Sharon Barnes-Simmonds

Background

About Sharon Barnes-Simmonds

I am a CPA Ontario executive and global finance leader with extensive experience across the non-profit, corporate, and public sectors. With an MBA from the University of Manchester and advanced leadership training from McKinsey and Harvard Business School, I bring a unique blend of strategic insight, financial expertise, and people-centered leadership to every role.Currently, I serve as CFO on the Executive Leadership Team at the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Previously, I worked with the Controllership Division of Charity Accounts Inc, providing fractional CFO and accounting services to charities and non-profits. I also held senior leadership roles as CFO at Action Against Hunger Canada, where I led Finance, IT, Administration, and Board Reporting, and earlier at Children Believe Fund and the Toronto International Film Festival.As both a Chartered Professional Accountant (Canada) and a Chartered Certified Accountant (UK), my career has spanned international development, entertainment, government, shipping, and transportation. Recognized among the Top 50 Women Leaders of Toronto (2022), I am known as a visionary leader and strategic thinker with a proven track record of driving transformation and leading through change.Beyond my executive career, I am an active volunteer and community leader. I have served as President of the Toronto Caribbean Kiwanis Club and currently sit on the Boards of CAMFED Canada and the Community Music Schools of Toronto. Passionate about mentoring and knowledge-sharing, I frequently speak at conferences and panels hosted by CPA Ontario and ACCA North America.Purpose-driven and human-centered, I am committed to advancing organizations that create lasting social impact.