Director of Finance

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting opportunity for a CPA looking to advance their career to join the Northland School Division as Director of Finance. The Division is seeking someone with accounting/finance skills, a passion for customer service, strong interpersonal skills and a desire to grow as a leader. This individual will not only be skilled in finance, but their collaborative and solution-oriented approach will complement their teamwork skills. This position will report to the Secretary-Treasurer and will manage the financial accounting, reporting and operations for the 500-person, $57M division serving 1,700 students. The successful candidate will support four direct reports from the corporate office in Peace River, Alberta. Travel to Edmonton or other locations may be required periodically for Board meetings, conferences or educational opportunities. This is an incredible opportunity for learning, growth, leadership and development. The division is focused on continuous improvement across operations with investments in processes, technology and systems. If you are passionate about being involved with an inspiring leadership team in a worthwhile organization in Indigenous Education, willing to contribute your breadth of knowledge, abilities and experience we would love to hear from you.

Please note, this position will be based in Peace River, Alberta and will be on-site (minimal hybrid/remote).

The ORGANIZATION

With approximately 1,700 students in 18 schools, Northland School Division is situated in some of the most stunning areas in northern Alberta. Covering 288,347 square kilometers. The schools are located near mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and wetlands in Treaty 6 and 8 Territories where there is a high respect for the history, language, and culture in these territories. To learn more about what Northland School Division has to offer, please visit

For more information, please visit their website at:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing the division's financial accounting, reporting and financial operations including full cycle accounting - accounts receivable, accounts payable, corporate credit cards and advisory services.
• Performing the duties of the Secretary-Treasurer when the Secretary-Treasurer is away.
• Assuming responsibility for the Division's ERP accounting system, including data management, security, workflow, backups, etc.
• Providing accounting and financial expertise and training to support staff.
• Providing senior management staff with financial advice and information necessary for their decision-making.
• Evaluating the accounting policies, systems, and procedures of the division on an ongoing basis and recommending changes and projects for improvement.
• Assisting the Secretary-Treasurer in preparing the division's annual budget.
• Preparing the division's financials and other regulatory reports.
• Maintaining the chart of accounts and making revisions as required.
• Maintaining the capital and project ledgers.
• Planning, organizing, and supporting the staff in the day-to-day operation of the accounting and purchasing departments.
• Providing the necessary direction to supervisors in the execution of their assigned duties.
• Evaluating the performance of all staff within the department.
• Approving additions and deletions to the accounts payable vendor master.
• Evaluating the present accounting systems and processes and making the necessary changes to improve their capability and efficiency.
• Maintaining an internal audit function within the division
• Providing finance officer approval/ quality assurance (review) for all expenditures (operating, capital, payroll).
• Assist in negotiating agreements including tuition and transportation.
• Administering transportation and tuition agreements.
• Providing policy interpretation and assistance to support staff as required.
• Providing grant interpretation and assistance to department heads and principals.
• Ensure an efficient purchasing policy, procedures and systems are in place.
• Monitoring the divisional fixed assets register and be responsible for all amendments.
• Preparing budget submissions and other analyses for administration or the board of trustees
• Performing such other duties as may be assigned by the Secretary-Treasurer.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Potential underfill: Would consider someone currently pursuing their CPA designation, although CPA designation would be preferred.
• 3+ years of school division experience an asset.
• Eligible for membership with ASBOA (Association of School Business Officials of Alberta).
• Extensive knowledge of accounting, reporting and financial operations.
• Considerable business acumen, contract management and/or purchasing experience.
• Comfortable working in a political environment with Boards and elected officials.
• Leadership experience including staff supervision, performance management, project work and/or other relevant experience demonstrating potential.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Ability to deal with all levels of management and leadership whose backgrounds are educational and academic-oriented to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Ability to meet the conflicting demands of modern accounting practices, management information requirements and governmental regulations.
• Ability to deal with a modern ERP including workflow, process management, the overall systems-based approach and all data-related requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, teamwork and communication skills (both written and oral).
• Strong leadership skills and/or potential.
• An innovative thinker with an ability to find imaginative solutions.
• The ability to work as a team player and working independently with a minimum of supervision.

TRAVEL

Occasional travel to Edmonton for meetings or conferences, etc. as required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sandy Jacobson
| T: | E: |