Robert joined the Ottawa Community Foundation in the fall of 2022 as the Director of Finance Operations and is responsible for oversight of the complete financial processes of the Foundation. This role includes developing operating budgets, reporting financial results, providing analysis and information for organizational decisions, and monitoring day-to-day operations.
Robert has worked in the non-profit sector for six years, honing his non-profit financial expertise in senior financial roles across various organizations. These include Equestrian Canada, the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and Canadian Geographic. Through his experience transitioning accounting software for previous employers, Robert has become proficient at identifying weaknesses in processes and software to overcome those gaps.
He points to earning his CPA designation while working full-time and raising a family as one of his most notable achievements. Robert took his final exams shortly after his fourth child was born. He credits his wife’s support and patience as he built his education over the years. He holds a Diploma in Professional Accounting from Algonquin College and a Bachelor of General Studies from Athabasca University.
Robert volunteered at Ottawa Victim Services for several years, thankful for the opportunity to shine a small light in the lives of those receiving care.
Outside of work, Robert’s favourite hobbies include watching his kids get into sports and seeing their love for games grow. He enjoys lifting weights at the gym and recently bought a boat. He has also taken up cooking – mainly smoking meat but has enjoyed learning some of the more intricate ways of preparing food.
Robert hopes to look back and see a distinct pattern of growth and kindness in his life – all leading to a central purpose. Using his experience in Accounting and Finance, he wants to make sure it has benefited this world, impacted it for good, and made a difference in people’s lives.