Chief Finance Officer (Cfo) ($150,000+)

• Make a lasting difference to the BCAFN by helping with their growth and development
• Become a key part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and diverse team that values every perspective
• Earn a competitive salary of $150,000+ based on skills, experience and qualifications, plus comprehensive benefits!

About the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities and in cities and towns across the country.

The Regional Chief provides the political leadership and activities for the BCAFN, and is elected to this role by the BC First Nations Chiefs for a term of three years. BCAFN is further governed by a Board of five directors, elected to three-year staggered terms. Each board member is a Chief or designate for their First Nation community. BCAFN hosts a Special Chiefs Assembly and an Annual General Assembly every spring and fall which allow for BC First Nations leadership to engage in open socio-political discussions in order to provide community-driven directives to the Regional Chief through resolution.

BCAFN is one of ten regional organizations affiliated with the National Assembly of First Nations whose members include 633 First Nations across Canada. The BCAFN Regional Chief sits on the AFN Executive Committee whereby his/her role is to ensure regional concerns of BCAFN members are included in National political discussions and decision-making processes. The Regional Chief also holds specific portfolios that deal with national policy issues and concerns.

The BCAFN Society is registered under the Societies Act of British Columbia. As an incorporated society, BCAFN operates with its own regionally specific mandates, and works towards creating new and better memories for First Nations that include meaningful participatory relationships with the provincial and federal governments as well as industry, and which aim to close the socio-economic gap between First Nations and non-First Nations people.

To learn more about us, please visit: bcafn.ca

About the BC First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development (CoE)

The CoE was established by a resolution passed by the Chiefs in Assembly of British Columbia in 2021. In 2022, the BCAFN began negotiations with the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Diversification, and Innovation, and secured a funding agreement of $3.4 million over three fiscal years. A key objective of the CoE will be to promote economic development among First Nations in British Columbia.

About the Opportunity

The BCAFN has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to join our team at the British Columbia First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development (CoE), based in Vancouver, BC (Hybrid work model available).

Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will be primarily responsible for providing financial and accounting advice, direction, and leadership.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing financial and accounting comptrollership
• Creating, implementing, and evaluating CoE policies and procedures
• Planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating investment strategies and portfolios
• Supervising HR planning, information, and support
• Overseeing the Finance CoE Team
• Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and legislation
• Approving Chart of Accounts and maintaining commitment controls
• Administering Accounts Receivables and Account Payables activities
• Monitoring CoE budgets, including department spending
• Reconciling General Ledger Accounts
• Building policies and procedures for financial management
• Supporting the development of HR and administrative policies
• Continuously supervising, implementing, and improving Financial Management policies
• Coordinating with BCAFN finance personnel for payroll and leave administration
• Ensuring all data and records management policies meet relevant standards
• Providing timely reports, data, services, and support
• Responding to growth and helping build the organization from the ground up
• Keeping the CEO up to date on finances
• Engaging with First Nations populations
• Preparing speaking notes, briefing notes, reports, and communication materials, and working on other assignments as requested

More About You

In order to qualify for this role, you must have a university degree in Accounting or a college diploma plus 5 years of relevant work experience, as well as, a designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and/or AFOA’s Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) certification/designation.

The following skills and experience will be crucial for this role:

• Minimum 5 years of experience with accounting software and MS Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Minimum 5 years of Financial Management experience in a First Nations and/or not-for-profit organization
• Minimum 3 years in a lead role for annual financial audits
• Proficiency in email software, online searches, and video conferencing
• Experience with data management software (asset)
• Extensive experience in supervising staff and coordinating financial operations
• Proven ability to make informed decisions
• Excellent detail orientation and organization skills
• Ability to multitask and work long hours on occasion
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven ability to delegate and prioritize effectively
• Keen awareness of contemporary and historic issues impacting First Nations communities and people
• Awareness of First Nations economic development issues, programs, and services
• Proactive, forward-thinking, with a willingness to perform lower-level tasks and be a team player
• Willingness to travel frequently when needed

Above all, we value a collaborative attitude and entrepreneurial spirit, to drive our organization forward while upholding our culture.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nations ancestry.

About the Benefits

In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a highly competitive salary of $150,000+, negotiable dependent on skills, experience and qualifications, along with a great host of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• RRSP Matching of up to 6% of Your Salary
• 3 Weeks of Vacation to Start (Negotiable)
• Paid time off: Christmas Break & National Indigenous Day
• Moving Expenses (Negotiable)

If you are interested in progressing your career with a growing organization, apply today!