Controller

Meridia Recruitment Solutions, a Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette Company; Baddeck; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Wagmatcook First Nation in Nova Scotia seeks a Controller with senior financial authority under the Financial Administration Law to lead accounting, reporting, budgeting and financial control.

Reporting to CFO, the role will oversee own-source revenue ventures and coordinate audits, ensuring compliance and strategic financial planning for community development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• CPA designation preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years progressive accounting experience.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for approval.
• Coordinate audit schedules and liaise with external auditors.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Monitor cash flow and financial performance indicators.
• Oversee internal controls and compliance with contracts and funding agreements.
• Lead and develop Finance Department staff.

Skills

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Modeling techniques

Analytical skills

Leadership

Team-building

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Integrity

Confidentiality

Education

CPA designation preferred

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

5+ years accounting experience

3+ years supervisory/ managerial

Tools

QuickBooks

Microsoft Office

Job description

Controller

Wagmatcook First Nation, NS

Reference # HL - WFN - 10026

Wagmatcook (Waq-mit-kuk) is one the five Mi’kmaq First Nations located in Cape Breton (Unama’ki). Wagmatcook is the oldest permanent settlement of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Nova Scotia and is situated adjacent to the Bras d’Or Lakes and the Cape Breton highlands. Wagmatcook is a bilingual community with Mi’kmaq and English used interchangeably by the Chief and Council and most of the community’s public institutions. Mi’kmaq language, culture and traditions are an integral part of the community.

We are pleased to be partnered with them to bring a Controller to their team. The Controller has senior financial authority under the Financial Administration Law (“FAL”) and is responsible for providing advanced accounting, financial analysis, and financial reporting services to support sound financial management and informed decision making across the organization. Reporting directly to the CFO, the role plays a critical advisory function by ensuring accurate financial records, compliance with applicable legislation and regulations, integrity of financial information and operating within Wagmatcook’s FAL.

Wagmatcook First Nation operates multiple own-source revenue businesses. Identifying own-source revenue acquisition opportunities will be a significant responsibility of the Controller. Supporting the objective of building onto current own-source revenue businesses currently in operation within Wagmatcook First Nation, which includes, aviation entities, commercial fisheries, crab processing facility, Culture & Heritage Centre, CleanWave Restaurant, Wagmatcook Gas Bar & Retail Store.

This position contributes to organizational sustainability by supporting budgeting, forecasting, audits, and financial controls, while aligning financial practices with organizational priorities, accountability requirements, and Indigenous governance principles. The Controller serves as a trusted professional resource to leadership and supports continuous improvement in financial systems and practices.

Key responsibilities, include but are not limited to:

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Ensure that monthly, quarterly and annual statements are prepared, reviewed by the Finance and Audit Committee, and presented to Council for approval.
• Prepare Special Purpose Reports required under own-source revenue activities and corporate partnerships.
• Coordinate the preparation of audit schedules and financial statements for external auditors, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Financial Analysis and Advice

• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis reports including, assisting Program Managers with the preparation of core, program and project budgets.
• Monitor cash flow, investments, and financial performance indicators.
• Collaborate with Council, senior management, and external consultants to develop long-term financial strategies, capital investment plans, and funding proposals to support community development initiatives and capital projects.
• Oversee, maintain, monitor, review, verify, and approve day-to-day financial administration.

Compliance and Risk Management.

• Ensure the financial administration systems; developing, implementing and ensuring effective operation of policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Monitor compliance with all contracts, funding and partnership agreements entered into by Wagmatcook First Nation.
• Coordinate annual audits and liaise with external auditors.

Leadership and Team Management

• Foster professional development and maintain a high level of productivity and morale within the Finance Department.

Professional Development

• Attend workshops, career development and continuing education opportunities to maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of professional practices.

The ideal candidate will possess:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of First Nation governance, culture and traditions, ability to speak Mi’kmaq considered an asset.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting, and modeling techniques, with strong analytical skills and attention to detail in reviewing financial data and identifying trends or anomalies.
• Proficiency in financial software applications, including QuickBooks and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate financial concepts and present complex information in a clear and concise manner to diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and empower staff, foster collaboration, and cultivate a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Commitment to integrity, ethical conduct, and confidentiality in handling sensitive financial information and managing fiduciary responsibilities for the First Nation.

Education and Experience

• CPA designation is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience in financial management, accounting, or auditing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role preferred.