Director of Finance in Fort St. James, British Columbia at Nakazdli Whuten

Job Title: Director of Finance
Location: Fort St. James, BC
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: $110,000 to 120,000 (Commensurate with Experience)

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer

About Us

Nak'azdli Whut'en is a proud Dakelh First Nation located near Fort St. James, British Columbia. Our community is deeply rooted in Dakelh culture, language, and values, emphasizing a connection to the land and a commitment to the well-being of our people. We are dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive services that reflect our culture and respect the unique perspectives and needs of our members. At Nak'azdli Whut'en, we strive to provide community-focused health and social services that uphold Indigenous values and address the distinct challenges facing our community.

Job Summary

The Director of Finance is responsible for the day-to-day financial administration of Nak’azdli Whut’en, in alignment with the Nak’azdli Financial Administration Law (FAL) 2024 and reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). This position fulfills all functions required under FAL’s definition of Director of Finance, including financial planning, budgeting, reporting, compliance, and internal control. The Director of Finance ensures financial integrity, supports strategic decision-making, and upholds culturally aligned fiscal stewardship. As one of the Nation’s key statutory positions under the FAL, the Director of Finance exercises independent professional judgment, providing objective financial advice to Chief and Council and to the Finance and Audit Committee in direct support of Council’s fiduciary responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Prepare and submit draft annual budgets and local revenue amendments to the Finance and Audit Committee.
• Contribute to the multi-year financial plan and Council’s strategic planning process.
• Collaborate with the Tax Administrator on budget inputs related to local revenues.
• Lead long-term financial sustainability planning and multi-year forecasting to inform Council’s strategic direction.
• Monitor budget performance throughout the fiscal year, report variances to the COO and Finance and Audit Committee and recommend corrective action.

Financial Reporting & Statements

• Prepare:
  • Monthly financial summaries
  • Quarterly financial statements
  • Annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
  • Special purpose reports (remuneration, guarantees, forgiven debts, etc.)
• Present reports to the COO, Council, and Finance & Audit Committee within required timelines.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Monitor compliance with the First Nations Finance Administration Law (FAL), Council policies, and applicable standards.
• Maintain financial administration systems, internal controls, and approved procedures.
• Evaluate system effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Oversee procurement policies, purchasing controls, and conflict of interest safeguards to protect the Nation’s resources.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements, grants, and contribution agreements, including all associated reporting obligations to funders.
• Develop, review, and maintain the Nation’s financial policies and procedures, keeping them current with FAL and evolving best practice.

Records & Accounting Systems

• Maintain and administer the Nation’s chart of accounts.
• Oversee proper financial recordkeeping and ensure secure storage and confidentiality of financial data.
• Account separately for local and other revenues, as required by FAL.

Audit & Committee Engagement

• Attend Finance and Audit Committee meetings and provide required reports.
• Liaise with the Nation’s auditor and ensure audit readiness of financial statements and reports.
• Support fraud prevention and internal audit processes and assist in the investigation of financial irregularities where appropriate.

Investment, Risk, and Asset Oversight

• Support the preparation of financial risk assessments and strategies for safeguarding assets.
• Advise on investment matters consistent with the Council-approved investment strategy.
• Support insurance and guarantee-related reporting requirements.
• Identify, monitor, and report significant financial risks to the COO, Council, and Finance and Audit Committee, recommending mitigation strategies as needed.
• Oversee capital asset management, infrastructure planning, and asset replacement strategies to protect the Nation’s long-term community infrastructure.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, debt management, banking relationships, and investment oversight in accordance with Council-approved policy.

Leadership & Delegation

• Supervise finance staff to ensure role clarity, capacity building, and performance monitoring.
• Assign financial duties to staff or contractors, as appropriate, while maintaining oversight and accountability.
• Champion succession planning and staff development to build long-term financial capacity within the Nation.

Community-Centered Financial Governance

• Ensure financial practices reflect Nak’azdli Whut’en’s values of respect, accountability, and collective well-being.
• Support financial literacy, openness, and cultural alignment in all fiscal activities.
• Educate and advise Chief and Council on financial matters, translating financial statements and reports into clear, actionable insight that supports informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is a mandatory requirement.
• Previous experience working under a Financial Administration Law (FAL), the Finance and Audit Committee (FAC), and the Financial Administration Act (FAA) , the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA), First Nations funding agreements, public sector accounting standards, and financial audit committees is a mandatory requirement.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in the public sector or Indigenous governance.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial risks, budgets, and reports with precision.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with Council, auditors, community members, and external partners.
• Proven ability to lead teams, build capacity, and ensure culturally aligned financial governance.
• In support of Nak’azdli Whut’en’s Community Vision Plan, all leadership positions, including this role are required to hold a supervisor certificate, or be willing to complete an employer-provided supervisor certificate program within 6 months of hire.

Benefits
At Nak’azdli Whut’en, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive Wages
• Pension Plan – Employer matching up to 5.5%
• Work-life Balance – 10 sick days annually, up to 5 discretionary days, a 2-week paid Christmas break (may vary each fiscal year), and Indigenous Day Stat Leave
• Comprehensive Health Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, AD&D, life insurance, and global medical coverage
• Disability Support – Short-term and long-term coverage
• Employee Wellbeing – Free EFAP service along with in-house mental health counseling.
• Professional Development Support
• Cultural & Community Engagement Events

At Nakazdli Whut'en, we believe in investing in our people. We provide a rewarding workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and connected to our shared mission.

Indigenous Commitment

“Nak’azdli Whut’en is committed to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive work environment that reflects the values, traditions, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples. We actively encourage and prioritize applicants from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities to apply. We recognize the importance of cultural knowledge and experience, and we honor and respect Indigenous ways of knowing and being.”

Application Instructions

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine financial expertise with a deep commitment to cultural preservation and community growth. If you are a forward-thinking finance professional, passionate about Indigenous economic development, we invite you to apply directly to our job posting. You can also send us an email with your resume, cover letter, and three references at jobs@nakazdliwhuten.ca