FINANCE MANAGER

Reports to: Chief Administrative Officer
Status: Permanent, Full-Time, In-Person
Location: Primary office in Merritt, B.C., with regular travel to Spences Bridge (minimum one day per week).

ABOUT US:

The Cook’s Ferry Indian Band is a Nlaka’pamux government located in the Central Interior Region of British Columbia. It has 26 reserves of various sizes, primarily in the scenic Thompson River Valley between what are now known as Ashcroft and Lytton, British Columbia, and through the Nicola Valley, including Merritt.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a Finance Manager to lead and strengthen our financial operations. This is a strategic and hands-on role responsible for overseeing financial operations and systems, planning, audit preparation, reporting, and compliance. The Finance Manager will work closely with internal staff and external consultants to ensure the Band’s financial health and accountability.
This role plays a key part in supporting the Band’s long-term financial sustainability and service delivery to its members.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• CPA designation (Chartered Professional Accountant) required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive financial management experience.
• Strong understanding of Canadian accounting standards (ASPE, PSAS).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and in a culturally respectful manner.

Assets:

• Experience working with Indigenous governments or not-for-profit organizations.
• Proficiency in Sage 50 and other accounting software.
• Knowledge of local language or culture.

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations including bookkeeping, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly and quarterly financial reports to CAO and Chief & Council.
• Prepare and monitor cash flow as well as annual and multi-year budgets.
• Monitor funding agreements and assist with reporting requirements.
• Maintain compliance with FNFMB standards and applicable legislation.

Audit & Year-end Preparation

• Lead the preparation of the annual audit file and liaise with external auditors.
• Reconcile key accounts including payables, receivables, revenues, deferred revenues, and capital assets.
• Develop audit schedules and working paper files.
• Organize and validate financial documentation and backup.
• Prepare year-end Trial Balance and ensure alignment with funding sources.

Policy & Process Development

• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accountability.
• Support integration and optimization of financial systems (e.g., Sage 50).

Staff Supervision & Capacity Building

• Supervise and mentor finance staff including AP/AR clerks and finance assistants.
• Provide training and support to build internal capacity and financial literacy.
• Coordinate with external consultants to ensure knowledge transfer and continuity.
• Strategic Support & Advisory