Manager, Standards & Certification

First Nations Financial Management Board; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 115,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

A national financial governance organization is seeking a Manager to oversee certification engagements for First Nations. You'll manage client relationships and conduct high-quality reviews of financial systems. This is an opportunity to grow your professional skills while contributing to meaningful reconciliation efforts across Canada. We offer a flexible work environment and competitive salary package.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

Employer-paid extended benefits

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in a professional services firm.
• Experience in assurance (audit) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage certification engagements for First Nations' financial systems.
• Conduct on-site evaluations of financial management systems.
• Prepare and review certification work papers.

Skills

Client service excellence

Analytical skills

Report writing

Knowledge of Canadian Auditing Standards

Bilingualism in French

Education

Post-secondary degree

Chartered Professional Accountant designation

Tools

SuiteCRM

HPE CM

Job description

Job Description

Salary : $115,621 - $173,972

Why Apply

Work with a growing national team dedicated to reconciliation at the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). We support First Nations in developing and implementing sound administrative governance and finance practices, which are optional and provided free to First Nations. The FMB was created under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA) in 2006 and has been serving First Nations ever since.

FMB values its staff and offers flexible work hours, generous extended benefits, vacations, matching RPP contributions, and opportunities for professional development and career growth. If you want to make the most of your skills and expertise while growing your career, we want to work with you. A career at FMB is an opportunity to be part of a talented, diverse, and inclusive team doing transformative work on a national scale.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Senior Manager, SAC, the Manager, SAC is an expert in their field and eager to contribute to change. Key activities include preparing and completing financial management system and financial performance certification engagements.

The Manager is responsible for conducting and managing high-quality reviews and certification of First Nations' financial management systems and/or financial performance, following procedures, standards, and guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. The Manager manages client service delivery during all certification phases, maintaining productive relationships with clients.

Accountabilities

• Maintain proactive, positive, and constructive relationships with First Nation clients;
• Keep current records of each client's certification progress using the FMB's client relationship management system (SuiteCRM);
• Collaborate with Marketing and Capacity Development teams to support First Nation clients in achieving FMB certification;
• Plan and manage timely completion of certification engagements, including coordinating with external contractors as needed;
• Support the development and continuous improvement of internal guidelines, policies, and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and quality control;
• Assist in developing and reviewing standards, conducting technical research in line with Standard Setting Guidelines;
• Prepare certification work papers within the FMB's records management system (HPE CM), including engagement planning, risk assessment, technical research, internal control benchmarking, gap assessments, walkthroughs, testing, quality assurance, and reporting;
• Conduct on-site evaluations and testing of financial management systems in First Nations, with periodic travel of up to three to five days;
• Ensure compliance with FMB's Standards, Procedures, and Guidelines through self-review and technical aids;
• Stay updated on legal, regulatory, internal control, assurance, and accounting standards affecting FMB procedures;
• Assist in preparing materials for SAC Committee and Board meetings;
• Collect data and prepare reports on certification status using the client relationship management system;
• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and policy improvements as needed;
• Maintain organized engagement file documentation in accordance with policies;
• Engage in ongoing professional development and set personal goals with the Senior Manager;
• Participate in or contribute to special projects;
• Analyze procedures or standards related to Financial Administration Laws, Financial Performance, and related areas;
• Provide technical research support in accounting and assurance as required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary (undergraduate) degree required;
• Chartered Professional Accountant designation;
• At least five years of experience in a professional services firm in a client service role, preferably in assurance (audit);
• Strong knowledge of:

Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards

• Canadian Auditing Standards
• Internal control standards (COSO, PCAOB)

• Experience leading internal control assurance engagements and managing quality reviews;
• Strong analytical and report writing skills;
• Proven professional judgment in attest roles;
• Experience working with First Nations and audit committees;
• Outgoing, energetic, with a commitment to client success;
• Willingness to travel occasionally across Canada and to remote locations;
• Ability to work outside regular hours;
• Bilingualism (French) is an asset.

Equivalent or relevant education and experience may be considered.

Working Conditions

• This position is open across Canada. Hybrid and remote work arrangements are considered;
• Occasional national travel may be required.

What We Offer

• Salary and annual bonus eligibility;
• Flexible 37.5-hour work week;
• Employer-paid extended benefits;
• Matching group RRSP contributions;
• Health Spending Account;
• Annual vacation and paid statutory/non-statutory days;
• Work-life balance;
• Remote or hybrid work options;
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

FMB is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates First Nations and all people across Canada. We are committed to inclusivity and encourage applicants of Indigenous descent to apply.