Finance Coordinator

Program:  Environment Office of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation 

Reports to: Resources and Infrastructure Manager

Accountable to: Senior Manager, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office

Terms of Employment: One Year Contract (with possibility of extension)

Job Level: E

Salary : $75,000 to $105,000

Hours of Work : 37.5 hours per week

Job Location: Wiarton, Ontario 

Anticipated Start Date: Immediately 

Closing Date: September 19, 2025 

Priority will be given to qualified Saugeen Ojibway Nation members

The Environment Office Saugeen Ojibway Nation prides itself on being an organization that works daily through our Core Values. These values are tied into all that we do. With WISDOM we can teach. With LOVE we can endure, with RESPECT we can work together even when we don’t agree, with BRAVERY we can achieve, with HONESTY we can act with integrity even when no one is watching, with TRUTH we can trust each other and with HUMILITY we can lift each other up. The Environment Office strives daily to work with our competencies along side these values and they are woven into the fabric of how we work.  

The Finance Controller is responsible for managing the day to day accounting of the Environment Office, as well as the overall financial analysis of SON Environment Office files. This includes establishing and maintaining accounting principles, controls, and procedures as well as analysis, budgeting, forecasting and preparing financial reports for the SON EO and related files as required. 

The Finance Controller will also assist and work closely with other individuals as determined in support of SON’s goals and objectives and be responsible for the SON’s EO accounting systems ensuring systems are accurate and up to date at all times. 

Required Experience: 

• Minimum of 4 years of experience of accounting and financial management.
• University degree in Business/Accounting with advanced degree or professional accounting designation (such as CA, CGA or CMA) is preferred 

Recommended  Experience: 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working directly in the Financial Management Sector with direct financial performance accountability
• Experience with complex government contract and reporting requirements
• Thorough knowledge of all relevant Federal, Provincial and local requirements regarding financial records and reporting
• Experience overseeing audits performed by external audit firms 
• Financial analysis, budgeting and strategic planning experience 
• Knowledge of accounting principles, practices and applications 
• Knowledge of budget preparation and analysis techniques 
• Minimum number of 2 years working within an Indigenous community

Core Competencies:

All staff roles at Environment Saugeen Ojibway Nation require the team members to work through our values to deliver the following Core Competencies

Effective Communication:

Provide and receive information using the most effective/efficient/appropriate medium and technology based on what needs to be communicated and to whom. Effectively use different approaches and technologies for different audiences. Communicate effectively and professionally to proponents, work teams, managers, staff and Joint Council. 

Humility and Curiosity:

Being humble by having a respectful, team-focused attitude that values others input and embraces feedback as an opportunity to grow. Having the willingness to learn, admit mistakes and prioritize team success over individual achievements. 

Being curious and having an eagerness to explore, ask questions and seek deeper understanding of yourself and others. Possess and eagerness for continuous learning with a proactive approach to problem solving and innovation. 

Results:

The ability to work in a results oriented culture by achieving goals and staying focused while maintaining a high level of accountability to results. A drive towards outcomes and achieving timelines by prioritizing tasks effectively, taking ownership of challenges and maintaining momentum even when faced with challenges. 

Achieving objectives efficiently and to a high standard while often looking for ways to exceed expectations. Possess a willingness to adapt and find solutions for continuous improvement and measurable success. 

Operations:

Possessing operational competency by executing daily workflows to ensure maximum efficiency and quality. Focus on process improvement, monitor personal performance metrics and ensure compliance with current processes and procedures. Adept at time management and working with  teams to execute plans smoothly while adapting to change well.  

Conflict Resolution:

Possess the ability to handle conflicts constructively and be a part of a positive and collaborative work environment. This requires active listening skills while hearing all perspectives, staying calm under pressure and using diplomacy to address differences. Requires the ability to openly communicate, diffuse tensions and work on practical solutions that align with the team and the Environment Office goals. Having the ability to effectively communicate challenges , promote mutual understanding and build trust that matters will be handled in a professional and courteous way. 

Team Building:

Fostering a cohesive, motivated and connected team through collaboration, trust, and open communication among team members. The ability to recognize strengths and opportunities within oneself and others and create an environment where everyone feels valued. Effectively team building by personal development and promoting a shared sense of purpose. The ability to work as a collective effort towards a common goal. 

Job Description:

• Keep all financial files up to date 
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of accounting systems from a strategic finance and internal control perspective
• Manage accounting operations, including the review of journal entries, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and statutory reporting 
• Identify, implement and manage internal controls with respect to financial policies, processes and procedures 
• Assist and support the Environment Office Manager with budgets, analysis and other financial information related to all SON EO files as requested 
• Establish and monitor internal controls to ensure that accounting activities are in accordance with established legal regulatory and company policies and procedures 
• Prepare all budgets and forecasting as well as generate reports of performance against budgets 
• Work with Saugeen and Nawash Finance Managers as required to prepare, reconcile and finalize financial statements and matters 
• Provide updates and reports to Joint Council on a quarterly basis or as required 
• Prepare, analyze and present monthly, quarterly and annual operating results for each department as well as for internal and external purposes 
• Manage bank deposits and reconcile bank statements 
• Work with the EO team to define, measure, analyze, improve and control current financial processes which impact and influence internal operating efficiency 
• Provide strategic analysis as required to drive improved decision making, including analyzing key variances and monitoring progress of action plans to improve results and strategically operate the business 
• Provide cost analysis of expenditures 
• Provide accurate accounting records in a timely manner to external accountants for tax purposes and financial reporting 
• Ensure timely collection of receivables 
• Assign and authorize cheques, purchase orders and invoices 
• Ad hoc analysis and projects as required 
• Administer and prepare payroll 
• Prepare and submit all government required financial reports and remittances 
• Coordinate the year-end audit and preparation of audited financial statements 
• Hire, train, mentor and supervise finance staff 
• Ensure confidentiality of all critical SON information and records