Title: Chief Financial Officer, Lílwat Business Group
Department: Lílwat Management Services LP
Status: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: $130,000 to $160,000 Annual Salary
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer, Lílwat Business Group
Position Summary:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the senior executive responsible for the financial leadership and long-term economic success of the Lílwat Business Group (LBG). Reporting to the CEO and supporting the Board of Directors, the CFO oversees finance operations, investment planning, capital strategy, and enterprise risk management across all business entities.
The Lílwat Business Group operates as the economic arm of the Lílwat Nation. It is made up of five wholly owned limited partnerships: Lílwat Retail Operations, Lílwat Forestry Ventures, Lílwat Construction Enterprises, Lílwat Capital Assets, and Lílwat Management Services, employing more than 100 people. These businesses operate with a mandate to generate sustainable profits, build internal capacity, create employment opportunities for Lílwat Nation citizens, and reinvest in the Nation through financial contributions to community priorities.
LBG is committed to building a sustainable economy that respects Lilwat7úl culture, advances the Nation’s Inherent Right to Self-Government, and re-establishes the Lílwat presence across traditional territories, including in Whistler and Pemberton. All LBG initiatives are grounded in transparency, strong management, and careful stewardship of the Nation’s lands, rights, and interests.
The CFO plays a key leadership role in advancing this mandate, bringing deep financial expertise, cultural humility, and a forward-thinking approach to enterprise governance, profitability, and long-term value creation.
Key Deliverables and Expectations:
Finance Operations & Compliance
The CFO ensures strong financial discipline across the Lil’wat Business Group by overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, financial controls, and statutory compliance in alignment with LBG’s Finance Policy.
- Lead all accounting, payroll, cash flow, taxation, and consolidated financial reporting activities across LBG and its subsidiaries
- Administer corporate signing authorities and enforce internal financial controls, including delegated spending thresholds and co-signing rules as set out in LBG’s Finance Policy
- Lead the development, regular review, and updating of LBG’s financial management policies, procedures, and systems for recommendation to the CEO and approval by the Board, ensuring alignment with evolving operational needs and the Finance Policy
- Ensure compliance with Canadian accounting standards for private enterprises (ASPE), or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) where applicable, CRA and WCB remittances, funding agreements, and other applicable laws and regulations
- Oversee preparation for annual external audits, implement audit recommendations, and maintain records in accordance with audit and policy standards
- Oversee payables, receivables, and payroll cycles to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and policy alignment across all business units
- Manage LBG’s cash balances, banking relationships, and short-term investments to ensure liquidity, operational stability, and compliance with LBG’s Finance Policy.
Financial Planning & Budget Development
The CFO leads the development and coordination of the Annual Consolidated Operations Plan and Budget for the entire business group.
- Guide the preparation of LBG’s annual and multi-year budgets in alignment with strategic priorities and capital plans
- Develop rolling forecasts, cash flow projections, and scenario models to support enterprise planning
- Present draft budgets to the CEO and Board, monitor financial performance, and lead variance reporting and mid-year adjustments
- Ensure that financial planning activities follow internal documentation, review, and approval standards under LBG’s Finance Policy
Financial Reporting, Systems & Insights
The CFO is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting through modern systems and data tools.
- Oversee the implementation and optimization of core finance systems (e.g., Sage 300 or equivalent), ensuring reliability and scalability
- Improve accuracy and reduce risk through automation and standardized reporting practices
- Establish KPIs and executive dashboards to monitor business performance and inform decision-making
- Ensure timely reconciliation and consolidation across all subsidiaries, joint ventures, and investments
Capital Planning & Project Finance
The CFO provides financial leadership and oversight for capital initiatives and infrastructure investments that advance the Lílwat Nation’s long-term development goals.
