Senior Financial Officer

MNP Executive Search & Professional Recruitment; Rose Prairie; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A First Nation organization is seeking a Senior Financial Officer to manage financial administration and support strategic growth initiatives. This position requires oversight of budgeting, reporting, and compliance, ensuring that financial activities align with policies and regulations. The ideal candidate has a degree in Accounting or Finance, a CPA designation, and extensive financial management experience, preferably in a First Nation or public sector environment. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, so strong interpersonal and leadership skills are crucial.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of internal control systems and public sector financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, budgeting, strategic planning, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial administration in alignment with FAL and GAAP.
• Lead annual budget development and ensure Council approval.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements and reports.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Financial management systems proficiency

Education

Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline

CPA designation

Minimum 5–7 years of senior-level financial management experience

Tools

Adagio

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About Doig River First Nation

Doig River First Nation (DRFN) is Tsááʔ ché ne dane, a proud Dane-zaa people indigenous to the upper Peace River region of BC and Alberta. Our traditional base extends in all directions from Gat Tah Kwą̂, now called the city of Fort St. John. Today, our 335 members living on and off reserve participate in the modern economy while practicing our unique language, culture and traditions. Please visit Tsáá? Ché Ne Dane Culture section to learn about our creation story, our long line of Dreamers, our cultural practices and our identity as hunters and gatherers which ground us in our Peace River landscape.

DRFN’s vision statement captures what our community members value about their nation and the shared dream they want Doig River First Nation to become. “We, the Tsááʔ ché ne dane, dream of a future where our community is healthy, strong and prosperous. As original people, we will continue to practice our treaty rights and protect the land while using our Dane-zoo language, stories and cultural traditions to prepare our future generations for their pathways in a modern world.”

DRFN is a growing and progressive First Nation with a focus on commercial infrastructure, community support and investment. Doig continues to operate with a mindset of abundance and a vision of growth.

About The Role

The Senior Financial Officer (SFO) is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the financial administration of the Doig River First Nation (DRFN) and will play a critical role in our continued growth, providing financial insight and strategic direction towards fulfilling the strategy and mission while embracing the values and code of honor that is DRFN. Reporting directly to the Band Manager, the SFO plays both a strategic and operational role in budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance, ensuring that all financial activities align with the Financial Administration Law (FAL), Finance Policies Manual, and relevant legislative and funding requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Oversight & Compliance

• Manage DRFN’s financial administration system in accordance with the FAL, GAAP, and other applicable policies and legislation.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Council, the Finance and Audit Committee (FAC), external auditors, and funding agencies for financial matters.
• Ensure internal controls are in place, monitored, and continuously improved to mitigate risk and promote accountability.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the development and integration of the annual budget, multi-year financial plan, capital plans, and risk management plans.
• Consolidate department budgets, evaluate accuracy and alignment with strategic goals.
• Prepare and present draft budgets and financial plans to the Band Manager and FAC and ensure Council approval by March 31 each year.

Financial Reporting

• Oversee preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, reports, and special purpose reports.
• Develop financial highlights memos and analysis on DRFN’s financial performance and emerging risks.
• Ensure compliance with reporting timelines and standards and submit financial reports to stakeholders including FNFA (if applicable).

Cash & Bank Management

• Oversee DRFN’s bank accounts, including approvals for opening/closing accounts, and ensure monthly reconciliation.
• Manage electronic banking agreements and ensure proper segregation of duties in all cash-handling and banking activities.
• Supervise the preparation of cheque runs and ensure authorization procedures are followed.

Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Collaborate with Department Managers to ensure timely and accurate budget submissions and financial updates.
• Monitor departmental performance and participate in the evaluation of the Controller.

Audit & Risk Management

• Coordinate preparation for annual audits and support the external auditor with required documentation.
• Lead financial risk assessments and reporting, ensuring mitigation strategies are in place.
• Ensure that financial irregularities, breaches, and concerns are reported, investigated, and addressed appropriately.

Skills And Qualifications

Education & Experience

• A degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; CPA designation is required.
• Minimum 5–7 years of senior-level financial management experience, ideally in a First Nation, non-profit, or public sector environment.
• Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, budgeting, strategic planning, and compliance.

Skills & Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of accounting principals, internal control systems, and public sector financial reporting.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial management systems (e.g., Adagio) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of Indigenous governance, funding mechanisms, and financial frameworks is an asset.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-site position with occasional evening meetings or overtime during peak reporting periods.
• Interaction with DRFN Members, staff, auditors, funders, and external stakeholders.
• Must maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity always.

Please submit your application through MNP’s official process and avoid making speculative approaches to Doig River First Nation or its staff members, as such approaches will not support your application.