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Vice President Finance

Job Description, Responsibilities, and Salary in Quebec

Definition of the Vice President Finance role

The Vice President Finance (VP Finance) holds a key strategic position in managing an organization’s financial performance. Acting as the conductor of financial operations, the VP Finance oversees budgets, profitability analysis, and decision-making processes. Depending on the company’s size, this role may serve as an intermediate step between the Finance Director and the CFO, or as the top financial executive in smaller organizations.

 

Typical responsibilities of a VP Finance

  • Supervise all financial and accounting operations
  • Develop and oversee budgets, forecasts, and profitability analyses
  • Optimize financial processes, internal controls, and management tools
  • Manage banking, tax, and regulatory relationships
  • Lead teams in accounting, FP&A, payroll, and related functions
  • Provide strategic support to executive management in key decisions
  • Prepare the organization for growth, acquisitions, or financing rounds

Key skills required for a VP Finance position

  • Strong knowledge of accounting standards (ASPE, IFRS), management control, and financial tools
  • Excellent analytical and synthesis skills
  • Inspiring and structured leadership
  • Business acumen and operational understanding
  • Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced financial software
  • Ability to work with senior executives and external investors

Education and experience requirements

  • CPA designation required or strongly recommended
  • 10 to 15 years of progressive finance experience with proven leadership
  • Experience in SMEs or large corporations depending on the role
  • Background in public accounting (audit, advisory) is often valued

Differences between SMEs and large corporations

VP Finance in an SME
  • Broad role, often equivalent to a CFO
  • Oversees all financial operations
  • Contributes to overall strategy (sometimes also HR and IT)
  • Responsible for building and structuring financial tools
VP Finance in a large corporation
  • Role positioned under a CFO, with a more defined scope
  • Oversees one or several specialized teams (e.g., FP&A, reporting)
  • Focus on financial performance, budgeting, and forecasting
  • Operates in an established and standardized framework

Career outlook and progression

  • Promotion to CFO in a larger or more complex organization
  • Transition to general management (e.g., COO, Business Unit President)
  • Strategic leadership on an executive committee or board of directors
  • Leading international or multi-subsidiary finance teams

Salary of a Vice President Finance in Quebec

    The compensation for a VP Finance varies based on company size and industry sector:

  • SME: CAD $130,000 – $170,000, often with bonuses and mid-term incentives
  • Large corporation: CAD $160,000 – $200,000+, including performance bonuses, group RRSPs, and corporate benefit

These ranges are indicative. Autonomy level, sector (public vs. private), and company lifecycle stage directly impact salary.

FAQ – Vice President Finance (VP Finance)

What is the average salary of a VP Finance in Quebec?
What is the difference between a VP Finance and a CFO?
What skills are essential to become a VP Finance?
Is a CPA designation required to become a VP Finance?

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