Business Unit: Finance Department
Location: Lax Kw’alaams, British Columbia
Reporting to: Chief Administrative Officer
The Lax Kw’alaams Finance Department has an exciting and immediate opening for a Full-Time Chief Financial Officer. As a key member of the team, this role is responsible for providing executive oversight of the organization’s financial operations, leading financial strategy, planning, reporting, and risk management.
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer and working closely with Management, this role oversees all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, accounting, audits, purchasing, and forecasting, while ensuring transparency, accountability, compliance with Canadian accounting standards, and long-term financial sustainability for the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation.
Responsibilities:
General
Strategic and Operational Planning
- Assist with the analysis of future economic development initiatives and other projects by providing accurate cost–benefit analyses, revenue and expense projections, and fact-based recommendations
- Support the Band in discussions and negotiations with commercial lenders related to current and future economic development opportunities
- Develop and implement financial and operational strategies, including performance metrics aligned with organizational goals
Provide strategic financial leadership to support the organization’s long-term vision, goals, and community priorities
- Lead multi-year financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting aligned with organizational and program objectives
- Integrate strategic plans with annual operating plans to ensure effective resource allocation and service delivery
- Support the CAO with financial analysis, scenario planning, and decision-support
- Oversee development and monitoring of annual budgets, ensuring alignment with approved funding agreements
- Identify financial risks and opportunities, and develop mitigation and sustainability strategies
- Align financial planning with ISC, FNHA, and other funder requirements while maintaining flexibility and compliance
- Monitor financial performance against plans and recommend corrective actions where needed
- Contribute to organizational planning processes, including capital planning, growth initiatives, and program expansion
Financial Management
- Ensure compliance and quality assurance across all financial operations, including records management, in accordance with legislated requirements and Band policy
- Assist in the development and maintenance of a financial reporting framework that supports timely and accurate monthly reporting
- In collaboration with the CAO, oversee the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget
- Prepare and present published budgets, annual reports, financial statements, financial recommendations, and other finance-related reports for Council, management, and other stakeholders
- Oversee and support financial reporting, including forecasts, projections, and audit preparation and responses
- Monitor and report on compliance with all agreements and funding arrangements involving the Band and its commercial entities
- Ensure financial administration systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls are appropriately designed, effective, and continuously improved to identify efficiencies and cost savings
- Develop and monitor control systems to safeguard the Band’s assets and effectively manage financial risk
Policy, Procedures, Legislation, and Regulations
- Have a thorough understanding of, and the ability to learn, interpret, and communicate relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures related to financial administration
- Actively monitor compliance with the Band’s Financial Administration Law, as well as all applicable legislation, standards, policies and procedures
- Develop, review, and enhance financial systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls to support sound financial governance and accountability
Staff Management
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department, ensuring programs and staff operate in accordance with the Collective Agreements and Band policies and procedures
- Approve timesheets and time off request
- Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing work environment within the Finance Department
- Lead and manage organizational and departmental change in alignment with the Band’s vision, values, and strategic priorities
Note: Perform all other duties within the scope of the position and as requested by Chief Administrative Officer or Designate.
Education
- Professional Accounting Designation (CPA)
- Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) is an asset
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a senior financial management role, preferably within a First Nations government, local government, or a comparable organization
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) funding agreements, including compliance, reporting, and implementation
- Experience managing fiscal resources, including the development and evaluation of business plans, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
Competency
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong work ethics
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong strategic planning and decision making
- Ability to manage budgets, personnel, and operations
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people
- Ability and willingness to learn and adapt
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team
- Excellent time management skills; ability to meet deadliness
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent technological skills, including Microsoft Office and equipment like calculators, photocopiers, fax machines, and printers
- Ability to use accounting programs. Knowledge of Adagio is an asset
- Knowledge of the Lax Kw’alaams people, culture & traditions, social dynamics & community is an asset
- Knowledge of Payworks payroll system is an asset
Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Physical Demand
- Primarily office-based work requiring prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and reading financial documents
Mental Demands
- High level of concentration and attention to detail is required for financial analysis, reporting, and compliance monitoring
- Meet deadlines, and respond to urgent issues under pressure
Condition of Employment
- You will adhere to the Lax Kw’alaams Band Code of Conduct, Code of Confidentiality, Social Media Policy and any other Policies in the Human Resource Manual
- Follow all guidelines harmoniously and cooperatively, creating a team approach in their duties for the Band’s future success
- Acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
- Valid Driver’s License (Class 5)
Classification/Pay Scale
- You can expect a supportive work environment, a total compensation package which includes a competitive wage, extended health and dental benefits and a pension plan
- $125,000 - $140,000 per annum, dependent on the candidate’s depth and breadth of relevant experience
Submission Deadline:
- Open until filled
- We invite all interested parties to reply in the strictest confidence to Human Resources: [email protected]
** Preference will be given to Lax Kw’alaams Band Members or qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry. However, we invite all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $125,000.00-$140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
