Mushuau Innu First Nation (MIFN) is one of the two Innu communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Nation is primarily located in Natuashish, approximately one hour flight time from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. The community benefits from strong regional ties and direct access to major centres, with St. John’s only a short flight away, while offering the beauty and seclusion of nature at your doorstep.
The Mushuau Innu have deep cultural roots grounded in traditional land-based practices. Historically nomadic hunters and gatherers, the community experienced significant disruption in the mid-20th century because of colonial settlement policies. Following relocation to Davis Inlet in the 1960s, a site impacted by inadequate infrastructure and environmental challenges, the community later resettled in Natuashish. These transitions have shaped the Nation’s governance priorities and its continued focus on infrastructure, sustainability, long-term resilience and strong attachment to the land.
Today, MIFN operates multiple departments that support governance, health, education, infrastructure, youth and social services. Leadership is collaborative, warm, and forward-looking, with Chief and Council aligned around shared priorities and a clear desire to move the community forward.
The Opportunity
Mushuau Innu First Nation (MIFN) is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee accounting operations, support financial planning and reporting, and lead the Finance team located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. Reporting to the CFO, you will help ensure sound financial controls, funding compliance, and reliable information is provided to MIFN's leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage full-cycle accounting, including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, bank and credit card reconciliations, ledgers, and trial balances.
- Ensure accurate coding and allocation of transactions, payroll, and other costs by department, program, project, and funding source.
- Support budgeting, monitor actual results and variances, and prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports for leadership and departments.
- Maintain accounting records and controls consistent with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS), applicable legislation, and funding agreements.
- Prepare funding claims, agency reports, and statutory filings; support year-end procedures and external audits.
- Oversee purchase orders, available budgets, outstanding commitments, and Finance Department purchasing and inventory; process student and monthly rental payments.
- Support strategic and operational planning, financial risk management, governance processes, and performance monitoring.
- Develop and improve financial policies, procedures, records, and systems, including software implementation and accounting setup for new departments or entities.
- Supervise, coach, and organize Finance staff; conduct performance evaluations, address performance concerns, support recruitment, and maintain personnel records with HR.
- Guide employees on financial and organizational policies; prepare materials for leadership meetings, attend meetings as requested, and respond to internal and external financial inquiries.
- Build respectful, service-oriented relationships with community members, departments, funding agencies, and other partners, and perform related duties assigned by the CFO.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related discipline.
- At least five years of progressive accounting experience, including two years in senior accounting or financial management.
- Previous experience working with a First Nations organization.
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles and software, including proficiency with Sage 300PSAS.
- Strong knowledge of legislation, policies, and funding requirements relevant to First Nations financial administration.
- Ability to perform complex accounting involving revenues, expenditures, cost-sharing, reconciliations, financial analysis, and reporting.
- Strong leadership, coaching, relationship-building, and communication skills, with sound judgment in managing conflict and employee performance.
- Excellent accuracy, confidentiality, organization, and time management, including the ability to prioritize team workloads and competing deadlines.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to respect and promote MIFN’s culture, language, and values.
Assets:
- Professional accounting designation.
- PMP Certification.
- Knowledge of Innu and more specifically Mushuau Innu history, its special relationship with the Crown, and the community of Natuashish.
Working Conditions and Other Requirements
This office-based role involves regular computer use, sustained concentration, interruptions, and changing priorities. Schedule flexibility may be required to meet departmental and community needs. The successful candidate must follow and reinforce MIFN policies and successfully complete appropriate criminal record and police records checks, including periodic renewals.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
