Financial Specialist - FMS Support Services

First Nations Financial Management Board; Winnipeg; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial management organization is seeking a professional to support First Nation clients across Canada with financial services, including remote accounting and capacity development. This role requires strong financial acumen, excellent communication skills, and experience in Indigenous contexts. The position offers a flexible work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development, highlighting a commitment to client service and cultural sensitivity.

Benefits

Salary and bonus eligibility

Flexible 37.5-hour work week

Extended benefits paid by employer

Matching RPP contributions

Generous vacation and paid days off

Work-life balance

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial services, preferably in Indigenous, government, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Experience in budgeting and financial statements.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are assets.

Responsibilities

• Support clients through remote accounting and training.
• Conduct needs assessments and facilitate the implementation of Financial Administration Laws.
• Prepare financial documentation and reports.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Data management

GAAP knowledge

Communication

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

CPA designation (or progress towards it)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP systems (SAGE, Adagio, Xyntax)

Job description

Position Overview

Reporting to the Senior Financial Officer, FMS Support Services, this position is responsible for supporting selected First Nation clients across Canada through remote accounting and ongoing training.

Accountabilities

• Develop relationships with assigned clients that have an approved Financial Administration Law (FAL) to promote, build trust, and secure buy-in to implement their FAL and ultimately prepare for FMS certification.
• In collaboration with the First Nation client, conduct the FMS Support Services needs assessment and identify opportunities for remote accounting and training.
• Complete any other tasks as requested by the FMS Support Services management team.
• Support First Nation FAL clients to achieve FMS certification. "Support" in this context means facilitating, empowering, motivating, educating, and may include:

Remote Accounting Services

• Develop a remote accounting service schedule with the First Nation client and the FMS Support Services Senior Financial Officer based on the priorities identified in the readiness assessment.
• Assist First Nation clients with remote or in-person accounting support as identified, including:
• Processing claims and vouchers, entering invoices, matching invoices with purchase orders, and checking claims for accuracy.
• Verifying account codes and signatures for proper budget expenditure assignment.
• Acting as the first contact with vendors regarding billing issues.
• Administering and maintaining the contingency account/cash advance system, including control and reconciliation.
• Liaising with managers and employees to ensure policy compliance and fund availability.
• Processing invoice payments within deadlines.
• Verifying contractual compliance and correct financial coding to prevent errors.
• Communicating with suppliers to ensure account accuracy and resolve irregularities.
• Organizing and maintaining financial documentation and data.
• Preparing monthly accounting submissions and remittances.
• Preparing general ledger entries, trial balances, and financial statements.
• Managing accounts receivable and payable.
• Preparing for audits by opening and closing books.
• Responding to client inquiries and invoicing.
• Assessing fixed assets and depreciation.
• Preparing costing and budgeting reports as needed.

Training and Capacity Development

• Develop a training plan with the FMS Support Services Senior Financial Officer based on initial needs assessment.
• Deliver training on topics such as:
• Journal Entries
• Budgeting
• Bank Reconciliations
• Processing Accounts Payable & Receivable
• Monthly & Quarterly Reporting according to GAAP and PSAB
• Other relevant training as identified.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• CPA designation or progress towards it is an asset.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in:
• Providing financial services, preferably in Indigenous, government, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Planning, monitoring, and reporting activities like budgeting and financial statements.
• Managing funding agreements, including grant writing and compliance.
• Implementing internal controls in financial systems.
• Experience with information and data management systems.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAGE, Adagio, or Xyntax is an asset.
• Proficiency with budget, accounting, and reporting systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP.
• Experience with Federal Government organizations is an asset.
• Understanding of Indigenous culture and history.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing education, including Indigenous studies.
• Fluent in English; additional languages like French or Indigenous languages are assets.

Working Conditions

• Based in Manitoba; remote or hybrid options may be considered.
• Regional and national travel required.

What We Offer

• Salary and bonus eligibility.
• Flexible 37.5-hour work week.
• Extended benefits paid by employer.
• Matching RPP contributions.
• Generous vacation and paid days off.
• Work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth.