Financial Specialist - Support Services

First Nations Financial Management Board; Halifax; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Financial Specialist to support First Nation clients across Canada. The role involves remote accounting, training, and building relationships to facilitate the implementation of Financial Administration Laws. Candidates should possess a degree in finance or accounting, along with significant experience in financial services, particularly within Indigenous contexts. This position offers a flexible work environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Salary and annual bonus eligibility

Flexible 37.5-hour work week

Employer-paid extended benefits

Matching group RPP contributions

Annual vacation allowance and paid stat/non-stat days

Work-life balance

Professional development and career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial services, preferably in Indigenous, government, or non-profit sectors.
• Experience with planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of GAAP.

Responsibilities

• Support First Nation clients with remote accounting and training.
• Develop relationships with clients to implement Financial Administration Law.
• Assist with financial management initiatives as directed.

Skills

Financial services

Planning

Monitoring

Reporting

Data management

GAAP knowledge

Microsoft Office Suite

Indigenous culture understanding

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

CPA designation or progress towards one

Tools

ERP systems (SAGE, Adagio, Xyntax)

Job description

Position Overview

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

Accountabilities

1. 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.
2. In collaboration with the First Nation client, conduct the FMS Support Services needs assessment and identify opportunities for remote accounting and training.
3. Complete any other tasks as requested by the FMS Support Services management team.
4. Support First Nation FAL clients to achieve FMS certification. "Support" in this context means facilitating, empowering, motivating, educating, and may take the form of:

Remote Accounting Services

1. 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.
2. Assist First Nation clients with remote or in-person accounting support as identified in the readiness assessment. This may include:

• Processing claims and vouchers for payment, entering invoices, matching invoices with purchase orders, and checking all claims for accuracy.
• Verifying account codes and signatures for proper 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/employees on expenditures to ensure policy compliance and fund availability.
• Processing invoice payments within specified timeframes.
• Processing account payments ensuring contract terms are met and financial coding is correct to avoid errors.
• Liaising with suppliers for account accuracy and rectifying irregularities.
• Organizing and maintaining financial documents and data.
• Preparing monthly accounting submissions and remittances.
• Preparing general ledger entries, journal entries, and trial balances.
• Managing accounts receivable and payable.
• Opening and closing books for auditors.
• Preparing financial statements and bank reconciliations.
• Invoicing clients and responding to inquiries.
• Assessing fixed assets and depreciation.
• Preparing costing and budgeting reports as needed.

Assist with other financial management initiatives as directed by the Senior Financial Officer.

Training and Capacity Development

1. Develop a training plan based on initial needs assessment in collaboration with the Senior Financial Officer.
2. Deliver training in areas such as:

• Journal Entries
• Budgeting
• Bank Reconciliations
• Processing Accounts Payable & Receivable
• Monthly & Quarterly Reporting per GAAP and PSAB standards
• Other training as identified by management

Qualifications

• A Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• CPA designation or progress towards one is an asset.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in:
• Financial services, preferably within Indigenous, government, or non-profit sectors.
• Planning, monitoring, and reporting (e.g., budgeting, financial statements).
• Managing funding agreements, including grant writing and policy development.
• Managing internal controls within financial systems.
• Experience with information and data management systems.
• Experience with ERP systems like SAGE, Adagio, or Xyntax is an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP.
• Experience with Federal Government organizations is an asset.
• Understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and history.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing education, including Indigenous studies.
• Fluent in English; fluency in French or Indigenous languages is an asset.

Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Working Conditions

• Based in Ontario, Quebec, or Atlantic Canada.
• Remote or hybrid work arrangements within Alberta may be considered.
• Regional and national travel required.

What We Offer

• Salary and annual bonus eligibility.
• Flexible 37.5-hour work week.
• Employer-paid extended benefits.
• Matching group RPP contributions.
• Annual vacation allowance and paid stat/non-stat days.
• Work-life balance.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

FMB is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and prioritizes Indigenous applicants.