Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Takla Lake First Nation (hr@taklafn.ca) • Full-time • Prince George, British Columbia, Canada • 3w ago

ABOUT TAKLA FIRST NATION:

The traditional territory of the Takla Nation is located in North Central British Columbia and totals approximately 27,250 square kilometres. The territory is a rich environment of lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains, bordered on the west by the Skeena Mountains and on the east by the Rocky Mountains. Takla Nation is an amalgamation of the North Takla Band and the Fort Connelly Band, a union which occurred in 1959. Our traditional lands are the geographic area occupied by our ancestors for community, social, economic, and spiritual purposes. Carrier and Sekani place names exist for every physical feature and place we occupy. Each name reflects the significance of the feature or site, and today, it provides us with historical information about the rich history and extensive knowledge of our land and resources.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of Takla Nation and its related entities. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the CFO partners with Chief and Council (C&C) to develop, implement, and monitor financial strategies that support the Nation’s long-term sustainability and growth. This role ensures financial integrity, transparency, and accountability across all operations while fostering economic development and financial health for the Nation and its members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY

Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the financial performance and health of Takla Nation and its related entities.
Advise the CAO and C&C on financial outcomes, risks, and opportunities affecting the Nation.

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

Oversee all financial functions, including budgeting, forecasting, debt financing, taxation, treasury, and administration.
Implement and maintain robust cash flow management policies to ensure sufficient liquidity for operations and growth.
Ensure strong financial controls, risk management strategies, and compliance with financial regulations and policies.
Analyze financial performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
Lead financial system improvements, leveraging technology for efficiency and transparency.

FINANCIAL REPORTING & COMPLIANCE

Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulations set by Chartered Professional Accountants Canada (CPA).
Oversee the preparation and publication of all financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual statements.
Manage the annual audit process, ensuring accuracy and integrity in financial reporting.
Develop and direct annual financial plans within the context of strategic priorities and economic opportunities.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting to funding agencies, lenders, and regulatory bodies.

STAKEHOLDER & RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Act as a financial representative and key liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including Chief and Council, government agencies, financial institutions, and community members.
Build and maintain strong relationships with lenders, funders, auditors, and other partners.
Provide financial insights and recommendations for long-term planning, investment, and Nation-building initiatives.
Lead financial forecasting, business planning, and economic development efforts aligned with strategic objectives.
Develop tools and systems to provide timely, actionable financial and operational information.
Promote transparency and financial literacy within the Nation through clear communication and engagement initiatives.

ORGANIZATIONAL & TEAM LEADERSHIP

Develop and oversee the Finance and Administration department’s structure, ensuring it aligns with the Nation’s operational needs.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for finance team members.
Conduct annual performance evaluations and implement training programs to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Work collaboratively with senior leadership to align financial policies, procedures, and best practices across the organization.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION

Establish, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and standards to enhance governance and accountability.
Ensure compliance with financial policies and lead up to updates as necessary to align with evolving organizational needs.

DIRECT REPORTS

Finance Manager
Finance and Administrative Coordinator
Receptionist

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

University degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
Professional Accounting Designation (CPA - CGA, CMA, or CA).
Master’s degree in finance or business (preferred).

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Minimum 20 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in Indigenous governance, government, or non-profit sectors.
Advanced expertise in financial strategy, risk management, and organizational financial planning.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience working with Indigenous communities and a commitment to incorporating Indigenous perspectives in financial decision-making.
Strong public speaking and presentation skills with the ability to facilitate discussions at all levels.
A collaborative leadership style that fosters teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Cultural awareness and sensitivity to working in a diverse, Indigenous environment.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Financial Acumen & Strategic Thinking
Leadership & Team Development
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
Compliance & Regulatory Expertise
Change Management & Continuous Improvement
Cultural Awareness & Community Engagement

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

EDUCATION:

Post - secondary degree in business administration, social entrepreneurship, or non-profit management is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of two years’ experience in a leadership role, preferably in a social enterprise or non-profit organization.
Experience in financial management, budgeting, human resource management, and risk management.
Proven track record of successfully managing diverse staff and leading community-focused enterprises.

CULTURAL COMPETENCY:

Knowledge of Indigenous culture, history, and current issues, particularly relating to First Nations and remote communities.
A commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices into business operations.

SKILLS:

Strong understanding of social impact, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development goals through an Indigenous lens.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to engage with staff, community members, and external stakeholders.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, manage complex projects, and solve problems creatively.
Flexibility and adaptability to work across multiple locations, including remote communities.
The successful candidate must be a strong, committed leader who can travel to the community or on the land as the situation arises.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Current BC driver’s license.

BENEFITS PACK

Comprehensive Health benefits package with Medical, Dental and Vision coverage.
An employer matched Pension Plan up to 5.5 percent.
Excellent learning and advancement opportunities.
Group RRSP plan.
Opportunities for personal and professional training and development.
18 sick days.
Five personal days.
$500 Health care spending accounts per fiscal year.
Paid time off during Christmas break.

Preference will be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry in any hiring decision as per section 21 of the Human Rights Code. Please declare your Indigenous status in your application.

Please send your completed resume to hr@taklafn.ca.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $89.39-$95.00 per hour

Benefits: