Department Information

The South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC) is the governing education body for the South Slave Division as legislated under the Education Act. Established as a corporation at arm¿s length from the Territorial Government, the SSDEC consists of one member selected from each of the five locally elected District Education Authorities (DEAs) that represent the communities of Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Hay River, Lutsel K¿e and K'atlodeeche. The SSDEC serves approximately 1300 students in eight schools, is responsible for a staff of approximately 185 administrators, teachers and support staff and a budget of over 25 million. The Superintendent and staff of the SSDEC provide qualified advice; educational, administrative, technical and financial services; monitoring and support and assistance to the SSDEC, community-based DEAs and their secretary treasurers, school administrators and staff, stakeholders, members of the public, and particularly, students and their families in order to ensure the delivery of quality educational programs and services within the division.

Job Information

The Comptroller is the Chief Financial Officer of the South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC) and a key member of the Senior Management Team. Based in Fort Smith, this position provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Division's financial services, human resources, payroll, and student records functions, supporting approximately 1,300 students, 160 staff, eight schools, and an annual budget exceeding $30 million.

Working closely with the Superintendent, District Education Authorities, school administrators, and staff, the Comptroller ensures the effective management of financial resources, compliance with legislation and policies, and the implementation of systems and practices that support sound governance and operational excellence.



The role serves as the Council's subject matter expert in finance, payroll, human resources, contracting, and student records, providing professional advice and contributing to organizational planning and decision-making.

This position offers an opportunity to play a vital leadership role in supporting quality education services across the South Slave region while helping ensure the responsible stewardship of public resources and the effective delivery of administrative services.

Key Responsibilities:

- Negotiate the Council¿s formula funding agreement with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) based on specified criteria and student enrollment; prepare the annual budget.
- Establish and maintain effective, accurate and timely financial and accounting systems and internal controls.
- Conduct financial analysis and prepare regular and specialized financial reports.
- Accountable for developing, implementing and monitoring financial systems and procedures for DEAs.
- Ensure that human resources functions are completed in an effective manner and comply with all legislation, policies and procedures.
- Manage the electronic data processing systems within the Council.

Key Requirements:

- A professional accounting designation (Chartered Professional Accountant, Registered Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant and Certified General Accountant) and five (5) years of financial / administrative experience in a computerized accounting environment, that also includes (1) year of supervisory or team lead experience.

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:

Fort Smith HR Client Service Centre
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
195 MCDOUGAL ROAD
BOX 876
FORT SMITH, NT X0E 0P0
Tel (867) 872-8242
Fax (867) 872-3298
[email protected]

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.

📌 Comptroller (Fort Smith)
🏢 Government of the Northwest Territories
📍 Fort Smith