Chief Financial Officer

Aplin; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cost-of-living allowance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo seeks an accomplished Chief Financial Officer to join its senior leadership team in Fort McMurray, Alberta. The CFO will provide executive financial leadership across services, governance, and strategic planning.

The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of financial leadership, a CPA designation, and a degree in accounting/finance or related field. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Progressive financial or corporate services leadership experience, including senior management.
• CPA designation and degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration or related field.
• Knowledge of public-sector accounting standards and municipal governance.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy, long-term planning, budgeting, and governance.
• Provide strategic financial advice to CAO, Council, and senior leadership.
• Oversee Financial Services, Procurement, and Assessment and Taxation.
• Champion operational excellence and data-driven decision making.
• Build high-performing teams and ensure transparent accountability.
• Present complex financial information clearly to Council and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

CPA designation

Public-sector accounting knowledge

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Education

CPA designation

Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Job description

Chief Financial Officer
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo | Fort McMurray, Alberta

Aplin is proud to partner with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) in the search for an accomplished and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its senior leadership team.

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the CFO will provide executive leadership across Financial Services, Procurement, and Assessment and Taxation. This is an opportunity for a forward-thinking financial executive to influence the Municipality’s long-term financial strategy, strengthen governance, and contribute to a business-focused, accountable, and data-driven organization.

The successful candidate will be a confident and decisive executive who brings deep financial expertise, strong business acumen, and exceptional communication skills. They will demonstrate sound judgment, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to navigate the complexity of a large public-sector organization while building credibility with Council, senior leadership, employees, and key stakeholders.

The Opportunity
As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CFO will:

• Lead the Municipality’s financial strategy, long-term planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and governance.
• Provide strategic financial advice and recommendations to the CAO, Council, and senior leadership.
• Oversee Financial Services, Procurement, and Assessment and Taxation, ensuring effective and accountable service delivery.
• Champion operational excellence, financial sustainability, continuous improvement, and informed decision-making.
• Build and lead high-performing teams while fostering collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
• Present complex financial information clearly and confidently to Council and other stakeholders.

The Ideal Candidate
We are seeking an accomplished financial leader who brings:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive financial or corporate services leadership experience, including five years at a senior management level.
• A CPA designation and a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong financial acumen, strategic planning capabilities, and experience leading complex, multidisciplinary functions.
• Knowledge of public-sector accounting standards, financial governance, and municipal administration.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex financial matters into clear, practical recommendations.
• A collaborative, decisive leadership style and the confidence to operate effectively in a dynamic, politically sensitive environment.

Candidates with broader public-sector experience or a combination of public- and private-sector leadership experience are encouraged to apply, provided they possess the relevant financial and governance expertise.

Why Consider This Opportunity?
This position offers the opportunity to work directly with a business-minded CAO, influence strategic decision-making, and make a meaningful contribution to one of Alberta’s most economically significant municipalities.
The Municipality offers a competitive executive compensation package, including a cost-of-living allowance and relocation assistance if necessary.

At Aplin - together with our brands CompuStaff, Impact Recruitment, and Vantix Systems - we connect great people with great organizations across North America. We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We use AI tools to assist in a fair and efficient matching process, helping our recruiters connect the right people with the right opportunities. To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits. Our recruitment services are always free for job seekers.Accommodation is available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process.