Chief Financial Officer

Aplin; Toronto; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Aplin is partnering with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to recruit a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Fort McMurray, Alberta. The CFO will lead Financial Services, Procurement, and Assessment and Taxation, shaping long‑term financial strategy and governance for a large public‑sector organization.

The ideal candidate brings extensive public‑sector financial leadership, CPA designation, and strong communication skills to influence Council, CAO, and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive financial or corporate services leadership experience, including five years at senior management level.
• CPA designation and a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination 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.
• Collaborative, decisive leadership style in a dynamic, politically sensitive environment.
• Experience in public-sector leadership is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Financial leadership

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Collaborative leadership

Public-sector knowledge

Education

CPA designation

Accounting/Finance/Business Administration degree

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.

We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits. Accommodation is available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process.