Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority (ADEA)Prince Albert, SaskatchewanADEA is seeking an experienced, strategic, and values-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide executive leadership for the organization’s financial stewardship, reporting, planning, compliance, and risk management functions. Reporting to the Board of Directors  and working closely with senior leadership and the Board, the CFO will play a critical role in ensuring the long-term financial health, accountability, and sustainability of the Authority in support of student success and community priorities.The ADEA is a First Nation Education Authority with its regional office based in Prince Albert and serving three Denesuline First Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan: Black Lake First Nation, Hatchet Lake First Nation, and Fond Du Lac First Nation. The Authority serves a student population of 1,400 students in 4 schools with an annual operating budget of $34 million. ADEA is committed to improving educational outcomes through strong leadership, effective governance, and the integration of Denesuline culture and language into learning environments.Key Responsibilities·        Provide strategic financial leadership aligned with Denesuline Laws and ADEA’s mission, priorities, and operational goals.·        Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual and multi-year budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.·        Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash flow management, and financial controls.·        Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, management reports, variance analyses, and presentations for senior leadership and the Board of Directors.·        Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, funding agreements, audit requirements, financial policies, and reporting obligations.·        Lead the annual audit process and coordinate with external auditors, funders, and regulatory bodies.·        Develop, maintain, and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, procurement practices, and risk management frameworks.·        Support effective decision-making by providing financial analysis, business cases, and strategic advice on major initiatives, capital planning, and resource allocation.·        Oversee treasury, banking, investment, and cash management activities.·        Contribute to organizational planning, governance processes, and cross-functional leadership initiatives.·        Supervise and mentor finance staff while promoting a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.·        Build respectful working relationships with First Nation leadership, school administrators, funders, partners, and community stakeholders.Qualifications and ExperienceUnderstanding and commitment to Dene First Nations' culture, language, and traditions.·        Professional accounting designation such as CPA, or an equivalent combination of education and senior financial leadership experience.·        Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field; a master’s degree would be considered an asset.·        Minimum of 10 years of progressive senior financial management experience, preferably in education, public sector, Indigenous governance, or other complex multi-stakeholder environments.·        Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, audit coordination, policy development, internal controls, and risk management.·        Strong understanding of contribution agreements, public accountability, and financial compliance requirements.·        Experience presenting financial information to executive teams, boards, and non-financial audiences.·        Knowledge of First Nations governance contexts and experience working respectfully with Indigenous communities is a strong asset.·        Knowledge of payroll systems, financial software, and enterprise reporting tools.  Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes·        High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.·        Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills.·        Ability to think strategically while maintaining strong attention to operational detail.·        Demonstrated leadership in building effective teams and fostering collaborative relationships.·        Commitment to culturally respectful practice and community-centered service.·        Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.Employment ConditionsThis is a senior leadership position based in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan beginning on September 1, 2026, or on another mutually agreeable date.  Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. ADEA offers the opportunity to contribute to an organization dedicated to student achievement, community partnership, and the advancement of Denesuline education.