial sustainability and competitiveness.       

Key Responsibilities:  

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Lead the annual budgeting and planning process.
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team to support strategic planning and corporate decision making.
• Develop and manage corporate financing strategies.
• Liaise with investors to support financing strategies, fund reporting, and information requests.
• Present and report to the Board of Directors.
• Provide financial modelling, scenario analysis, and project based costing to support business growth initiatives.
• Uphold and model Ondas Core Values: Lead with Integrity, Innovate, Collaborate, Excel, and Make a Difference.

Service Pricing & Commercial Support

• Develop, refine, and maintain pricing models for contract research and service based projects.
• Partner with scientific and operational teams to evaluate project scopes, cost structures, margins, and resource requirements.
• Support proposal development with financial insights and revenue projections.
• Ensure pricing strategies align with market expectations, organizational goals, and long term sustainability.
• Supervision of procurement and inventory management.

Financial Management & Oversight

• Develop, refine, and maintain pricing models for contract research and service based projects.
• Partner with scientific and operational teams to evaluate project scopes, cost structures, margins, and resource requirements.
• Support proposal development with financial insights and revenue projections.
• Ensure pricing strategies align with market expectations, organizational goals, and long term sustainability.
• Supervision of procurement and inventory management.

Treasury, Cash Flow & Liquidity Management

• Manage organizational cash flow, forecasting, and liquidity planning.
• Monitor working capital needs and ensure proactive financial risk management.
• Oversee banking relationships and treasury operations.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Optimize ERP and financial management systems with knowledge of Odoo an asset.
• Strengthen financial reporting tools and analytics to enhance operational visibility and decision making.

Audit & Compliance

• Lead and coordinate the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors.
• Enhance audit readiness and internal audit frameworks to support growth and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations and reporting requirements.
• Maintain strong internal controls aligned with regulatory standards (GLP/GCP/GDP environments).

Qualifications: 

• Minimum 5 years post CPA designation experience.
• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive finance leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of corporate finance, accounting principles, audit practices, tax compliance, and revenue recognition standards.
• Experience developing or managing pricing models for contract services, manufacturing, or project based professional services considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience managing or conducting audits in regulated or grant funded environments.
• Proven ability to interpret complex financial data and present insights clearly to nonfinancial stakeholders.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors considered an asset.
• Experience in commercialization in regulated environments or grant funded organizations considered an asset.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities
• High integrity and professionalism
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Collaborative leadership style
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and drive results

Compensation & Benefits:

• Comprehensive group health benefits package.
• Generous paid time off: 3 weeks vacation, 10 sick days, 11 public holidays.
• Company matched RRSP to support long term financial goals.
• Annual Health & Wellness Allowance of (HSA and/or Wellness Account).

This is an opportunity to join a growing, mission driven organization at the intersection of biotechnology and sustainable aquaculture. The Director of Finance will play a pivotal role in shaping Ondas financial strategy, operational excellence, and long term sustainability.