Director of Finance

Northern-Rockies-Regional-Municipality; Fort Nelson; On-site; CAD 129,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

NORTHERN ROCKIES REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY seeks a Director of Finance to lead all financial operations, strategic planning, and reporting for British Columbia’s only regional municipality. You will steer budgeting, risk management, and governance while collaborating with Council, CAO, and senior staff.

The role demands a CPA with five+ years of local government experience and at least three years in a senior leadership position, with strong communication and strategic thinking to shape resilient

Qualifications

• CPA designation and degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or Public Administration or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible local government finance experience.
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of municipal governance, PSAS, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting, accounting, taxation, payroll, financial reporting, investments and risk management.
• Lead long‑range financial planning and capital program oversight.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to CAO and Regional Council.
• Ensure compliance with PSAS and statutory reporting; manage external audit.

Skills

CPA designation

Public sector finance

Leadership

Governance & compliance

Communication

Financial planning

Education

Accounting degree

Finance degree

Public Administration degree

Tools

Great Plains

Diamond Municipal Financial Management

Job description

NORTHERN ROCKIES REGIONAL MUNICIPALITYJob Posting No. 2026.32

Director of Finance

Positioned at the gateway to the spectacular Northern Rockies, this role offers a rare municipal leadership opportunity where high-level fiscal strategy meets wilderness. As a key executive for B.C.’s only regional municipality, you will spearhead financial stewardship and help shape resilient growth for a vast, resource-rich region. With an exceptionally affordable cost of living and zero commute times, this position allows you to leave a lasting civic legacy by day, and explore world‑class backcountry trails, rivers, and natural hot springs by weekend.

As a trusted advisor to Regional Council, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the senior leadership team, you will help chart the financial future of a municipality unlike any other in British Columbia. From guiding major infrastructure investments and strategic initiatives to ensuring long‑term fiscal sustainability, your leadership will influence decisions that shape communities, support economic prosperity, and strengthen essential services across the region.

You will oversee every facet of the municipality's financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, taxation, payroll, financial reporting, investments, and risk management. Beyond operational excellence, you will lead long‑range financial planning, support transformative capital projects, and identify opportunities to enhance organizational performance and service delivery. This is a role for a leader who can see both the numbers and the broader story they tell about a community's future.

Success in this position requires an exceptional ability to build relationships, inspire high‑performing teams, and communicate complex financial matters with clarity and confidence. Working alongside elected officials, senior leaders, staff, and external partners, you will foster collaborative solutions to complex challenges while ensuring strong governance, accountability, and sound financial decision‑making.

As steward of the municipality's financial integrity, you will oversee annual financial statements, statutory reporting, and the external audit process while ensuring compliance with municipal legislation, Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS), and regulatory requirements. You will also provide strategic oversight of risk management and insurance programs, helping safeguard the municipality's assets and position the organization for long‑term resilience.

What You Bring

You are a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. You bring at least five years of progressively responsible experience in local government finance, complemented by a minimum of three years in a senior leadership role.

Your career reflects a track record of guiding complex budgets, leading long‑range financial planning initiatives, and delivering sound financial stewardship within a public‑sector environment. You possess a deep understanding of municipal finance, governance, legislation, and public‑sector accounting principles, along with the strategic perspective needed to align financial decisions with broader organizational priorities.

Equally important, you are an influential communicator and collaborative leader. You can translate complex financial information into meaningful insights, build trust through sound judgment, and navigate competing priorities with confidence and professionalism. Experience with Great Plains, Diamond Municipal Financial Management, or comparable municipal financial systems is considered an asset.

The Ideal Candidate

You believe great financial leadership is measured not only by balanced budgets, but by the opportunities it creates for communities to thrive. You are equally comfortable presenting before Council, mentoring emerging leaders, evaluating the long‑term implications of major decisions, and developing practical solutions to complex organizational challenges.

