Director of Finance - Fort St. James - Nak'azdli Whut'en

Description

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

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 theNak'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.

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.
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)designation is a mandatory requirement.
• Previous experience working under aFinancial Administration Law (FAL), the Finance and Audit Committee (FAC), and the Financial Administration Act (FAA)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.

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.

"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 at Current Openings | Recruitment . You can also send us an email with your resume, cover letter, and three references at