The Opportunity
Mushuau Innu First Nation (MIFN) is seeking an experienced and collaborative Finance Manager to oversee its day-to-day accounting operations.
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Finance Manager will manage full-cycle accounting, financial controls, reconciliations, budgeting support, financial reporting, payroll allocations, accounts payable and receivable, and funding compliance. The Finance Manager will also supervise and support Finance Department employees and help ensure that Chief and Council receive timely, accurate, and reliable financial information.
The successful candidate will bring strong technical accounting knowledge, sound judgment, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to build respectful working relationships across the organization.
Key ResponsibilitiesAccounting and Financial Management
- Manage the full-cycle accounting process and maintain effective controls over financial transactions.
- Complete monthly bank and credit card reconciliations and oversee other account reconciliation activities.
- Ensure transactions are coded to the correct department, project, program, and funding source.
- Ensure payroll is processed, accounts payable are paid, and accounts receivable are collected accurately and on time.
- Maintain payroll and other cost allocations to support accurate program accounting.
- Prepare timely and reliable monthly and quarterly financial reports.
- Assist with annual budgeting and monitor actual financial results against approved budgets.
- Identify budget variances and report financial concerns to the CFO, Chief Operating Officer, department managers, and Council, as appropriate.
- Ensure accounting records are maintained in accordance with Public Sector Accounting Standards and applicable accounting principles.
- Prepare funding claims and reports accurately and within required deadlines.
- Ensure statutory financial reports and filings are completed on time.
- Process student and monthly rental payments.
- Support year-end financial procedures and coordinate information requested by external auditors.
Financial Controls and Compliance
- Follow and reinforce MIFN’s financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Monitor the purchase order process, including reviewing or approving purchase orders within delegated authority.
- Ensure purchase commitments do not exceed approved budgets or available funding.
- Follow up on outstanding purchase orders and commitments.
- Ensure compliance with federal and provincial requirements and the terms and conditions of funding agreements.
- Maintain current knowledge of departmental budgets, funding requirements, reporting deadlines, and expenditure-tracking requirements.
- Review accounting systems and processes and recommend improvements to strengthen controls, efficiency, and financial decision-making.
- Assist with the development and implementation of financial and accounting policies and procedures.
- Support the establishment of financial records and systems for new departments or legal entities.
- Support the implementation of new accounting software and financial systems.
- Provide guidance to employees on financial policies and procedures.
Planning and Risk Management
- Support the CFO with strategic and operational planning for the Finance Department.
- Assist with implementing departmental plans and priorities.
- Help identify financial risks and develop practical strategies to manage or reduce those risks.
- Contribute to the development and monitoring of financial performance indicators.
- Provide recommendations to the CFO regarding MIFN’s financial operations and financial affairs.
- Assist with developing plans, policies, protocols, records, and reports required to support the Finance Department’s mandate.
Leadership and Staff Supervision
- Provide positive leadership, direction, coaching, and supervision to Finance Department employees.
- Assign and organize work to support accurate and timely completion of financial responsibilities.
- Provide constructive feedback and support employees in developing their skills and improving performance.
- Conduct employee performance evaluations in accordance with established processes.
- Participate in the recruitment and selection of Finance Department employees, as required.
- Work with Human Resources to ensure appropriate personnel records are maintained.
- Address workplace conflict and performance concerns respectfully and appropriately.
- Promote compliance with MIFN’s human resources, financial, and administrative policies.
Council and Organizational Support
- Prepare financial information, reports, and presentation materials for Chief and Council, as requested.
- Attend Council meetings when required to present financial information or support discussion and decision-making.
- Respond to financial inquiries and requests for information from internal departments and external organizations.
- Work collaboratively with department managers and employees on financial matters.
- Liaise with government departments, funding agencies, businesses, and other external partners when required.
Relationship Management
- Demonstrate respectful conduct consistent with Mushuau Innu First Nation’s culture, values, and expectations.
- Maintain open, fair, and service-oriented relationships with community members, employees, leadership, and external partners.
- Support respectful and effective communication between the Finance Department and other areas of the organization.
- Promote cultural awareness and sensitivity in all working relationships.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of five years of progressive accounting experience.
- At least two years of experience in a senior accounting or financial management position.
- Previous experience working with a First Nations government or organization is required.
- A professional accounting designation is considered an asset.
- Experience using Sage 300 or similar financial accounting software is considered an asset.
- Experience with public-sector accounting, funding agreements, program accounting, and external audits is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of general accounting principles and full-cycle accounting.
- Knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards.
- Understanding of financial administration within a First Nations environment.
- Ability to perform complex accounting functions involving revenues, expenditures, funding sources, and cost-sharing arrangements.
Salary is negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
Pay: $78,000.00-$94,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- Accounting: 5 years (preferred)
- sage 300: 1 year (preferred)
- First Nations Government or Organization : 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
