Director of Finance

BACKGROUND:

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

OVERVIEW:

SCO is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Finance to lead the organization’s financial function. The Director of Finance serves as the senior financial leader responsible for the overall financial management, oversight and sustainability of the organization. This role provides both strategic advice and hands-on leadership across budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit and compliance. The Director of Finance plays a key role in supporting executive decision-making, ensuring financial integrity across all departments and strengthening organizational accountability in a complex, multi-program, funding-driven environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the primary financial advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on financial strategy, risks and organizational sustainability
• Lead the organization’s financial planning, including annual budgeting, forecasting and multi-year financial outlooks
• Provide forward-looking financial analysis, scenario planning and recommendations to support decision-making
• Oversee all financial operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance with policies, funding agreements and legislation
• Provide leadership and direction to the Comptroller and Finance team, ensuring effective delivery of accounting, payroll and reporting functions
• Ensure strong internal controls, financial systems and consistent financial practices are in place across all departments
• Monitor organizational financial performance, identify variances and implement corrective actions as required
• Ensure program budgets align with funding agreements, organizational priorities and available resources
• Prepare and present clear, accurate financial reports and analysis to the CEO, senior leadership and governance bodies as required
• Lead the annual audit process and coordinate with external auditors
• Ensure compliance with all funding agreements, reporting obligations and regulatory requirements
• Identify financial and operational risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Develop, implement and maintain financial policies, procedures and governance frameworks
• Support departments with financial planning, budget management and funding compliance
• Build strong working relationships across the organization to promote accountability and consistency in financial practices
• Engage with external stakeholders including auditors, funders and financial institutions as required
• Contribute to organizational planning and major initiatives by ensuring financial implications are clearly understood and managed
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the role

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation required
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• 7 to 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience
• Experience in a not-for-profit and/or First Nations organization is considered an asset
• Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and audit processes
• Experience working within funding agreement environments and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in financial systems such as Sage 300, QuickBooks, Payworks, and Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated awareness of First Nations cultures, values, and traditions
• Ability to speak Anishinaabe or Dakota languages is considered an asset

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• Valid Manitoba driver’s licence and access to a vehicle as travel is, at times, required
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• The candidate must be a member in good standing with their regulatory body

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday, May 18, 2026

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs’ Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R5

Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca

This competition is designated for First Nations people. Only applicants who self-declare at the time of application will be eligible for further consideration. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.

Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.

Testing may form part of the selection process.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contacted for further consideration.