Director of Finance

Alberta Municipalities | Strength in Members; Alberta; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Athabasca County is seeking a dedicated Director of Finance to oversee financial planning, reporting, and management. This key leadership role involves guiding fiscal policy development, budget oversight, and ensuring compliance with municipal regulations. Candidates should possess a CPA designation and extensive financial experience, demonstrating leadership in municipal finance.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive financial experience with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of municipal financial administration and PSAS.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and financial risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of multi-year financial plans.
• Oversee preparation and reporting of annual budgets per PSAS.
• Develop financial policies and ensure compliance with municipal legislation.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or Business Administration

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation

Job description

Athabasca County is currently accepting applications for a full-time Director of Finance to lead the County’s financial planning, budgeting, and overall financial management.

As a key member of the County’s senior leadership team, the Director of Finance position is responsible for the overall financial stewardship of the organization, including strategic financial planning, fiscal policy development, budget oversight, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with municipal legislation and accounting standards.

The Director of Finance plays a critical role in ensuring the County’s long-term financial sustainability while supporting efficient service delivery, infrastructure investments, and responsible governance

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Financial Leadership

• Provide expert financial advice and guidance to the CAO, Council, and senior leadership on long-term planning, budgeting, and investment strategies.
• Lead the development and execution of multi-year financial plans, ensuring alignment with Council’s strategic priorities and the County’s operational goals.
• Explore and recommend innovative funding models and revenue strategies to support capital projects and program delivery.
• Monitor and assess financial trends and legislative changes impacting municipal finance and develop proactive strategies to manage financial risk.
  
  

Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee the preparation, management, and reporting of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS) and provincial regulations.
• Manage cash flow, investments, debt, and reserves to ensure financial sustainability and maximize return on investments.
• Coordinate the year-end process and lead the annual external audit process, ensuring the integrity and transparency of financial statements.
  
  

Policy and Compliance

• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that support sound fiscal governance.
• Ensure compliance with the Municipal Government Act, Alberta regulations, and other applicable legislation.
• Maintain strong relationships with auditors, financial institutions, and government agencies.
  
  

Team Leadership and Development

• Provide effective leadership and supervision to the Finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support staff through training, performance management, and succession planning initiatives.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure financial processes are efficient, customer-focused, and aligned with organizational goals.
  
  

Interdepartmental and Council Engagement

• Serve as the key liaison for financial matters with Council, preparing and presenting financial reports, forecasts, and budget documents.
• Collaborate with department heads to provide financial insight into project planning and service delivery.
• Support transparency and public understanding by communicating financial information in a clear, accessible manner.
  
  

Required

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or Business Administration.
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in good standing.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive financial experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role, preferably in a municipal or public sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of municipal financial administration, PSAS, and Alberta’s Municipal Government Act.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial risk management.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience working directly with elected officials and senior administrative teams.
• Leadership training or certification in change management or public sector governance.
• Familiarity with municipal financial software and enterprise resource planning systems.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with a strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Politically astute, with the ability to work effectively with elected officials and stakeholders.
• Skilled in change management, decision-making, and driving innovation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative leadership style.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet critical deadlines.