Financial Controller

The community of We'koqma'q First Nation is approximately 44 kilometers north of the Canso Causeway and 115 kilometers south of Industrial Cape Breton. It is bordered by the Bras D'or Lake and a mountainous range known as Skye Mountain. We'koqma'q itself is comprised of 828.5 hectares of land. The Mi'kmaq were the first peoples to populate the shores of the lake. The area is rich in hunting and fishing grounds the landscape is tranquil and picturesque.

We'koqma'q First Nation is a progressive community on the rise. For the past decade, Chief and Council, along with the management team, have been focused on building a self-sustaining economy for their community members. A diverse portfolio of enterprises has resulted in significant and strategic investments in community infrastructure and hundreds of sustainable employment opportunities for community members and beyond.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller will focus on ensuring accurate and reliable departmental financial reports are provided to internal and external stakeholders on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis. This includes working with departmental leaders to ensure that they understand departmental results, budgets, and the implication of operational decisions being made. The Controller will be responsible for a variety of general accounting support functions for the financial reporting function.

Responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and distributing monthly, quarterly and yearly financial reports required for internal and external stakeholders within defined deadlines.
• Preparing the general ledger account reconciliations with supporting working papers.
• Month end accruals and journal entries.
• Assisting the CFO in preparation of departmental budgets and compile for further approval by the CEO, and Chief & Council.
• Supporting the CFO in preparing monthly forecasts, by incorporating historical results and future assumptions.
• Liaison with year-end financial statement auditors and coordinating information needed to complete the annual audit.
• Coordinating any procedural changes that impact monthly financial results with the finance team and revise methods as needed in an effort to maintain integrity of the financial reports released.
• Assistance with the following: yearly T4 preparation and reconciliation back to CRA records, completing financial reports needed for external funders, and assisting the CFO with the development and implementation of policies and procedures necessary for efficient, accurate and reliable accounting.
• Taking courses and webinars to stay up to date and current with Public Sector Accounting Standards and other financial related matters specific to First Nation Accounting.
• Other related duties as required.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• CPA designation preferred but not required.
• 4+ years experience in a similar role or in public accounting practice.
• Thorough knowledge of Canadian Accounting Standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office, especially Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in preparing and entering financial information.
• Demonstrated planning, organizational, prioritization and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.

Compensation:

We'koqma'q First Nation offers competitive compensation packages including medical/dental, pension plan and vacation. In addition to an attractive remuneration package, there is ample opportunity to grow with the community.

Conditions of employment:

• Provide satisfactory clearance of criminal record check;
• Valid Nova Scotia driver's license and reliable transportation.

**This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time**