Financial Specialist – FMS Support Services

Job Information

Author: fnfmbhr

Date: November 9, 2024

Deadline: Open

Type: Full Time

Company: First Nations Financial Management Board

Reporting to the Senior Financial Officer, FMS Support Services, this position is responsible for supporting selected First Nation clients across Canada through remote accounting and ongoing training.

Accountabilities

1. Develop relationships with assigned clients that have an approved Financial Administration Law (FAL) to promote, build trust and secure buy-in to implement their FAL and ultimately prepare for FMS certification.
2. In collaboration with the First Nation client, conduct the FMS Support Services needs assessment and identify opportunities for remote accounting and training opportunities.
3. Complete any other tasks as requested by the FMS Support Services management team.
4. Support First Nation FAL clients to achieve FMS certification. “Support” in this context means facilitating, empowering, motivating, educating, and may take the form of:

Remote Accounting Services

1. In collaboration with the First Nation client and the FMS Support Services Senior Financial Officer, develop a remote accounting service schedule based on the priorities identified in the FMS Support Services readiness assessment.
2. Assist First Nation clients with remote accounting support (or in person) as identified in the FMS Support Services readiness assessment. This may take the form of:
1. Processing claims and vouchers for payment, entering invoices, matching invoices with purchase orders, and checking all claims for accuracy.
2. Verifying account codes and signatures for proper assignment of budgetary expenditures.
3. Acting as the first line contact with vendors regarding billing problems.
4. Administering & maintaining the contingency account/cash advance system including control & reconciliation of the contingency by distributing and receiving money.
5. Liaising with managers/employees on expenditures by ensuring that they comply with policies and regulations and ensuring that funds are available.
6. Processing payment of invoices within specified time frames.
7. Processing payment of accounts by verifying that all contract terms and conditions have been met and determining the right financial coding to avoid financial loss and payment duplication.
8. Liaising with suppliers to give and obtain information necessary to ensure the accuracy of accounts/financial transactions and to rectify any irregularities.
9. Organizing filing of all appropriate documents; storing, updating and retrieving financial data.
10. Preparing monthly submissions for accounting and monthly remittances.
11. Preparing general ledger and journal entries and trial balance.
12. Managing accounts receivable and payable.
13. Opening and closing books for auditors.
14. Preparing financial statements and bank reconciliations.
15. Invoicing clients and answering inquiries.
16. Assessing fixed assets and depreciation.
17. Preparing costing and budgeting as requested.
18. Assisting with any other financial management initiatives as identified by the FMS Support Services Senior Financial Officer.

Training and Capacity Development

1. In collaboration with the FMS Support Services Senior Financial Officer, develop a training plan based on the information provided in the initial needs assessment.
2. Deliver training and capacity development that may take the form of:
1. Journal Entries.
2. Budgeting.
3. Bank Reconciliations.
4. Processing Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable.
5. Monthly & Quarterly Reporting pursuant to GAAP and PSAB.
6. Any other training as identified by the FMS Support Services management team.

Qualifications

1. A Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or another business-related field.
2. A CPA designation or progress towards a CPA designation considered an asset.
3. Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in:
1. Providing financial services, preferably within an Indigenous, government, or not-for-profit environment.
2. Planning, monitoring, and reporting activities (e.g., budgeting, variance reporting, financial statement preparation, etc.).
3. Managing aspects of funding agreements (grant/proposal writing; policy writing; facilitation of deliverables; monitoring/reporting).
4. Managing and operating within internal controls relevant to all aspects of a financial management system.

1. Demonstrated experience working with information and data management systems.
2. Experience with an Enterprise Resources Program (ERP) such as SAGE, Adagio, or Xyntax an asset.
3. Experience with budget, accounting, and reporting systems.
4. Must have experience working with Microsoft Office Suite.
5. Strong working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
6. Experience working with Federal Government organizations and representatives an asset.
7. Must have an understanding, awareness, and appreciation of Indigenous culture and history.
8. Willing to participate in ongoing education and training for the role including Indigenous studies.
9. Must be fluent in English (spoken and written). Fluency in French or an Indigenous language is considered an asset.

Equivalent or relevant education and/or experience may be considered.

Working Conditions

1. This position is based anywhere in Canada.
2. Remote or hybrid work arrangements may be considered depending on location.
3. Requires regional and national travel.

What We Offer

1. Salary and annual bonus eligibility.
2. Employer paid extended benefits.
3. Matching group RPP contributions.
4. Annual vacation allowance and generous paid stat & non-stat days.
5. Work-life balance.
6. Professional development & career growth opportunities.