Maria Martinez

Director of Finance @The 519

Торонто, ON, CA

As the Financial leader of Canada’s most influential 2SLGBTQ+ organization, I oversee all financial, operational, IT, HR, governance, and strategic functions, managing a $10M+ budget and leading enterprise-wide transformation.Strategic Leadership & Business Growth – Led a complete financial and operational restructuring, optimizing processes and increasing organizational sustainability. Developed a long-term financial growth plan, ensuring revenue diversification and cost optimization.Financial Oversight & Budget Management – Direct the annual budgeting process, variance reporting, and forecasting, ensuring compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal funding requirements.Revenue Growth & Fund Development – Secured multi-year funding agreements, corporate sponsorships, and private investments, strengthening financial resilience.Governance & Compliance – Serve as the primary liaison to the City of Toronto, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors, ensuring transparent governance and strategic alignment.IT & Digital Transformation – Spearheaded the migration from Sage 300 to Blackbaud Financial Edge, integrating Raiser’s Edge (fundraising) and ADP (payroll), improving financial accuracy and HR management.Cybersecurity & Risk Management – Partnered with the City Information Security Office (CISO) to implement cybersecurity measures, cloud transitions, and risk compliance strategies.HR & Organizational Development – Led a workforce restructuring, improving talent acquisition, leadership succession, and employee engagement.Operational Optimization & Procurement – Developed a centralized contract management system, renegotiated vendor contracts, and implemented cost-control measures.Business Continuity & Risk Planning – Overhauled the Business Continuity Plan (BCP), ensuring financial and operational resilience.Public Engagement & Visibility – Represent The 519 at government summits, corporate events, and other engagements.

Humber College

Graduate Certificate - Global Business Management

Universidad del Pacífico (PE)

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Management and Finance

Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Thunderbird School of Global Management

Master of Business Administration, International/Global Studies