Manager, Standards Approval & Certification

Why Apply

Work with a growing national team dedicated to reconciliation at the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). We support First Nations in developing and implementing sound administrative governance and finance practices, that are fully optional and provided free to First Nations. The FMB was created under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act ("FMA") in 2006 and has been serving First Nations ever since.

FMB values its staff, and offers flexible work hours, generous extended benefits, vacations, matching RPP contributions, and opportunities for professional development and career growth. If you want to make the most of your skills and expertise while growing your career, we want to work with you. A career at FMB is an opportunity to be part of a talented, diverse, and inclusive team doing transformative work on a national scale.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Senior Manager, SAC, the Manager, SAC is an expert in their field and keen to contribute to change. Key activities for this role include the preparation and completion of financial management system and financial performance certification engagements.

The Manager is accountable for conducting and managing a high-quality review and certification of the First Nations' financial management system and/or financial performance in accordance with the procedures, standards and guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. The Manager manages First Nations client service delivery during all phases of the certification process by maintaining a productive and efficient working relationship with others.

Accountabilities

• Maintains proactive, positive, and constructive working relationships with First Nation clients;
• Maintains a current record of each client's certification progress using the FMB's established client relationship management system (SuiteCRM);
• Works collaboratively with the Marketing and Capacity Development business lines to support First Nation clients as they work to achieve FMB certification;
• Plans and manages the timely completion of certification engagements including working with external contractors from time to time;
• Provides support in the development and continuous improvement of internal guidelines, policies and procedures to optimize the SAC team's operational efficiency and quality control;
• Provides input on proposed new or amended standards and assisting with technical research in accordance with Standard Setting Guidelines;
• Prepares certification work papers within the FMB's established records management system (HPE CM) consisting of engagement planning, risk assessment, technical accounting research papers, internal control benchmarking and 'gap' assessment, internal control walkthroughs and implementation testing, quality assurance and engagement reporting documentations;
• Conducts financial management system evaluation and testing on-site in First Nations. Periodic travel of up to three to five days at a time will be required;
• Ensures compliance with the FMB's Standards, Procedures and Guidelines during certification reviews through self-review and use of technical aides;
• Keeps up to date on external legal, regulatory, internal control, assurance and accounting standards developments and analyses in relation to impact on the FMB's Procedures, Standards and Guidelines;
• Provides assistance to the Senior Manager, Standards and Certification in the preparation of the necessary material in advance of meetings of the SAC Committee and Board of Directors;
• Collects necessary data and prepare regular reports using the FMB's client relationship management system on the certification status of First Nation clients;
• Where required, provides input into business line strategic planning, budgeting, and the continual improvement of the FMB's policies, procedures, and operations;
• Maintains engagement file documentation in an organized and structured manner, and in accordance with established document management and retention policy;
• Proactively maintains professional development for self and together with the Senior Manager, Standards and Certification, sets up professional development plan and personal goals;
• Participate on, or contribute to, special projects as directed;
• May be required to analyze existing or proposed procedures or standards related to Financial Administration Laws, Financial Performance, Financial Management System or Local Revenue Financial Reporting;
• May be required to provide assistance in accounting, assurance and other similar technical research.

Qualifications

• Post- secondary (undergraduate) degree required;
• Chartered Professional Accountant designation;
• Minimum five years of experience in a professional services firm in a client service role, preferably within an assurance (audit) practice;
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards
  • Canadian Auditing Standards
  • Internal control over financial reporting standards (COSO, PCAOB)
• Experience conducting and leading internal control assurance engagements and managing the quality assurance review process;
• Strong analytical and report writing skills;
• Proven track record of using and applying sound professional judgement in an attest role;
• Experience working with First Nations and audit committees in an assurance or advisory role;
• Outgoing and energetic, with a strong commitment to helping clients succeed;
• Willing to travel occasionally across Canada and to remote locations;
• Willing and able to work outside of regular business hours;
• Bilingualism an asset (French).

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

Working Conditions

• This position is open across Canada. Hybrid and remote work arrangements will be considered;
• May require occasional national travel.

What We Offer

• Salary and annual bonus eligibility;
• Flexible 37.5-hour work week
• Employer paid extended benefits;
• Matching group RRSP contributions;
• Health Spending Account
• Annual vacation allowance and generous paid stat & non-stat days;
• Work-life balance;
• Remote or hybrid work arrangements
• Professional development & career growth opportunities.