Financial Controller

at  Liard First Nation

JOB SUMMARY

As the leader of the accounting team, the Financial Controller will oversee Liard First Nation’s financial health by managing and analyzing financial activities. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Financial Controller will ensure financial governance, compliance, and efficiency while providing comprehensive updates to senior management. This role will guide financial decisions, support long-term operational strategies, and ensure the organization remains compliant with federal and provincial regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• CPA preferred or equivalent experience in accounting.
• Minimum of 5 years of escalating responsibility full-cycle accounting experience, preferably in Non-Profit Organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and experience with Xero would beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and experience in developing and implementing financial systems, processes, and procedures.
• Highly organized, with a keen attention to detail and strong critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment with a results-oriented mindset.
• Independent, flexible, and resourceful.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, relationship-building skills are required, as well as strong verbal and written communications. Ability to work competently with senior levels of First Nations, Provincial/Territorial and Federal governments to effectively support and advance First Nation interests. Ability to work pleasantly and professionally with a wide range of people of different ages and cultures, in potentially volatile and emotionally charged situations. Ability to work respectfully with others in a cross-cultural environment. Knowledge of Liard First Nation history, culture, traditional territory, and demographics. Tact, intuition and diplomacy, strong work ethics and good judgment and ability to work well in a team environment. Strong financial management experience and supervisory management skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, direct, and coordinate all accounting operations.
• Oversee financial governance and accounting activities to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, and provide financial visibility through reports and statements.
• Provide financial updates to managers or directors, evaluating and analyzing key data points.
• Guide financial decisions using company policies and an understanding of the economic landscape.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial controls and guidelines.
• Achieve budgeting goals through strategic scheduling, analysis, and corrective actions.
• Maximize payroll efficiency by developing innovative processes in conjunction with the Human Resource department.
• Engage with the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees to develop short, medium and long-term financial plans and projections.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding the Financial Administration Law and all financial functions.
• Maintain financial and operational benchmarks, budgets, and reporting standards on biweekly, monthly, and annual bases.
• Ensure consistent application of accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs, adhering to national and local regulations.
• Stay knowledgeable of changes in Federal and Provincial legislation and implement necessary adjustments.
• Enforce internal controls to safeguard company assets and maintain compliance with policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership to the accounting team, fostering an environment of trust and productivity.
• Hire, train, and retain skilled accounting staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

IMPACT/ACCOUNTABILITY

This position is accountable for compliance with legislation, directing strategic planning, establishing and meeting department goals and work plans, ensuring expenditures adhere to the terms and conditions of funding agreements and do not exceed budget and revenues, and enforcing standard operational policies and procedures.