SMITH’S LANDING FIRST NATION
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
FINANCIAL COMPTROLLER
We, the Thebati Dene Suline, have been sovereign since time immemorial. Together, we will continue our journey in harmony with the environment to sustain a healthy and self-sufficient lifestyle for future generations. To honor our Creator and ancestors, we will protect and nurture the integrity of our Dene Ch’anie.
Smith's Landing First Nation (SLFN), has approximately 360 members of Dene heritage that live on and off reserve, with many of our members living within the town of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. We are located in Northern Alberta, on the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, just outside of Fort Smith. As a border community we work with all levels of government; Provincial, Territorial, Federal, and the local municipality. Our members have a strong connection to the environment and rely on the lands in and around Wood Buffalo National Park and the Slave River for harvesting fish and game. Our Education, Housing, Lands, and Wellness programs provide opportunities and support for all eligible Smith’s Landing First Nation members.
Are you an experienced accountant with strong communication, payroll, First Nation Band Administration, budgeting, and reporting skills? We are looking for a Financial Comptroller who will make it their mission to streamline our budgeting, payroll, auditing, and reporting processes while managing our contribution agreements and their government reporting requirements.
What Smith’s Landing First Nation can offer you:
- Competitive compensation plus a northern living allowance of $7,374/year;
- Generous vacation entitlement;
- Excellent health and dental benefits plan, pension, and life insurance;
- Learning and development opportunities;
- The ability to participate in Smith’s Landing First Nation’s traditional events and on the land learning opportunities such as Treaty Day, Fish Camps, and many other events and activities over the course of the year;
- An opportunity to work in beautiful, scenic Fort Smith, Northwest Territories;
- Relocation costs to be provided, if applicable;
- A supportive team environment that promotes innovation, growth, and independence.
The Financial Comptroller reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will be responsible for the overall integrity of the financial operations of Smith’s Landing First Nation (SLFN). Key responsibilities to include: provide accurate financial information/reports/statements to the CEO/Chief and Council, direct and manage Finance and Accounting functions and staff, implement consistent Accounting and Finance policies, practices, and procedures across the organization ensuring that solid internal financial controls are implemented to protect organizational assets. By following finance and accounting GAAP principles and internal systems, professional practices, and procedures, implement organizational process changes as required. Other responsibilities will include preparation of detailed financial statements, manage the year-end process, work with auditors to complete annual organization audit, and the preparation of annual budgets and reports to Chief and Council, and internal and external stakeholders (including community, funders, and auditors).
SPECIFIC DUTIES TO INCLUDE:
- Provide comprehensive financial updates and recommendations to senior management by evaluating, reporting, and analyzing numerical data and metrics;
- Produce thorough financial status reports for Program Managers, the CEO, and Chief and Council to help in decision making and to improve our operational efficiency.
- Oversee the administration of all SLFN contribution agreements and follow all government reporting requirements;
- Guide financial decisions by applying company policies and procedures to current economic landscape;
- Achieve budgeting goals with proper forecasting, variance analysis, and corrective action;
- Maximize payroll efficiency through innovative process development, software, and automation;
- Help develop and support short and long-term operational strategies;
- Manage and monitor all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements as well as the requirements of private contributions, loans, and government contracts;
- Maintain internal control safeguards for the receipt of revenue, costs and both team and organizational budgets and actual expenditures;
- In conjunction with the CEO, establish financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, program monitoring, and reporting standards on a bi-weekly, monthly, and annual basis;
- Audit the integrity of system generated financial data and adjusting as required;
- Develop and enforce internal controls to maximize protection of company assets, policies, procedures, and workflow.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post-secondary Diploma or Degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration;
- 3+ years’ Comptroller experience;
- Must possess a strong working knowledge of SAGE 50 software;
- Proficient in MS Excel (including vertical look-ups, data sorting, etc.…)
- Must have 3+years’ supervisory experience managing Finance professionals.
- First Nation financial management experience is an asset;
- CPA and/ or a Certified Aboriginal Financial Management designation is an asset.
- REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must have knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial legislation, financial policies, and procedures;
- Must have payroll experience that includes producing T4’s and year-end close out;
- Must have experience with Contribution Agreements and the associated Federal government reporting process;
- Specific knowledge in accounts payable, accounts receivable, EFT bill payments, and employee benefits & pension administration;
- Must be skilled in budgeting/developing annual budgets; bank account reconciliations; variance and financial reporting, cash-flow, and month-end/year-end financial procedures;
- Must have strong organizational and problem-solving skills along with excellent communication skills (written and verbal), coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to handle deadlines;
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills are needed along with the ability to be meticulous and detail oriented;
- Clear criminal record check;
- Must be willing to re-locate to Fort Smith, Northwest Territories and live in and work at Smith’s Landing First Nation.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision care
Flexible Language Requirement:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Northwest Territories: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- How many years of First Nation Financial management experience do you possess?
- Have you used ADP payroll before?
- Do you have experience working with Auditors?
- Do you have experience processing T4's and closing out payroll at the end of the year?
- What is the highest level of post-secondary education that you have achieved and what program did you take?
Experience:
- Supervisory: 3 years (required)
- Sage Accounting: 1 year (required)
- Payroll: 1 year (required)
- contribution agreement and government reporting: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2023-09-28
Expected start date: 2023-10-23
