Southeast Resource Development Council (SERDC) is a dynamic Indigenous-led non-profit organization that focuses on the needs of our member communities. We strive to make a meaningful impact by supporting our people through on and off-reserve programs and services.
We serve eight member communities consisting of Berens River First Nation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Bloodvein First Nation, Black River First Nation, Hollow Water First Nation, Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Pauingassi First Nation and Poplar River First Nation.
As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a Director of Finance to join our team.
The Director of Finance will play a critical role in supporting the CFO by overseeing the day-to-day financial management, reporting, and operational processes within the organization. This position will ensure that SERDC’s finances are properly managed, in compliance with all relevant laws, and in alignment with the organization's mission and strategic goals. The Director of Finance will manage the finance team and will collaborate closely with program managers to ensure accurate financial tracking, reporting, and forecasting.
1. Financial Management & Reporting
- Support the CFO in providing strategic financial leadership and ensuring the financial health of the organization.
- Oversee and manage daily financial accounting operations, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, procurement, and reconciliation.
- Ensure all financial records are accurate and up to date, following IFRS and applicable legal/regulatory standards.
- Supervise month-end and year-end close processes.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of annual operating budgets for various programs and projects.
- Prepare and lead the financial team in monthly financial forecasts by collaborating with program managers and divisional staff to monitor expenses and ensure adherence to financial goals.
- Evaluate and research to recommend and/or improve financial systems/tools.
- Ensure timely filing of all Federal/ Provincial reporting requirements, including GST rebate claims and other statutory requirements.
- Prepare financial information for strategic planning purposes.
- Participate as a member of the management team in the long-term strategic and short-term operational planning.
2. Financial Policies & Internal Controls
- Help implement and enforce financial policies and procedures to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Assist in maintaining sound financial controls and systems to ensure compliance with funder requirements, including First Nations funding agencies.
- Support the CFO in preparing and updating financial policies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
3. Grant and Funding Management
- Ensure proper documentation and reporting for grants, including First Nations funding agreements.
- Provide information to the CFO to ensure the financial data required for funding reports is timely and accurate.
4. Asset Management
- Oversee the acquisition, recording, amortization, and disposal of capital assets.
- Recommend improvements to asset management processes to the CFO.
- Ensure secure handling and storage of financial records, maintaining confidentiality per organizational policies and statutory requirements.
5. Audit & Compliance
- Manage the year-end audit process, collaborating with external auditors to ensure timely and accurate completion.
- Assist in preparing for external audits and compliance checks, including appropriate accounting workpapers.
- Ensure that internal financial audits and reviews are carried out within the organization comptrollership framework to maintain transparency and accountability, and ensure practices are appropriate.
6. Team Leadership & Development
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence within the finance department.
- Supervise, train, and support the finance team to ensure the accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of all financial transactions.
- Provide ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities to enhance team performance and capabilities.
- Manage the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of finance team members, ensuring high performance and adherence to policies.
Qualifications/Skills
Education
- A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (preferred).
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, accounting, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
- Strong understanding of financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Experience in advanced data analysis including excel, AI, powerBI, and powerQuery to develop management reporting dashboards.
- Experience in managing a team and fostering a positive, high-performance work culture.
- Knowledge and/or experience with First Nations funding agencies, funding agreements, and reporting requirements is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with Indigenous communities and understanding of culturally relevant financial practices is an asset.
- Advanced experience with accounting software, such as SAGE, or similar.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.
- Detail-oriented, with a high level of accuracy in financial recordkeeping and reporting.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to develop timely, sensitive analyses in complex and rapidly changing environment.
- Ability to plan, budget, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and strategies relating to the financial management of First Nation issues.
- Excellent research and financial report writing skills.
- Ability to work well with others and is confident in all aspects.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member.
- Ability to speak Ojibway language an asset.
Conditions of Employment
- Must produce a satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search).
- Must produce a satisfactory Child Abuse Registry Check.
- Must produce a satisfactory Adult Abuse Registry Check.
Working Conditions
- Office environment with work hours extending beyond an eight-hour day to attend meetings or complete major tasks.
- The role may involve a high level of stress while fulfilling the responsibilities associated with the position.
What we offer
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Pension
- Work-Life Balance
SERDC recognizes the importance of building an exemplary service delivery organization. We are committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to qualified SERDC or First Nation members who voluntarily self-declare in their application.
*Reasonable accommodation is available upon the applicant's request.*
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, we will only be contacting candidates selected for interviews.
CLOSING DATE: all applications must be received by April 18, 2025, at 4:00PM