Director of Finance

ECL Group of Companies; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of High Level invites applications for a Director of Finance, reporting to the CAO. You will lead financial planning, accounting, revenue collection, and cash management in alignment with MGA requirements and town policies.

You will supervise four staff, oversee audits, asset management, and treasury functions, and provide strategic advice to council and senior management. The ideal candidate holds a CPA and at least five years in public sector finance with strong leadership and

Qualifications

• Degree from a recognized post-secondary in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration.
• CPA designation required or equivalent public sector accounting expertise.
• Minimum five years in public sector finance with supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and coordinate annual and long-term financial budgets and plans.
• Prepare financial reports for CAO, Council and the public; manage audits.
• Oversee treasury, accounts, taxation, and financial software systems.
• Provide advice to staff on bylaws, policies and regulatory requirements.
• Lead procurement and contract management to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Public sector finance

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

CPA designation

Tools

Questica Budget

Diamond ERP

Job description

We have an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, government-savvy finance leader to serve as Director of Finance and help shape the fiscal future of the Town of High Level. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Finance is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Town’s financial operations. This includes overseeing strategic financial planning, accounting, revenue collection, and cash management, ensuring alignment with the Town’s adopted plans, policies, bylaws, regulations, and standards. In addition to fostering interdepartmental collaboration and ensuring compliance with all financial obligations as outlined in the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Director supervises a team of four (4): a Financial Analyst, Accounts Payable and Receivable Clerk, Utilities and Tax Clerk, and Support Services Clerk.

THE ORGANIZATION

The Town of High Level is a vibrant northern community of approximately 4,000 residents, serving as the regional service and trading centre for a surrounding population of more than 30,000 people. Located in the northwest corner of Alberta, High Level is strategically positioned at the intersection of Highways 35 and 58, providing critical access to northern industries and communities.

High Level is recognized as a hub for healthcare, education, retail, construction, transportation, and resource development, offering a unique blend of professional challenge and community connection. Known for its breathtaking Northern Lights, endless summer days and access to pristine lakes, rivers and outdoor adventures, the Town is a gateway to exceptional northern living. Residents also enjoy a strong sense of community and rich Indigenous culture, with local festivals, rodeos, and family-oriented activities year-round.

Vision

High Level, an inclusive and vibrant community, with a strong and resilient economy that offers an active and healthy lifestyle.

Mission

We foster a thriving community that enhances our quality of life through sustainable planning, economic prosperity, and inclusion.

• Plans, directs and coordinates the functions and workload within the Department and ensures that schedules, procedures and performance standards are developed and met.
• Utilizes significant judgement, initiative and conceptual thinking in the planning, development and implementation of programs and policies affecting matters related to the scope of duties of this position.
• Plans, directs and coordinates the preparation of annual and long-term operational and capital budgets. Provides direct oversight, control and implementation of approved budgets.
• Responsible for the preparation of statements and reports on municipal financial affairs for CAO, Directors, Council and the public; includes financial reports on the status and variance of all operating and capital budgets.
• Responsible for compiling and supplying information relating to the financial affairs of the municipality as required by Municipal Affairs.
• Prepares all financial bylaws, resolutions and subsequent amendments relating to the revenues, expenditures, tax levies and other fiscal and operating matters within the scope of duties of this position. This includes, but is not limited to, bylaws related to the Financial Plan, fees & charges, user rates, tax rates, loan authorization and others.
• Administers the provision and management of property insurance policies, claims and related activities.
• Oversees the delivery of the Town’s support services, including audit, accounting, taxation, treasury functions, and the management of financial software systems.
• Prepares year-end financial working papers, internal statements and municipal reporting forms for audit review and liaises with the Town auditors in connection with the financial audit.
• Supports procurement and contract management processes to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of the Town’s asset management plan, including strategies, policies and procedures.
• Oversees the development of policies for Financial Services. Provides input to policies of other departments.
• Provides advice to Town staff, including explanation and interpretation of bylaws, procedures and legislative requirements affecting the Financial Administration department related to the scope of duties of this position.
• Responsible for the supervision and mentoring of finance staff including hiring, training, dismissal, appraisals and evaluations of Financial Services employees within approved personnel policies.
• Directs, coordinates, and supervises subordinate staff activities and contract staff. Monitors their work performance and delegates work appropriately.
• Prepares, or directs the preparation, of reports and makes recommendations to the Chief Administrative Officer on financial matters related to the scope of duties of the position.
• Attends all Council meetings, Committee meetings, public hearings and public meetings as required and as directed by the Chief Administrative Officer.
• Prepares reports and statistical summaries as necessary for review by the Chief Administrative Officer, Council or other bodies.
• As a member of the Senior Management Team, supports and assists other senior managers and is respectful of colleagues' roles, responsibilities and perspectives.
• May be required to assist the Town in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.
• Follows and ensures compliance with all policies, procedures, regulations and standards of the Town of High Level.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration.
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible, relevant experience in public sector finance (including supervisory experience), preferably in a local government setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Thorough and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public sector accounting standards (PSAS), internal control procedures, computerized financial applications, finance and fiscal planning, and budgetary, accounting and reporting systems.
• Thorough and demonstrated knowledge of municipal legislation including the Municipal Government Act and other related regulations, policies and procedures.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, Public Sector Accounting and Budget processes.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, presentation, public relations, problem-solving, investigative, decision-making, leadership and general management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills including the ability to prepare comprehensive, concise and clear reports and deliver oral presentations.
• Ability to multi-task with strong attention to detail.
• Results-oriented in a multi-faceted, fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated fiscal responsibility in support of budget preparation and control.
• Ability to work effectively, independently and cooperatively in a team atmosphere.
• Ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in the exchange of non-routine information with other employees, employees of private companies and members of the general public.
• Exceptionally well organized and able to work effectively with minimal guidelines and supervision.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement regarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications and extensive knowledge in computer systems relevant to municipal operations. Experience with Questica Budget and Diamond ERP Accounting Software is desired.