Who We Are

The Mikisew Cree First Nation (Mikisew) has lived on the ancestral lands of the Athabasca Delta and Wood Buffalo National Park in northeastern Alberta since time immemorial. The lives of our members are linked to the land and to a close understanding of traditions, history and a natural way of life. Many of our members live in the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, and our traditional lands range over a large portion of Athabasca oil sands deposits. For nearly 30 years, Mikisew Group, our wholly owned business arm, has worked toward the long-term, sustainable economic progress of our Nation and its members through employment and significant investments in education, training, social programs and infrastructure.

Who You Are

Reporting to the CEO, the CFO the Chief Financial Officer participates as an integral member of the senior management team and performs duties in accordance with the mandate and priorities of the Mikisew Cree First Nation Administration.

The Chief Financial Officer will coordinate, administer, and supervise the day-to-day financial activities of the organization. They will respond to queries and perform financially related action items for all major function areas of

the Mikisew Cree First Nation Administration including but not limited to: Band Administration, Community Services (Health, Education, and Social Development) and Technical Services (Housing, Public Works, and Property Management).

The Chief Financial Officer leads, manages and carries out the full range of controllership and financial activities including budgeting, analyses, accounts receivable and payable, preparation of financial statements, month and yearend

reports, and a variety of financial reporting. The Chief Financial Officer develops and implements financial policies, systems and procedures, and monitors compliance. The Chief Financial Officer is also responsible for the coaching and

mentoring of financial staff and training of the senior management team on preparation of budgets and understanding of financial documents and reports.

This position is based in Fort Chipewyan, AB

Roles & Responsibilities

Leads, focuses, builds, develops, and motivates the branch staff in the successful achievement of the Mikisew Cree First Nation’s financial plans, goals, and objectives.
Develops and implements financial training and development opportunities for the organization, supports staff, and provides one on one mentoring and coaching when requested or necessary.
Leads, manages and carries out the full range of controllership and financial activities, including budgeting, job costing, capital accounting, analyses, accounts receivable and payable, payroll activities, preparation of audit papers and a variety of financial reporting.
Oversees the management of all leases, contracts, capital expenditures, and other financial commitments.
Develops and implements financial policies, systems and procedures, and monitors compliance.
Acts as an “Internal Auditor”, reporting any irregularities or activities of a fraudulent nature, misappropriation of funds, assets that are unaccounted for, and questionable expenditures or purchases to the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Chief and Council.
Works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior management to develop and monitor budgets on a timely basis, for all departments.
Prepares budgets for funding requests, business plans, reports, and/or proposals as well as interfaces with government agencies, financial institutions, and suppliers of goods and services.
Oversees the preparation of journal entries, reconciliations, financial statements, estimates, summaries and carries out a wide variety of financial analyses.
Ensures the timely and accurate preparation of month and year-end adjusting, correcting, recurring, accrual and prepaid journal entries, bank reconciliations, audit working papers and financial statements.
Coordinates financial goals and objectives of the Mikisew Cree First Nation as well as implement goals through weekly action.
Provides information and advice to management on strengthening internal controls and compliance and works closely with the external auditors.
Review investment portfolios for security, accountability and maximum rate of return and advise the Chief Executive Officer accordingly.
Builds strong and effective relationships and networks both internally and externally to advance the Mikisew Cree First Nations objectives and promote its positions, policies and interests. Specifically, works with the banking community to ensure best loan and interest rate strategies and execution.

Qualifications

CPA designation is required
A minimum of five years’ experience, with preference given to ten plus years, in finance, accounting, payroll management, budgetary planning, development and implementation.
Demonstrated management experience supervising, mentoring, coaching, and training finance staff and senior managers. Ability to manage, motivate, guide and mentor support staff.
The CFO must have a very humble heart and attitude.
Ability to clearly communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences simply and understandably.
The CFO must be willing to be very hands-on. The CFO must be able to balance 1) empowerment, not micromanaging with 2) the very strong willingness to pitch in and do any detailed accounting task, even entry-level task if required to support the Finance team. We are looking for a hard-working, servant leader.
Demonstrated superior financial acumen and written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with funding agencies and reporting.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Advanced level of knowledge of computer accounting software (preferably AccPac and Xyntax).
Experience with audits, working papers, budgets, internal controls, and payroll.
Successful results from any required security, criminal record, or financial background checks with an ability to be bondable.
Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail.
Demonstrated effective interpersonal and negotiation skills, leadership, teamwork, diplomacy, and judgment.
Ability to work in politically sensitive, changing and uncertain environment.
Diplomatic and tactful, strong negotiator and influencer.
Self-motivated and highly organized, results oriented.
Demonstrated strong personal ethics.
Understands First Nation Contribution Agreements, and Federal rules for reporting.
Preparing the draft annual budgets.
Coordinating and providing guidance for financial planning, including multi-year financial plans.
Preparing and supervising monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
Interpreting financial information and recommending further courses of action.
Monitoring compliance with all applicable policies and procedures.
Safeguarding assets and mitigating risks.
Monitoring financial performance and developing metrics / projections.

Other Requirements

Excellent analytical skills and strong attention to detail.
Valid class five (5) Driver’s Licence.
Willingness to submit to an oath of confidentiality.
Successful Completion of Criminal Record Check.
Willing to work flexible schedule.
This position will work various hours to meet the needs of business operations. May include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Willingness to travel

How to Apply

If you feel you have the demonstrated background and you meet the qualifications as listed above and are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please submit a cover letter, current resume with dates specified, a photocopy of education [diploma/certificate].

hr@mikisewcree.ca

Application deadline is until a suitable candidate is found.

All applications will be reviewed, although only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Mikisew Cree First Nation is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Final candidates for this position will be required to complete a security screening, which includes a criminal background check.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $10,000.00 per year

Licence/Certification:

CPA (required)

Work Location: In person

Mikisew Cree First Nation

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