Financial Specialist - Support Services

First Nations Financial Management Board; Montreal; Remote; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Financial Specialist, Support Services, to support First Nation clients across Canada through remote accounting and training. The role involves developing client relationships, conducting needs assessments, and facilitating FMS certification. Ideal candidates will have a degree in finance or accounting, CPA progress, and at least 5 years of relevant experience. The position offers a flexible work environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Salary, annual bonus, and benefits

Flexible 37.5-hour work week

Matching RPP contributions

Vacation, paid statutory and non-statutory days

Work-life balance and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in providing financial services, preferably in Indigenous, government, or non-profit sectors.
• Experience with budgeting, monitoring, and reporting activities.
• Experience with information systems and ERP software.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with clients to implement Financial Administration Law (FAL).
• Conduct needs assessments and identify opportunities for remote accounting and training.
• Support clients to achieve FMS certification.

Skills

Financial services

Budgeting

Monitoring

Reporting

Knowledge of GAAP

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Understanding of Indigenous culture

Fluency in English

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

CPA designation or progress towards it

Tools

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 FMS Support Services management;
4. Support First Nation FAL clients to achieve FMS certification, which includes facilitating, empowering, motivating, and educating, possibly through:

Remote Accounting Services

1. In collaboration with the client and the Senior Financial Officer, develop a remote accounting service schedule based on the priorities identified in the readiness assessment;
2. Assist clients with remote or in-person support, including:

• Processing claims and vouchers, entering invoices, matching invoices with purchase orders, and verifying claims;
• Verifying account codes and signatures;
• Acting as first contact with vendors regarding billing issues;
• Administering and reconciling contingency accounts and cash advances;
• Liaising with managers/employees to ensure expenditure policies are followed and funds are available;
• Processing invoice payments within deadlines;
• Verifying contract compliance for payments and appropriate financial coding;
• Communicating with suppliers to ensure account accuracy;
• Organizing document filing and maintaining financial 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/closing books;
• Handling bank reconciliations and client invoicing;
• Assessing fixed assets and depreciation;
• Supporting budgeting and costing as needed;
• Assisting with other financial initiatives as directed.

Training and Capacity Development

1. Develop a training plan based on initial needs assessment;
2. Deliver training on topics such as:

• Journal Entries, Budgeting, Bank Reconciliations, Accounts Payable & Receivable, Monthly & Quarterly Reporting per GAAP and PSAB, and other identified areas.

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 non-profit sectors;
• Budgeting, monitoring, and reporting activities;
• Managing funding agreements and internal controls;

• Experience with information systems and ERP software (e.g., SAGE, Adagio, Xyntax);
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite;
• Knowledge of GAAP;
• Experience with federal organizations is an asset;
• Understanding of Indigenous culture and history, with ongoing education participation;
• Fluent in English; additional languages (French or Indigenous languages) are assets.

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, annual bonus, and benefits;
• Flexible 37.5-hour work week;
• Matching RPP contributions;
• Vacation, paid statutory and non-statutory days;
• Work-life balance and professional development opportunities.

FMB is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. Preference is given to applicants of Indigenous descent as a First Nations organization.