Finance Manager

Position: Finance Manager
Department: Corporate Services
Reports To: Director of Corporate Services
Location: Manning, Alberta
Status: Permanent Full-Time

TheCounty of Northern Lightsis seeking an experienced and motivated financial professional to join our senior administrative team asFinance Manager.

Located in Manning, Alberta, this is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who wants to play a meaningful role in municipal government while enjoying the lifestyle and opportunities available in northern Alberta.

Reporting to theDirector of Corporate Services, the Finance Manager will lead the day-to-day operations of the County’s Finance Department and provide professional financial support to senior administration and departments throughout the organization.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who understands the numbers but can also see the bigger picture.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, the Finance Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and administration of the County’s financial operations.

The position ensures the accuracy, integrity, and effectiveness of the County’s financial systems, records, and reporting, and provides professional financial advice and support to the Director of Corporate Services, Chief Administrative Officer, senior management, and County departments.

The Municipal Finance Manager plays a key role in operating and capital budgeting, financial reporting, annual audit preparation, investments, grant administration, capital asset accounting, internal controls and long-term financial planning.

The position supervises Finance Department staff (Cash Receipting/Receptionist, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable/Payroll, Revenue Administrator) and promotes a collaborative, service-oriented and accountable work environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management and Reporting

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the County’s Finance Department.
• Maintain accurate and complete financial records in accordance with Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS), applicable legislation, County policies and established accounting practices.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports and provide meaningful analysis of revenues, expenditures, variances and financial trends.
• Assist with the preparation of year-end working papers and coordinate preparation of the County’s annual financial statements.
• Oversee general ledger maintenance, journal entries, bank reconciliations and other accounting processes.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls, procedures and safeguards are maintained.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Assist with the preparation of the County’s annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Director of Corporate Services, CAO, DPW and department Supervisors.
• Assist departments with budget preparation, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Monitor operating and capital budgets throughout the year and identify significant variances or emerging financial issues.
• Support long-term financial, reserve, debt and capital planning.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to assist senior administration and Council in decision-making.

Cash, Investments and Banking

• Oversee the receipt and disbursement of County funds.
• Monitor cash flow requirements and ensure sufficient funds are available to meet the County’s obligations.
• Monitor County investments in accordance with County policy and the Municipal Government Act.
• Ensure appropriate controls are maintained for electronic payments, signing authorities and financial transactions.

Grants and Capital Projects

• Coordinate the financial administration, tracking and reporting of municipal grants.
• Ensure grant expenditures and reporting requirements are properly documented and completed within required timelines.
• Maintain financial records relating to capital projects, including project costs, funding sources, reserves and debt financing.
• Assist departments with financial reporting and cost control for major projects.

Taxation and Revenue

• Provide financial oversight and support for the County’s property taxation and revenue processes.
• Assist with preparation of financial information required for tax rate development and related bylaws.
• Monitor accounts receivable and other municipal revenue sources.
• Ensure GST reporting and claims are accurately prepared and submitted.

Policies, Procedures and Financial Systems

• Assist with the development, review and recommendations for financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Assist with preparation and review of financial bylaws as required.
• Maintain and support the County’s financial software, budgeting systems and related technology.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting, automation and organizational efficiency.
• Ensure the secure retention and appropriate management of financial records.

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide leadership, direction and supervision to Finance Department employees.
• Establish clear work expectations and encourage accountability, teamwork and professional development.
• Conduct performance evaluations and assist with employee development and succession planning.
• Promote effective communication and cooperation between Finance and other County departments.
• Provide financial guidance and support to managers and staff throughout the organization.

Corporate and Council Support

• Prepare clear and concise reports, presentations and recommendations for the Director of Corporate Services, CAO and Council.
• Attend Council, Committee or management meetings when requested.
• Explain complex financial matters in a manner that is understandable to non-financial audiences.
• Participate in corporate planning and strategic initiatives as required.
• Maintain an awareness of the political and public-service environment in which municipal decisions are made.
• Participate in emergency management planning and provide financial support within the Emergency Coordination Centre when required.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable municipal, provincial and federal legislation.
• Maintain current knowledge of municipal finance practices, legislation and professional standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Corporate Services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred. Candidates actively working toward a CPA designation with significant municipal finance experience may be considered.
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in accounting, finance, business administration or a related discipline is a must.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in an Alberta municipal or public-sector environment.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing employees.
• Experience with municipal budgeting, year-end accounting, financial statement preparation and external audits.
• Experience with grants, capital project accounting, asset management and municipal taxation is considered an asset.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS);
• Working knowledge of Alberta’s Municipal Government Act and municipal financial requirements;
• Strong financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting abilities;
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy;
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills;
• Sound judgment, integrity and accountability;
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to prepare clear reports and present financial information to senior administration and Council;
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory and organizational deadlines;
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively with employees at all levels of the organization;
• Political awareness, tact and diplomacy appropriate to a municipal government environment; and
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial, budgeting and reporting software.

Experience with municipal ERP, budgeting, asset management and financial reporting systems will be considered an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is primarily an office-based position located at the County Administration Office in Manning, Alberta.

The position requires extended periods of computer and desk work and may occasionally require attendance at Council meetings or other meetings outside regular working hours.

PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Performance will be evaluated based on the accuracy and timeliness of financial information, compliance with legislation and professional standards, effectiveness of financial controls and processes, departmental leadership, service to internal departments, achievement of organizational objectives and the overall effectiveness of the County’s financial operations.

Closing: Open until a suitable candidate is found.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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