Chief Financial Officer

Higher Talent is currently seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the leadership team at Qalipu First Nation, located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Qalipu is part of the Mi'kmaq Nation whose territory extends from Maine to Quebec, through the Maritime Provinces and into Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). This territory is also known as Mi'kma'ki. This Indian Act Band is unique in its size (one of the largest Bands in Canada) and representation;
Most Mi'kmaq ancestors who were denied rights when Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949 would not live long enough to see the government finally recognize their existence more than sixty years later. Instead, today, some twenty-five thousand of their descendants proudly claim Indian status in their place.

Qalipu is made up of 67 traditional Mi'kmaq communities, spread out over 9 Electoral Wards. An elected Chief and Council govern the Qalipu First Nation. Ward Councillors are elected to represent each of the nine Wards. Additionally, two Vice-Chiefs represent western and central Newfoundland, and the Chief is the official spokesperson and leader of the Qalipu First Nation as a whole.

Qalipu has five satellite offices located in Gander, Glenwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, St. George's, and Stephenville and its central administrative office is in Corner Brook. These offices give representation to the regions of our dispersed Mi'kmaq communities.

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The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the oversight of the financial systems of the band. The Director will act as the liaison to the Band's Finance & Audit Committee (FAC), working closely with the Committee to strengthen the Band's financial position and other duties as required. The Director will continually evaluate best industry practices in comparison to internal systems and needed resources and work toward both future needs and budget realities.

The CFO provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial functions of Qalipu First Nation (QFN). This role is responsible for financial planning, reporting, governance compliance, and oversight of accounting operations in support of the Chief Administrative Officer, Chief and Council, and senior leadership.

• Provide overall financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and audit coordination
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and statements to senior leadership and the Finance and Audit Committee (FAC)
• Develop annual budgets, multi-year financial plans, capital budgets, and tangible capital asset maintenance schedules
• Ensure compliance with financial legislation, funding agreements, QFN policies, and First Nation Financial Management Board (FMB) requirements
• Maintain QFN's FMB Certification and support Finance and Audit Committee activities
• Coordinate external audits, review audit findings, and oversee implementation of corrective actions
• Monitor investments, debt agreements, and financial risks, reporting issues and recommendations to the FAC and Council
• Implement and monitor purchasing practices, cash controls, and internal financial controls
• Prepare tender documents, administer contracts, and manage vendor relationships
• Monitor departmental spending and recommend corrective actions as needed
• Lead, evaluate, and support the performance of finance staff
• Support enterprise-wide insurance and risk management activities in collaboration with the Band Manager
• Perform other related duties as required

Education: Educational requirements will include a bachelor's level degree in Commerce, Business Management or a related area from an accredited university or college. An accounting designation (CPA) or partial completion is preferred.

Experience: The CFO will have 5 years of experience, with at least 3 years managing the finance of an organization or business unit similar in size and scope. The Director will have experience in leading strategic planning activities and administering effective organizations that have multiple functional areas. The Director must have previous…