Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Department: Finance
Status: Full-Time Regular (35 hours per week)
Pay Grid: $140,240.00 to $201,595.00 per year
Reports To: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Summary of Duties

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior executive of the Líĺwat Nation responsible for providing overall strategic leadership, governance, and oversight of the Nation’s financial operations. Reporting to the CAO, the CFO leads long-term financial strategy and planning and provides executive oversight of budgeting, accounting, audits, investments, capital planning, risk management, and financial reporting.

The CFO ensures financial integrity, transparency, accountability, and compliance across the Nation, and serves as a trusted financial advisor to the CAO, Chiefs and Council, and the Finance and Audit Committee.

Key Deliverables and Expectations

• Performs all duties in accordance with Líĺwat Nation laws, plans, policies, standards, and procedures, as well as applicable external legislation, funding agreements, and directives of Chiefs and Council.


• Leads the administration of the Nation’s financial affairs in alignment with the approved Mission, Vision, and Values.


• Maintains strict confidentiality on all matters related to the financial affairs of the Líĺwat Nation.


• Provides executive oversight and strategic direction to the Director of Finance and the Finance Department.

Financial Leadership and Strategy

• Provides executive leadership and direction for the Nation’s financial operations, in consultation with the CAO and the Finance and Audit Committee.


• Leads the development and implementation of long-term financial strategies, including multi-year financial plans, annual operating budgets, and capital budgets aligned with the Nation’s Strategic Plan and priorities.


• Oversees enterprise-level financial risk management, identifying emerging risks and recommending mitigation strategies.


• Establishes and oversees financial policies, governance frameworks, and internal control standards to ensure fiscal accountability and sustainability.


• Provides executive oversight of capital planning, major investments, and financing strategies.

Chiefs and Council Support

• Serves as a senior financial advisor to Chiefs and Council on fiscal matters, financial implications of decisions, and risk exposure.


• Attends and participates in Chiefs and Council and community meetings, as required.


• Ensures Chiefs and Council are informed, in coordination with the CAO, of significant, sensitive, or strategic financial matters.


• Supports the implementation of Council resolutions and directives related to financial matters.

Financial Management, Reporting, and Governance

• Oversees budgeting, accounting, auditing, investments, capital planning, and financial reporting functions through executive oversight.


• Ensures timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting in accordance with Líĺwat Nation laws and policies, funding agreements, and applicable legislation.


• Provides financial analysis, reporting, and advisory support to the Finance and Audit Committee in coordination with the CAO.


• Represents the Líĺwat Nation in financial discussions with internal departments and external stakeholders, including government agencies, auditors, and funding partners.


• Drives continuous improvement in financial systems, internal controls, and processes, including modernization of ERP and financial reporting systems.


• In collaboration with the CAO, monitors the financial affairs of the Líĺwat Nation Administration and Operations and provides regular and special financial reports to the Chiefs and Council.

Leadership and Capacity Building

• Provides executive leadership and direction to the Director of Finance and overall Finance function, to ensure effective departmental performance, accountability, and alignment with organizational priorities.


• Supports succession planning and capacity development within the Finance function to ensure long‑term organizational stability.


• Promotes a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and accountability across the Finance portfolio.

General:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience and Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related discipline.


• Professional Accounting Designation: Certified Professional Accountant (CPA – CA, CGA, or CMA).


• Minimum ten to twelve (10–12) years of post‑designation accounting and financial experience, including at least five (5) years in an executive or senior financial management role.


• Demonstrated experience in financial strategy, long‑term planning, and managing complex, multi‑stakeholder financial environments.


• Experience advising executive leadership, Councils, Boards, or governance bodies.


• Experience working with federal and provincial government agencies and funding partners.


• Strong ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.


• Advanced knowledge of financial systems and experience leading modernization and process improvement initiatives.


• Knowledge of Líĺwat Nation culture, values, traditions, and governance is an asset.


• Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.


• Must be able to provide a clear criminal record check, including the vulnerable sector.


• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License & clean Driver’s Abstract with access to a vehicle.