You bring a combination of strategic vision, political acuity, and operational expertise, coupled with an unwavering commitment to public service. You lead with integrity, foster a culture of accountability and collaboration, and understand the vital role financial stewardship plays in building strong, sustainable communities.

Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on a unique region where your expertise will help shape the future of B.C.'s only regional municipality while supporting a lifestyle defined by space, adventure, and extraordinary opportunity.

Salary: The annual salary range for the position is $129,236-$173,083.

Benefits include health and dental coverage, 4 weeks of vacation, and a travel grant.

Russell Brewer and Jessa Chupik
NORTHERN ROCKIES REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
Bag Service 399 | Fort Nelson, BC | V0C 1R0
Email: [e-mail]

Position Summary

The Director of Finance is responsible for the overall supervision, planning, organizing, direction and control of the Finance Department and for the efficient and effective administration of the financial affairs of the municipality, including all accounting and financial management functions. The Director leads all financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, long‑term financial planning, asset management, taxation, payroll, procurement, and regulatory compliance.

The Director of Finance provides advice, guidance, and direction on financial matters to the CAO and Regional Council and acts as the Financial Signing Officer. In conjunction with senior management staff, the Director of Finance strives to improve the efficiency of municipal operations and the delivery of service for all functions.

Work is periodically discussed with, and reviewed by, the Chief Administrative Officer for conformance to good practice, established policy, and attainment of organizational objectives.

The Director of Finance may delegate portions of their authority and responsibility to members of the department but may not delegate or relinquish overall responsibility and accountability for the performance of their responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Overall direction of the accounting, budgeting, revenue collections, property taxation, payroll and expenditure control functions of the Municipality.
• Maintain the financial reporting system and recommend processes and internal controls to preserve the integrity of financial data.
• Responsible for monitoring approved budgets on an ongoing basis, advising the Chief Administrative Officer on the financial status of the Municipality and providing advice on areas of concern or opportunities that will influence operations of the Municipality.
• Prepare and interpret all financial statements and management reports of the Municipality, ensuring that departments are operating within budgets, and recommend program and policy changes as needed.
• Assist all departments in developing annual and multi‑year operating budgets and long‑range capital plans.
• Responsible for planning, implementation, and improvement of budgeting processes and financial systems.
• Ensure the integrity of the system of internal controls over the general ledger and financial systems.
• Provide strategic direction in support of the Municipality’s Strategic Plan understanding the role that finance can play in supporting work plan goals and objectives.
• Supervise the obtaining of insurance as deemed necessary; supervise the provision and management of claims and insurance matters.
• Prepare and arrange for the filing of any documentation necessary under the Financial Disclosure Act, or otherwise.
• Overall management of Financial Department staff; provide leadership and direction to all.

Additional Responsibilities

Finance Department staff with respect to recruitment, selection, training, development & motivation, discipline and termination to ensure optimum utilization of resources.

• Ensure that inquiries and complaints regarding department policies and activities are handled promptly, effectively, efficiently and with courtesy.
• Oversee the Financial Computer Services function, generally ensuring that objectives are being met and that computer service standards meet the needs of the user departments.
• Ensure the timely and accurate billing of property taxes, frontage tax, utility fees, and other Municipal revenue.
• Develop and administer the risk management program and conduct internal audits/inspections of records to evaluate the efficiency of Departments.
• Maintain current knowledge of developments in the fields of public administration and administrative and financial techniques/practices, and maintain awareness of political and legal developments.
• Direct the financial affairs of the Municipality ensuring compliance with legislation and regulation; and provide advice, guidance, and direction on all financial matters to the CAO and Regional Council.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial information, prepare annual financial statements and reports.
• Ensure the timely submission of all financial statutory reports.
• Prepare and present financial reports to Council and Administration as required and advise on policy and procedural matters that relate to financial administration.
• Develop, prepare and finalise the Five‑Year Financial Plan, in collaboration with Chief Administrative Officer, for consideration and approval by Council.
• Attend meetings of Council, Committees of Council and associated bodies as required by the CAO.
• Oversee the external audit process, prepare draft financial statements and supporting schedules and liaise with the Municipal auditors with regard to the financial audit.
• Draft bylaws and bylaw amendments for functions relating to financial management.
• Prepare advisory reports for the CAO, management, and Council on financial analysis of operations; summarising the Municipality’s financial position in areas of income, expenses, and accumulated surplus.
• Prepare financial forecasts; evaluate requirements for funds and investments of surpluses.
• Develop and administer financial policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the receipt and safekeeping of all monies paid to the Municipality, for the expenditure of all monies as duly authorized and for the proper investment of surplus and reserve funds.

