Director, First Nations Financial Management Board

The First Nations Financial Management Board is one of three First Nation institutions created through the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (the Act). The Act is a First Nations-led, opt-in legislation that provides First Nations with a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction in the areas of financial management and taxation and provides a mechanism for First Nations to access long-term financing at preferred rates through the issuance of bonds on capital markets, similar to other governments in Canada.

The First Nations Financial Management Board assists First Nations in strengthening their financial management regimes and provides independent certification for First Nations’ financial performance and financial management systems. Certification by the First Nations Financial Management Board is necessary for a First Nation to participate in pooled borrowing through the bonds issued by the First Nations Finance Authority. The First Nations Financial Management Board plays an integral role in strengthening First Nations’ core governance functions and capacity, in ensuring the credibility of pooled borrowing under the Act, and in positioning First Nations to benefit from economic development opportunities. As a shared governance institution, the First Nations Financial Management Board is not an agent of the Crown but is accountable to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

The Board of Directors consists of a minimum of nine and a maximum of 13 directors, including a Chairperson and Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair is selected by the Board of Directors from among its members. Up to three members of the Board of Directors are appointed by the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association Canada.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

The Government of Canada will consider proficiency in English and/or French and linguistic diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand English and/or French and any other language, such as an Indigenous language.

For these positions, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, Aboriginal Financial Manager certification, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training or experience;


• Experience in administration, management, economic development, taxation, land management, or local government negotiations;


• Experience working with First Nations communities;


• Experience in financial management including in one or more of the following: financial reporting, financial statement preparation, risk management, internal control development, implementation, standards development or financial performance measurement;


• Demonstrated business acumen including business case analysis, or entrepreneurial experience, or strategic planning, or technology;


• Serving as a member or chairperson of a Board of Directors on a public or private sector board or a First Nations Council would be considered an asset;


• Human resource management services would be considered an asset;


• Providing training for accounting designations such as CGA, CPA, CAFM and CAPA would be considered an asset;


• Information Technology or Information Management would be considered an asset;


• Innovation or Change Management would be considered an asset;


• Assurance of standards being met would be considered an asset; and


• Working in a regulatory environment would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of statutory instruments, policy development and community engagement in the federal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous or municipal government;


• Knowledge of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act and other related legislation;


• Knowledge of First Nations financial structures, processes and systems;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the FNFMB Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer;


• Sound understanding and knowledge, or willingness to undertake a program of learning and training, of good governance and Board member conduct, duties and responsibilities;


• Excellent communication skills both written and oral;


• Ability to work in close collaboration with private and public sector representatives, and the public in partnership with Indigenous stakeholders; and


• Ability to manifest a set of generally accepted leadership qualities and qualifications (i.e., accountability, integrity, tolerance, confidence, results-oriented, and ability to make difficult decisions).

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills


• Strong analytical skills


• Collaborative

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• The Board of Directors shall be composed of men and women from across Canada, including members of First Nations, who are committed to the strengthening of First Nation financial management and who have the experience or capacity to enable the Board to fulfil its mandate (statutory).


• You must be able to dedicate up to 20 to 25 days per year for Board meetings, including preparation and travel, when it is safe to do so.


• When it is safe to do so, you must be willing to travel within Canada for Board meetings, including for a minimum of four scheduled meetings that last two days each.
  

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information available here) will begin on September 12, 2022. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.