FINANCE MANAGER – Yellowknife
Permanent position
The Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) is a not-for-profit organization, established in 1997 to help communities, consumers, producers, regulators and policy makers to work together to reduce the costs of environmental impacts of energy and utility services in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The AEA is supported by various territorial departments and agencies, and does fee for service work in the private sector. The AEA is currently recruiting a Finance Manager.
Located in Yellowknife but will also involve travel to other NWT communities.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The AEA is a non-profit organization whose mission is:
“To lead and facilitate the integration of efficient, renewable and sustainable energy practices in the NWT.”
Reporting to the Executive Director and working together with the AEA team, the Finance Manager is responsible for the financial stewardship of the Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) by leading financial planning, budgeting, reporting, internal controls, payroll and compliance activities in accordance with legislative requirements and Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The position provides strategic financial advice to the Executive Director (ED) and senior staff, ensuring the organization’s financial sustainability while supporting effective delivery of programs funded through territorial, federal and NGO contribution agreements.
The AEA is an agency supported by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and provides a range of programs and services dedicated to the promotion of renewable energy use. The AEA aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce the causes of Climate Change by helping northern residents, communities and businesses change behaviours and adapt to new energy efficient technologies.
The Finance Manager is responsible for the AEA’s accounts, internal controls, financial reporting, contracts, and provides oversight on Contribution Agreements (CAs). The incumbent is also responsible for payroll and human resource activity such as administering the insurance plan and to advise the ED on appropriate actions with respect to human resources consistent with such legislation as the Human Rights Act and legislation on Employment Standards, Occupational Health and Safety as applicable in NWT. Strategic responsibilities include supporting organizational planning, risk management, sustainability, and policy development.
The incumbent works on multiple projects simultaneously. In addition, the incumbent must re-prioritize workload in response to requests from the ED.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Staff and sub-contractors
The Finance Manager may oversee the work of other staff and subcontractors.
- Managing budgets and programs
The Finance Manager will be responsible for:
- Supporting or leading the AEA team in reporting back to clients and funding agencies.
- Providing complete oversight on AEA’s annual budgeting process, budget maintenance, expenditures and revenue generation.
- Authorizing the purchasing of goods and services for office operations to a maximum individual value of $10,000.
- Has bank co-signing authority up to $10,000.
- Ensures that the financial records of AEA are complete, accurate and prepared on a timely basis by coordinating the planning, processing, and monitoring of AEA’s accounting system.
- Establishes and implements financial procedures to ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial results. Includes research on software solutions for financial reporting and recommending software solutions for the organization.
- Reviews existing procedures and recommends changes.
- Produces monthly financial reports, identifies potential problems and determines or recommends solutions.
- Provides timely financial information for staff, and for the ED as necessary for budget and variance analysis.
- Collaborates with the ED and other staff to prepare short-term forecasts and long-term trend analysis.
- Liaise with ED and staff to review the revenue generated by each Program and the performance requirements of each Program so that financial data can be collected and reported on.
- Prepares the annual financial statements and supporting documents accurately, timely and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and in compliance with legislation.
- Ensures the annual financial statements are accurate, in compliance with GAAP and completed in a timely manner.
- Prepares year-end working papers and the financial records of the organization for audit by the Board-approved auditor and facilitates the audit process and the preparation of the auditor’s report to the Board.
- Reviews and monitors spending against budget allocations and approvals.
- Reviews the accuracy of information from staff to ensure that payments and disbursements are in compliance with established policies, procedures and budget approvals.
- Implements recommendations from the Auditor’s management letter.
- Supports the ED in preparing information packages for quarterly Board meetings.
- Provides comprehensive financial management analysis, information and advice to the Executive Director and AEA staff.
- Provides analytical advice and training on accounting policies and reporting requirements to AEA staff related to programs and CAs.
- Reviews all proposed new programs and CAs to ensure effective financial management.
- Provides risk assessment, fraud prevention, and procurement control advice to ED and senior staff.
- Manages the computerized accounting and financial information systems.
- Ensures the integrity of the AEA financial systems at all times.
- Develops, implements, communicates and reviews financial system requirements.
- Develops designs and produces complete and accurate financial and management reports on a timely basis.
- Ensures effective internal and system controls are in place at all times by auditing the systems to ensure output is accurate, complete and timely.
- Trouble-shoots system problems to ensure system capability and integrity.
- Maintains the organization’s accounting manual and keeps policies up to date.
Ensures that organization’s policies and procedures are in compliance with the respective legislation (federal and territorial) and keeps up to date with legislative changes to properly advise the Board, the ED and staff as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The following are required qualifications:
- A high degree of knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and accounting practices is essential for this position. The incumbent must have above average analytical abilities.
- A high degree of proficiency in using computer software applications with particular reference to spreadsheets and database applications, statistics, office applications (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
- A high degree of proficiency in using Sage 50 software is required.
- Demonstrated leadership skills are required. Superior communication and presentation skills, both written and oral are required.
- Knowledge of and ability to interpret and analyze legislation, policies and procedures particularly as it applies to financial matters and human resources (e.g. employment standards, health and safety, human rights).
- Time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of the people, government and local communities in the NWT and the political and business environment.
- Experience in not-for-profit accounting.
- The above qualifications would typically be acquired through the completion of a recognized accounting designation (CPA) and a university degree in Business Administration with a minimum of 5 years accounting experience. Experience would reflect involvement with some human resource activity as part of the management team of an organization.
WORKING CONDITIONS
While the majority of time for this position is spent at a computer there is ample opportunity for the incumbent to move around the office. Most of the time is spent in Yellowknife, although there may be an occasional need during the year to travel to a NWT community.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
There is limited physical effort required for this position.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
There are no significant adverse environmental conditions that exist in this position.
SENSORY DEMANDS
There is a need for attention to detail.
MENTAL DEMANDS
This position requires strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail. The Finance Manager must manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing organizational needs while maintaining accuracy. The role also requires discretion when handling confidential information and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to staff, management, the Board, and funding partners.
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The AEA offers a competitive salary that is comparable to the industry median for the NWT. We also offer an attractive benefits package that includes a defined contribution registered pension plan, a group insurance plan, Northern Allowance and annual professional development opportunities.
**AEA OPERATES ON A 4-DAY WORK WEEK**
If you would like to know more about the position, salary, and benefits, call 920-3333 or
1-877-755-5855 (toll-free).
Applicants must currently be residents of Canada.
COMPETITION OPEN UNTIL SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE FOUND.
To apply, please submit resume and cover letter by email to:
Arctic Energy Alliance
#101–5102 51 St., Yellowknife, NT X1A 1S7
Jennifer Wicks, Human Resources, Jennifer.Wicks@aea.nt.ca
We thank all applicants that apply, but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.