The Director of Finance provides strategic and operational leadership to Serpent River First Nation to ensure long-term financial sustainability, accountability, transparency, and compliance. The Director is responsible for overseeing all financial management functions, including financial planning, budgeting, accounting operations, reporting, audit coordination, and the continuous improvement of financial systems and controls in alignment with the Nation’s mission, vision, laws, and governance framework.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Finance works collaboratively with the Director of Operations, Program Directors, Chief and Council, Council Committees, staff, and external partners to support informed decision-making and effective stewardship of financial resources. The Director of Finance exercises professional independence in fulfilling statutory, fiduciary, and reporting responsibilities and ensures financial practices meet applicable legislative, regulatory, and qualified standards.

In support of Serpent River First Nation’s goal of providing high-quality financial management, the Director of Finance continuously strives to improve operations, strengthen internal controls, streamline work processes, and promote a culture of fiscal accountability across the organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Governance

- Provide overall leadership, direction, and management of the Finance Department, including staff, systems, and financial operations.
- Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team and contribute to organizational planning, coordination, and decision-making within an interdisciplinary environment.
- Provide expert financial advice, analysis,



and recommendations to Chief and Council, the Finance Committee, Senior Management, and Program Directors.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support transparent and accountable financial management.
- Ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and appropriate use of financial information at all times.
- Ensure financial management practices comply with applicable accounting principles, industry standards, statutory and operational regulations, and the Serpent River First Nation Financial Administration Law and related policies.
- Establish, implement, and evaluate financial policies, procedures, and internal control systems to ensure fiscal accountability and risk mitigation.
- Exercise due diligence in all financial oversight and management functions.
- Continuously assess financial management operations and recommend improvements to systems, procedures, and workflows, including opportunities for automation and efficiencies.
- Lead and coordinate the preparation, administration, and monitoring of annual budgets and, where possible, multi-year forecasted budgets in collaboration with Program Directors and Senior Management.
- Provide guidance and support to Program Directors in the development and management of program budgets and funding applications.
- Monitor budget performance, analyze variances,



and report findings and recommendations to Senior Management, the Finance Committee, and Council.

- Prepare and oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and statements.
- Ensure monthly and quarterly financial statements are presented to the Finance Committee and Council, respectively, in a timely and accurate manner.
- Oversee and coordinate the annual fiscal year-end process, including audit preparation and liaison with external auditors.
- Present audited financial statements to Chief and Council and lead the implementation of audit recommendations and post-audit action plans.
- Evaluate financial reporting systems and accounting procedures and recommend changes to improve accuracy, transparency, and effectiveness.

- Ensure accounts payable and accounts receivable are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Ensure the general ledger is properly maintained to support accurate tracking and reporting of financial information.
- Oversee purchasing and procurement processes, including purchase orders and cheque requisitions, in accordance with approved policies and delegated authorities.
- Ensure vendor accounts are established and maintained in accordance with financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Ensure committed funds are received, allocated, and reported accurately and on time.

- Maintain financial files for all contribution agreements and implement systems to track reporting requirements and submission deadlines.
- Provide financial information and analysis to support funding proposals, agreements, and ongoing program operations.
- Manage loans and mortga

📌 Director of Finance (Cutler)
🏢 Serpent River First Nation
📍 Cutler