Statutory Roles

1. Receiving all money paid to the municipality;
2. Ensuring the keeping of all funds and securities of the municipality;
3. Expending and disbursing money in the manner authorized by the council;
4. Investing funds, until required, in authorized investments;
5. Ensuring that accurate records and full accounts of the financial affairs of the municipality are prepared, maintained and kept safe;
6. Exercising control and supervision over all other financial affairs of the municipality.

Decision Making Accountability and Responsibility

The position is expected to exercise substantial initiative and is permitted considerable independent judgment and action in carrying out the duties of the position.

Impact/Consequence of Error

Decisions consistently affect Municipal operations. Inaccurate interpretation or relaying of information will result in financial loss and/or reputational damage to the Municipality and would result in the Municipality’s failure to adhere to Provincial legislation.

Improper decisions may result in severe negative legal consequences and/or substantial financial loss to the Municipality.

Human Resources

This is a supervisory position.

Occupational Health & Safety

Ensures personal and subordinate safety while performing the duties of the position and complies with organizational safety programs and ensures that all WorkSafe BC and other legislative safety requirements are met.

Contacts

Internal: Work consistently with other Municipal staff and provide guidance and financial advice to Municipal staff and elected officials.

External: Provide advice and information, both orally and in writing, to auditors, consultants, other government agency representatives, and the general public.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in office or indoor settings.

Physical Effort

Varying levels of physical effort, including moderate lifting, sitting, walking, standing, pushing and pulling, reaching, and carrying. Repetitive motion office tasks such as typing.

Qualifications

• Formal Education: Degree in public sector/local government/business administration or related discipline; OR Professional Accounting Designation (CGA, CA, CMA); OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Training/Experience: Five years of experience in local government financial administration, of which three years have been at a senior management level.
• Professional Designation/Licenses/Memberships: CGA, CA or CMA; Valid Class 5 Drivers License; Membership in Government Finance Officers Association.

Knowledge of:

• finance services and programs and of related trends and developments;
• the Local Government Act & Community Charter, related Statutes, laws, regulations, and precedents respecting Civic Government;
• financial and auditing principles and practices (Public Sector Accounting and Auditing Standards – PSAB); internal control systems and procedures; and municipal budgeting skills.

Ability to:

• work in an environment often governed by urgency and formal deadlines;
• handle a complex and varied work load;
• lead and supervise effectively and efficiently;
• work harmoniously with government agencies, residents, personnel, other staff, and elected officials;
• serve elected officials and the client public with tact, impartiality, while preserving confidentiality and sensitivity on issues and material dealt with on a regular basis;
• analyse and develop logical and systematic courses of action and demonstrates strong management, communicative, and planning skills;
• strive for excellence and has comprehensive knowledge of the dynamics required for a professional, political environment;
• work independently following department policies and procedures with minimum supervision while maintaining a high quality level of work;
• demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes and work cooperatively towards an efficient and effective work environment;
• produce written documents with clearly organized thought, proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar; and
• effectively multi‑task.

Special Skills or Other

• Proficiency in computers/applications (Microsoft Office).
• Strong organizational and research skills and the ability to read and interpret information, present numerical data in a practical manner.
• Ability to present complex financial reports.
• Knowledge of accounting systems within a government environment (Great Plains and Diamond Municipal Financial Management) is preferred.