As part of the Finance & Management Services team at Xyntax Group Inc., you will help Indigenous Governments fulfill their fiduciary promise to the communities they serve. As an Indigenous company serving over a hundred Nations, we are guided by Indigenous culture and values and have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Governments.

Our approach is simple and guided by our values: we listen, we engage in clear & frequent communications, we clarify expectations, provide honest assessments & consulting, develop realistic plans, garner team buy-in, mindful implementations and measure results & adjust accordingly.

Job Title: Manager – Indigenous Financial Services

Job Overview:

As a Manager of Indigenous Finance Services, working with Xyntax Group Inc. clients, specifically First Nation Governments, your primary responsible is providing strategic and practical financial accounting services specifically tailored for Indigenous organizations. This role reports directly to the Director of Finance & Management Services and requires a people-centric professional with an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive to innovate. The primary goal of this position is to contribute to the growth and success of a business line that offers financial management products and services to Indigenous organizations.

In this role, the Manager of Finance & Management Services will be involved in delivering financial management services to Indigenous organizations. This includes providing financial advice, managing financial records, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies. The manager will also play a key role in developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, organizations, and government agencies.

To be successful in this role, the Manager of Finance & Management Services should possess strong financial acumen, understanding of accounting principles, and experience in delivering financial management services. They should also be comfortable using financial management software and tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Additionally, the ability to build and nurture relationships with diverse stakeholders is crucial for effectively serving Indigenous organizations.

In summary, the Manager of Finance & Management Services is a dynamic role that requires a strategic thinker, an innovative mindset, and a dedication to making a positive difference in Indigenous communities. By providing tailored financial services, software solutions, and fostering stakeholder relationships, the manager plays a vital role in accelerating the growth and success of the business line focused on serving Indigenous organizations.

Reports To: Director, Finance & Management Services

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Services & Advisory:

• Budgeting & Forecasting: Assist client organizations in developing detailed budgets, financial forecasts, and long-term financial plans tailored to their community’s needs.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and present accurate financial statements, variance reports, and management reports to client organizations and stakeholders.
• Compliance & Policy Alignment: Ensure financial activities align with Canadian accounting standards (ASPE, IFRS) and specific Indigenous governance frameworks.
• Tax Management: Provide tax advisory services, including filing, payroll taxes, and identifying eligible tax exemptions or rebates specific to Indigenous organizations.
• Audit Preparation & Coordination: Collaborate with external auditors to ensure smooth audit processes, and implement recommendations for enhanced financial controls.

Software Solutions Implementation & Process Optimization:

• INEXSUITE Implementation: Guide clients in deploying and optimizing INEXSUITE for financial, HR, and administrative operations, ensuring full utilization of its features.
• Process Automation & Efficiency: Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes using accounting and tax software such as Caseware and QuickBooks.
• Training & Capacity Building: Provide training to client teams on accounting best practices and use of INEXSUITE to foster self-sufficiency in financial management.
• Technology Integration: Collaborate with IT teams to ensure seamless data migration and system integration across client organizations’ databases and platforms.

Strategic Accounting & Business Growth Support:

• Multi-Client Management: Oversee financial operations and reporting for multiple client organizations, ensuring tailored solutions for each community.
• Financial Performance Metrics: Track key financial indicators and implement strategies to improve profitability, liquidity, and operational efficiency.
• Business Development & Product Expansion: Identify opportunities to expand financial services offerings based on evolving client needs and market trends.
• Risk Management & Mitigation: Identify financial risks and implement controls to safeguard assets and ensure sustainable financial health for clients.

Indigenous Governance & Certification Support:

• FNFMB Certification Assistance: Lead and support clients in achieving First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB) certifications, such as Financial Administration Law (FAL)
• Policy Development: Assist clients in drafting and implementing financial policies and procedures aligned with FNFMB and community standards.
• Governance Training & Support: Provide workshops or one-on-one guidance to Indigenous leaders and administrators on financial governance best practices.

Stakeholder Relationship Management & Community Engagement:

• Client Relationship Building: Establish trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities, leadership, and government agencies.
• Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management: Manage sensitive situations effectively and provide solutions during financial or operational challenges.
• Community Engagement: Participate in community meetings and events to understand client needs better and promote alignment of financial services with cultural values.
• Government and Grant Liaison: Collaborate with government bodies to assist clients with grant applications, funding, and compliance reporting.

Compliance, Auditing, & Regulatory Management:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure clients adhere to financial regulations, including Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines and other relevant policies.
• Internal Controls Implementation: Develop and implement robust financial controls to ensure transparency and accountability in client operations.
• Audit Coordination: Lead internal reviews and manage third-party audit processes, ensuring clients are well-prepared and compliant with all requirements.

Team Leadership & Professional Development:

• Leadership and Mentorship: Provide leadership to internal teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Team Performance Management: Set goals, monitor performance, and provide constructive feedback to enhance team effectiveness.
• Professional Growth Support: Encourage and support staff in obtaining relevant certifications (e.g., CPA, CAFM) to enhance service delivery.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree: A degree in Commerce, Business Administration, or a relevant field with a major in Accounting or Finance is required.
• CPA Designation: Possession of a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation is required.
• CAFM Designation (Asset): Having a CAFM (Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager) designation is considered an asset.
• Accounting and Tax Software Knowledge: Proficiency in using accounting and tax software such as Caseware, Profile, Quickbooks, and Simply Accounting is necessary.
• Xyntax INEXSUITE Experience (Strong Asset): Experience working with INEXSUITE, is highly desirable for this role.
• Indigenous Government Experience (Strong Asset): Experience working with First Nations, Inuit, or Métis governments is considered a strong asset.
• FNFMB Certification Experience (Strong Asset): Demonstrated experience in implementing and completing First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB or FMB) certifications, such as FAL (Financial Administration Law), FMS (Financial Management System), or FP (Financial Performance), is highly valued.
• Strategic Accounting Functions: Ability to plan, direct, and control strategic accounting functions for multiple client companies simultaneously is required.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to remain calm and inspire confidence in stakeholders, particularly during challenging situations, is crucial. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Valid Driver's License: Possession of a valid driver's license is required, with the flexibility to travel within Canada as necessary. This may involve visiting client organizations or attending meetings and conferences.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Work from home

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• First Nation Financial: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• CAFM - Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (preferred)
• CPA - Chartered Professional Accountant (preferred)
• Drivers Licence (preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (preferred)

Work Location: Remote