The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is the operator of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport, the largest airport in Canada and one of the biggest airports in North America. Pearson Airport is more than just a transportation hub. It is an economic powerhouse that brings Canada to the world, and the world to Canada.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer’s (CFO) mandate will be to enhance the organization’s operational and financial performance while ensuring effective financial stewardship of the LIFT infrastructure project - one of the largest transportation investments in Canadian history. The CFO will execute the LIFT capital program and ensure funds are allocated efficiently to maximize return on infrastructure development and airport modernization. Given the demands of this complex portfolio, the CFO will need to build a first-class team, strengthening the areas of financial reporting, financial planning, capital allocation, audit, as well as serving as a true strategic business partner to the CEO and Leadership team. The CFO will take on this role as GTAA continues to execute against its strategic plan. Effective management of his/her own time and resources through the setting of priorities and goals will be crucial for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Management of Accounting and Finance Functions

• Ensure cash flow is appropriate for the organization’s operations, improving revenue growth and EBITDA margin growth.
• Lead the business and financial planning processes and ensuring optimal execution, including both Operating and Capital expense planning, management, and performance.
• Support the large infrastructure program and associated debt management, investment structures and potential large scale project partnerships.
• Oversee the skillful and meaningful financial reporting and communication for the GTAA, including guidance and insights to guide action and execution.
• Lead innovative and human-centered solutioning to business problems.

Effective Financial Policies, Procedures and Controls

• Indirectly lead the audit function (reports directly to the Board of Directors) to ensure robust procedures are in place to manage risk effectively and skillfully.
• Oversee financial processes and systems and continuous improvement of such to exceed reporting standards and improve quality and transparency of our reporting.
• Chair the GTAA’s Pension Advisory Committee & the GTAA’s Whistleblower Committee.
• Oversee insurance requirements and ensure the protection of the GTAA.

Collaborating with other Executives on Strategic Business and Organizational Decisions

• Provide and progress capabilities for data-driven intelligence to identify, capitalize on and skilfully execute opportunities in our business.
• Provide evidence-based analysis and expert knowledge of financial matters to inform and guide strategic business decisions.
• Understands the political, commercial, cultural environments and how it impacts GTAA strategies and can be sources of opportunities.
• Meaningful contribution to executive decisions across the organization, engaging and enabling candid debate and discussion with peers to support 360-degree decision-making.
• Play a key role in the negotiation and execution of partner agreements to ensure the effective execution and return of operational and capital program investments.

Managing Relationships with the Board of Directors, Investors, Key Partners, and Auditors

• Build and nurture a partnership with the Audit Committee and other Committees of the Board of Directors.
• Support the management of long-term agreements with key airport partners, bringing innovative financial solutions to the table.

Effective Oversight over Strategic Sourcing

• Oversee the strategic sourcing function of the GTAA, including the large infrastructure procurement and performance management of contracts
• Advance value-based outcomes from all procurement processes, driving down costs, improving return on partnerships and ensuring the highest integrity and most effective outcomes of the procurement processes.

Exemplary People Leadership Skills and a Track Record of Attracting, Developing, and Retaining Key Talent

• Actively monitor and provide feedback on the performance of team members to help improve the performance of individuals and the team as a whole.
• Have regular 1:1 conversation with direct reports to guide progress toward objectives, to help prioritize workloads, to understand career aspirations and to coach on performance and development.
• Actively participate in the development of team members, identifying development actions, coaching, mentoring, and advocating for career opportunities for key talent.
• Actively participate in regular talent reviews, sharing feedback, coaching and guidance for talent across the GTAA.
• Be a talent seeker, always identifying and attracting talent to the GTAA.

The Individual

The ideal candidate for the CFO role will be a proven executive with extensive experience in large (>$1 billion in revenue), capital-intensive organizations such as aviation, transportation, or infrastructure. The CFO will be able to combine strategic vision with a keen attention to detail and operational acumen, serving as a true strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team as they deliver on one of the largest infrastructure investments in Canadian airport history. The successful candidate will be a positive, collaborative, and engaging leader with an ability to build a world-class finance organization and forge strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

Candidate Criteria

• CFO experience within a multi-billion-dollar, complex, multi-partner commercial business that is national or international in scope.
• Undergraduate Degree in Accounting/Finance required and a CPA, CA designation. An MBA/CFA would be an asset.
• An inclusive leadership approach that values collaboration, diversity and ensures voices from all backgrounds are heard.
• A broad base of experience with specific involvement in capital raising (debt capital, bonds, grants etc.) within a capital-intensive industry.
• Creative financial thinker with a proven track record of leading and transforming finance functions in dynamic, complex, and continually evolving companies.
• Must have the intellectual agility, poise, and gravitas to serve as the interface with the board of directors, government, banks, lawyers, and other key stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of the corporate financial regulatory environment and risk management practices.
• Excellent knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods.
• Proven track record to strategize and solve problems.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, and a natural inclination towards delegation as well as coaching and development.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• An analytical mind with strong aptitude towards numbers and ability to derive critical themes and opportunities.

To Apply

To fill this position, GTAA has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers Berndtson. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online by clicking "Apply Now" below. We would like to thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.