Request Proposals: Financial Controller Services

The Qwelmínte Secwépemc (QS) is a collective of seven (7) Secwépemc communities working together to strengthen its government-to-government (G2G) relationships with the Province of British Columbia (BC) and respective ministries. Through a shared commitment outlined in the QS-BC Skú7pecen’s Journey Letter of Commitment (SJ LoC), QS Signatories are working to transform how decisions are made about their Ancestral territories / Areas of Responsibility and resources.

Supported by the QS Secretariat Office (QSO), the collective draws on generations of Secwépemc knowledge, values and leadership, to build respectful partnerships that honour both Indigenous (Secwépemc) and western approaches to stewardship. The collective Areas of Responsibility includes the Fraser River (including the Thompson/Shuswap and Fraser Headwaters) and Columbia River basins.

Inspired by the Skú7pecen (Porcupine) story / telling, the SJ LoC is grounded in four (4) core principles, including the principle of Walking on Two-Legs – bringing together Indigenous and western knowledge systems to guide decision-making and land stewardship. Together, the QS is working to move beyond outdated consultation practices and toward a new era of shared responsibility, revitalization, and collaboration.

Financial Controller Services (Contract) opportunity.

Qwelmínte Secwépemc (“QS”) Office is seeking proposals from qualified accounting and financial management professionals or firms to provide Financial Controller services to support QS Secretariat operations, governance bodies, and the QS Finance Team.

The successful engagement will provide professional financial oversight, systems support, audit preparation, and advisory services in alignment with QS policies, Indigenous governance structures, and the QS–BC Government-to-Government framework.

This engagement is advisory and oversight in nature and does not include day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll processing, transactional accounting, or operational finance administration unless expressly agreed to in writing.

• Provide Financial Controller services in relation to QS Secretariat operations.
• Participate as part of the QS Finance Team, reporting to the Responsible Official and/or Administrative Manager.
• Provide advice and support on QS financial policies.
• Support the development and refinement of financial controls and procedures.

• Support preparation and review of financial materials for the QS Administrative Committee and Joint Leadership Council (JLC).
• Attend finance-related meetings as required to provide analysis, advice, and recommendations.
• Provide financial input to support QS governance decision-making, funding agreements, and stewardship initiatives.

• Provide advice on financial systems, internal controls, and accounting practices.
• Support continuous improvement of financial management processes and reporting.
• Identify risks and opportunities to strengthen transparency and accountability.

• Provide audit preparation support and required financial documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, legislation, funding requirements, and QS policies.

• Provide mentorship or financial guidance to internal programs (e.g., Knowledge Builders Program), where requested and appropriate.

Deliverables may include, but are not limited to:

• Monthly financial oversight review and advisory input
• Support for quarterly governance financial reporting cycles
• Annual audit preparation and coordination support
• Governance-ready financial reports and briefing materials
• Recommendations to strengthen financial systems and controls
• Knowledge sharing and capacity support activities, as requested

Final deliverables and reporting cadence will be confirmed in the executed agreement.

• Professional accounting designation (CPA or equivalent) in good standing
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive senior accounting or Financial Controller experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting governance reporting and audit processes
• Experience working within Indigenous governments,…