Position Overview
This role will primarily be responsible for managing, reviewing and processing accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, maintaining fiscal records, preparing monthly bank reconciliations, preparing financial reports including Income Statement (Statement of Activities) and Balance Sheet (Statement of Financial Position.) This role plays a key role in the financial operations of Witset First Nation, ensuring compliance with Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) standards and fund accounting principles. This position supports municipal-style financial management and is responsible for preparing financial statements, managing budgets, and overseeing financial reporting for various programs and funding sources. The Senior Accountant will supervise, review and work closely with Accounts Payable Clerk and Payroll Clerk, department managers, and report to the Finance Manager. This highly skilled individual will be a forward thinker, dynamic individual who loves working in a fast-paced environment, who embraces change, and is a problem solver and is a change agent.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Managing books of account, including EFTs/checks, reviewing coding and posting invoices, deposits, and bank reconciliations
- Manage/review and ensure Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll are done in a timely and accurate manner
- Provide mentorship and development opportunities and cross training for AP Clerk and Payroll Clerk
- Maintain an up-to-date, complete, and digitized filing system for bookkeeping and financial records
- Assist in preparing monthly/quarterly financial statements in accordance with PSAB and fund accounting principles for Finance Manager to review before distribution to key stakeholders including CFO, council, Executive Director, and department managers
- Collaborate with department managers to address program-specific bookkeeping needs, guiding adherence to finance policy
- Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with employment standards and taxation laws
- Support Senior Management in complying with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), funding agencies, and other regulatory bodies
- Support Senior Management in overseeing grant and funding applications, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements from federal, provincial, and other funding agencies
- Maintain financial records and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and municipal-style accounting requirements.
- Assist in preparing and reviewing annual financial audits and liaise with external auditors
- Preparing and maintaining year-end working papers, internal controls, spreadsheets, and assisting with year end audits
- Develop and maintain internal financial controls to ensure sound financial management and fraud prevention
- Providing forensic bookkeeping services as needed
- Exercising care and control over assets and records, establishing safeguarding procedures and adhering to finance policy
Budgeting & Planning
- Collaborate with department managers to support in development of annual budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
- Monitor cash flow, expenditures, and funding allocations, providing regular financial updates to Finance Manager
- Oversee budget preparation and variance analysis for the band’s programs, capital projects, and services
Financial Systems & Process Improvement
- Maintain and enhance financial software and accounting systems to support efficient operations
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls
- Provide financial guidance and training to department heads and staff on financial policies and procedures
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Training, Education, Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- CPA designation (or in progress) is strongly preferred, but not required
- Minimum 3 years of accounting experience, preferably in a municipal, First Nations, or public sector environment.
- Strong understanding of PSAB, fund accounting, and municipal finance principles.
- Experience with budget development, financial reporting, and grant management.
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., ADP) and Microsoft Excel.
- Knowledge of First Nations governance, funding agreements, and regulatory requirements is an asset.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- High ethical standards and commitment to financial transparency.
- Ability to interpret and apply financial policies, regulations, and agreements.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to work collaboratively with finance department, department managers, and funding agencies.
- Thorough understanding of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, the general ledger and sub-ledgers
- First Nation or Indigenous experience (asset)
- Proven experience in fund accounting (asset)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail while working under tight deadlines
- Strong problem-identification and problem-resolution skills
- Willingness to integrate into the community and actively participate in local events
Conditions of Employment
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and reliable vehicle with appropriate vehicle insurance.
- Satisfactory criminal records check including vulnerable populations sector check.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Ability to exercise a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
- Attentive to the needs of community, Chief & Council and employees.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with clients, community members and coworkers. Strong engagement skills and the ability to respond to concerns and needs.
- Genuine respect for Witset Band culture and protocols.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office setting and other community settings. Occasional evening or
weekend work may be required. Occasional travel to attend meetings or training is required.
About the Benefits
In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive annual salary, along with a great host of benefits, including:
- Salary Range: $90,000.00-$115,000.00 CAD per annum, commensurate with experience and education.
- Comprehensive Benefits Plan: extended health care, dental, vision, life and long-term disability, and more.
- Competitive Pension Plan with up to 6% employer matching
- 40 paid hours for Special/Personal Leave Bereavement Leave
- Paid time off for 14 designated general holidays.
- Generous vacation accrual
- Paid sick days
- Regular community events such as charity fundraisers, Sports Days, Christmas Dinners, and more!
Application Process
Embark on a distinctive journey as a transformative member in our culturally rich community. Want to be a catalyst for positive change? Apply now!
Please submit your Resume and Cover note with 3 relevant professional references to [email protected]
Pay: $90,000.00-$115,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
