Details:
Located within the beautiful waterfront City of Campbell River, the Wei Wai Kum First Nation
(WWKFN) is a progressive and innovative First Nation and has become one of the fastest growing
First Nations communities in BC with many exciting economic and capital projects on the go.
The WWKFN has opted into the Financial Administration Law and is undergoing organizational
change as it works towards receiving its Financial Management System (FMS) certificate from
the First Nations Financial Management Board.
If you have strong interpersonal skills, ability to coach and motivate staff to meet the goals of the
organization and you want to be part of an enthusiastic team, please consider this opportunity to
join us as our Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The CFO will report to Chief Councillor on day to day matters on behalf of Council and work
closely with the Council Executive Assistant and Office Administrator.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm. This is a management salaried
position and the salary will be commensurate with experience.
Closing date:
Friday February 19th, 2021
Job Summary:
As a senior member of the management team, the CFO is responsible for all the duties delegated
and assigned under the Band’s Financial Administration Law, which includes the management
and oversight of the Finance Committee as well as providing innovative and effective financial
leadership and advice to Council and Senior management to ensure the long-term health of
WWKFN’s finances.
The CFO will be responsible for developing, implementing and administering financial
management and reporting systems in accordance with the Band’s Financial Administration Law,
policies and procedures. The CFO must develop and implement policies and procedures that
promote effective financial management including strong risk-mitigation practices.
The successful candidate for this position must possess outstanding strategic long and short-term
financial planning, leadership and communications skills, and will be responsible for developing
and maintaining a work environment that is supportive to the organization and is customer-service
based.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Ensure the financial administration systems, policies, procedures, directions and internal
controls are appropriately designed and operating effectively;
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• Administer and maintain all accounts of the WWKFN;
• Oversee the preparation, implementation and oversight of an annual budget for WWKFN to Council approved limits;
• Assist in developing a financial reporting framework that allows for timely monthly reporting of the operations of WWKFN; and its commercial interests to the Operations Manager, the Finance and Audit Committee, Chief and Council.
• Assist in preparing as well as oversee the reporting of the financial information of WWKFN and is commercial interest on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis to the Finance and Audit Committee and Chief and Council.
• Prepare the financial components of reports of any short, medium and long-term plans, projections and priorities to Council and the Finance and Audit Committee;
• Oversee the internal control environment at WWKFN and its commercial entities including but not limited to monitoring controls and developing appropriate controls.
• Work with WWKFN’s commercial / business interests to identify additional opportunities as well as savings.
• Responsible to develop necessary policies around the financial operations of WWKFN.
• Actively monitor compliance with any agreements and funding arrangements entered into by the WWKFN and its Commercial businesses.
• Oversight of Audit findings and making recommendations to the Finance and Audit Committee and Council.
• Actively monitor compliance with the Band’s Financial Administration Law and any other applicable law, applicable standards and any policies, procedures and directions of the Council respecting the financial administration of the WWKFN.
• Prepare or provide any documentation and financial information required by the Council and/or the Finance and Audit Committee;
• Evaluate the financial administration systems of the WWKFN and recommend improvements as needed;
• Assist with the analysis of future economic development or other projects by providing accurate cost/benefit analysis, revenue and expense projections, and making fact-based recommendations to Council, or Council delegated task group.
• Assist WWKFN in discussions and negotiations with commercial lenders for future economic development opportunities.
• Perform any other duties of the CFO that are assigned under the Band’s Financial Administration Law; and
• Carry out any other activities specified by the Finance & Audit Committee, Chief and Council that are not contrary to the Financial Administration Law
Accountability
• The CFO is accountable for the administrative, financial, and risk management operations of the WWKFN, which include the development of a financial and operational strategy, metrics tied to that strategy, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve and protect the Band’s assets and report accurate financial results.
• With the approval of Chie and Council, the CFO may assign or delegate the performance of any of the duties or functions of the CFO to any officer, employee (with approval of the Operation Manager), contractor or agent of the WWKFN, but this assignment does not relieve the CFO of the responsibility to ensure that these duties or functions are carried out properly.
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Relationships
Internally
Chief & Council, Finance & Audit Committee, Finance Controller, and Senior Management.
Externally
First Nations Governments and organizations, Municipal, Provincial and Federal Government Agencies, Non-Governmental Funding Organizations and external contracted third parties of WWKFN.
Decision Making
High degree of trust and confidentiality, detail oriented and accurately processing and prioritizing information. This department must exercise objectivity and transparency. All processes and systems are based on administrative policies and procedures.
Qualifications & Experience:
Minimum Academic/Educational Requirements
Professional accounting designation (CPA) and a degree in a related discipline, the incumbent will have comprehensive knowledge of computer systems and a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in a senior financial management role in First Nations Government or local government or similar valued experience.
Other Certification, Licenses, Designations and/or Training
Must possess a valid class 5 BC driver’s license
Proficiency with computer applications, MS Office and similar software
Ability to pass a Criminal Record Check
Specific Job Skills and Levels
• Familiarity with Adagio Accounting software platform
• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills - oral and written.
• Ability to maintain positive, professional working relations with staff, community and the general public.
• Conflict resolution and moderation skills.
• Leadership and supervisory skills.
• Financial, human resources and program management.
• An understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Cross cultural sensitivity and awareness and either have, or quickly develop, an awareness of the community and local families as well as a local, regional and territorial awareness.
• Must have ability to maintain strict confidentiality about all WWKFN business.
• The ability to quickly develop knowledge of WWKFN Financial Administration Law, policies, procedures and programs.
• Contract management skills.
• Strategic and risk management planning skills
Personality Traits (required to be successful in this position)
• Maintains standards of conduct
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• Takes initiative
• Demonstrates a sound work ethic
• Consistent and fair
• Ability to prioritize
• Friendly & Courteous
• Honest
• Diplomatic
• Patient & Assertive
• Flexible to meet timelines
• Respectful and culturally sensitive to indigenous issues
Assets:
Knowledgeable of First Nations, specifically the WWKFN community & history
Working Conditions:
• Public administration – fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment
• Busy office setting
• Constant time pressures to organize and meet deadlines
• High volume of communication demands (telephone calls, emails, fax)
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop and peripherals
• Exposure to fatigue and strain from prolonged periods of sitting and keyboarding
• Exposure to stress related time pressure, multiple demands,
• Occasional travel as required
• Overtime may be required