- Build and manage multi-year capital financial plans aligned with LBG’s strategic infrastructure goals and Nation capital planning priorities
- Lead financial analysis and due diligence for major capital projects, including land development, buildings, and infrastructure that support community and business growth
- Structure and negotiate financing and funding agreements with banks, development agencies, and government partners
- Monitor project budgets, milestone delivery, and reporting requirements to ensure transparency, value for money, and alignment with LBG’s Finance Policy
- Provide financial advice to the CEO and Board to inform capital investment decisions and asset management strategy
Business Development & Investment Strategy
The CFO plays a strategic role in identifying, evaluating, and structuring business opportunities that contribute to the Lílwat Nation’s self-reliance and sustainable revenue generation.
- Conduct due diligence, financial modeling, and feasibility reviews for new ventures, acquisitions, partnerships, and investment proposals
- Advise the CEO and Board on capital deployment decisions, investment structuring, and opportunities to increase profitability across LBG’s portfolio
- Support deal negotiation and review of financial terms to ensure alignment with Nation goals, Aboriginal Title and Rights, and long-term value creation
- Establish financial metrics and tracking systems to monitor the performance of investments and operating businesses, and recommend performance improvements
- Evaluate partnership opportunities that re-establish Lílwat economic presence in Whistler and Pemberton, in alignment with the Nation’s land use and development strategy
Enterprise Risk Management
The CFO ensures the financial sustainability of LBG by identifying, monitoring, and mitigating financial and operational risks across the enterprise.
- Maintain proactive risk monitoring across all entities and projects, including financial, compliance, and reputational risks
- Oversee systems to prevent fraud, financial mismanagement, and breaches of authority, including monitoring of delegated financial limits and approval protocols as set out in the LBG Finance Policy
- Manage insurance coverage and contingency planning for assets, liabilities, and revenue risks
- Deliver regular financial risk briefings to the CEO, Board, and Finance & Audit Committee
Leadership, People Development & Cultural Stewardship
The CFO is a key people leader and cultural steward, building capacity within the finance team and embedding Lílwat values in financial governance.
- Mentor and manage the Finance Manager and two Accountants, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture
- Support the development of Lílwat citizens in financial roles and promote financial literacy across the organization
- Work closely with General Managers and the CEO to align financial practices with operational and strategic goals
- Apply Lílwat values in all financial decisions, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and community benefit
Experience and Attributes:
- A degree in commerce, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), in good standing with Chartered Professional Accountants Canada
- Graduate-level education such as an MBA is considered an asset
- Minimum of 8 years demonstrated progressive related experience in senior financial leadership roles, including oversight of multi-entity financial operations and team management
- Proven experience in leading annual planning cycles, forecasting, and developing multi-year financial plans in complex or evolving organizations
- Strong background in external audits, internal control frameworks, enterprise risk management, and board reporting
- Experience structuring capital projects, evaluating investment proposals, and managing financing relationships with financial institutions or government agencies
- Experience working with or within Indigenous organizations, governments, or development corporations
Skills & Attributes
- Strong capacity for long-term financial planning, scenario modeling, and risk assessment
- Ability to integrate Indigenous values, governance models, and community priorities into financial decision-making
- Exceptional communicator, able to present complex financial information to Boards, senior leadership, and external audiences with clarity and credibility
- High attention to detail, strong time management, and proven ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced, evolving environments
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams and entities
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for day-to-day communication and reporting
- Demonstrated success in selecting, implementing, and optimizing enterprise financial systems (e.g., Sage 300, POS platforms, payroll software, budgeting tools), including integration across multiple entities and departments
- Skilled at aligning financial planning with operational goals across diverse business units
- Committed to building internal talent and creating development pathways for Lílwat citizens in finance and administration
Reporting Relationships:
Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer, Lílwat Business Group
Direct Reports:
Finance Manager, Lílwat Management Services
Relates to:
General Manager, Lílwat Forestry Ventures LP
General Manager, Lílwat Retail Operations LP
General Manager, Lílwat Construction Enterprises LP
What We Offer:
- Hybrid work flexibility
- Extended health benefits
- 10 sick days & 5 wellness days
- Cellphone allowance
- Supportive team culture
Learn more about Lil'wat Business Group at our website:
https://lilwatbusiness.ca/
