- Lead financial and corporate stewardship for Curve Lake First Nation
- Step into a senior leadership role offering a competitive $150,000 to $180,000 annual salary, negotiable based on qualifications, plus excellent benefits!
- Build the systems, teams, and financial stability that will support the Nation for the next decade
About Curve Lake First Nation
Curve Lake First Nation is an Anishinaabe community with deep roots in this territory, grounded in relationships to land, water, and each other as Curve Lakers. Known historically as Mud Lake, Curve Lake continues as a living, resilient Nation of almost 3,000 members. As part of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg and signatories to the Williams Treaties, the community carries forward its responsibilities, teachings, and governance systems. Curve Lake is a place of strong kinship, cultural continuity, and collective responsibility, where each member contributes to the wellbeing of the Nation. Our community is located just north of the City of Peterborough, Ontario.
Home to trailblazers like Elsie Knott, Canada's first Anishinaabe Kwe O'gimaa, and renowned artisans, our community blends rich history with vibrant culture. More than an employer, we're a community of choice. Join us in preserving traditions, fostering diversity, and contributing to a future where old ways merge seamlessly with progress. Shape the legacy of Curve Lake - a place where heritage meets opportunity.
To learn more about us, please visit: curvelakefirstnation.ca
About the Opportunity
Curve Lake First Nation has an exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent Director of Finance and Administration, based in Curve Lake, Ontario. This role joins the organization during a period of organizational transition and growth.
Reporting to the Executive Director, you will provide strategic leadership across the Nation’s corporate functions. These are financial governance, human resources, policy and planning, communications, and information technology. Finance sits at the heart of the role. You will be accountable for sound financial oversight, audit readiness, and strong relationships with funders, auditors, and the First Nations Financial Management Board.
Where We Are Now
The Nation is strengthening its administrative foundations; you will provide interim oversight and stabilization across Finance, HR, IT, and Policy and Planning while building out your team. You will also lead the selection and implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
A key priority is moving the Nation from year-by-year funding to Indigenous Services Canada’s 10-year grant. This means completing the Financial Management Board certification process and putting the controls and reporting in place to qualify. Predictable, long-term funding will give the Nation far greater confidence in its forecasting and planning.
What Success Looks Like
In your first year, success will mean a fully staffed division with your managers in place, trusted relationships with Chief and Council, staff, and community, strengthened audit readiness and internal controls, and the ERP selection well underway.
By the end of year two, you will have led the Nation through FMB certification and embedded consistent financial, governance, and administrative practices. You will also have put systems in place that keep reporting and audits on schedule, giving the organization a solid foundation for the years ahead.
Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Leading multi-year financial planning, forecasting, and annual operating and capital budgets
- Serving as executive lead for external audits, including selecting the appropriate audit firm and working closely with auditors throughout the process
- Ensuring compliance with funding agreements, Indigenous Services Canada reporting requirements, and the Nation’s Financial Administration Law
- Leading the Nation through the FMB certification and 10-year grant process
- Structuring and staffing the finance function so reporting deadlines are consistently met, working with bookkeepers, analysts, and account managers
- Providing executive oversight of HR, IT, policy and planning, and communications through four direct-report managers
- Overseeing the selection and implementation of an ERP system, along with cybersecurity, data governance, and digital modernization
- Providing financial analysis, risk advice, and recommendations to the Executive Director and Chief and Council
Due to the role's significance, refer to the Director of Finance and Administration document for a comprehensive overview beyond the listed duties.
More About You
To qualify, you will need a post-secondary degree or diploma in finance, accounting, or a related financial field, along with at least 5 years of senior-level experience in financial administration or corporate services, including experience working within a First Nation organization.
The following are required:
- A valid Class G Driver’s Licence
- Ability to undergo a criminal background check and vulnerable sector check
- Willingness and ability to travel as required
The following skills and experience will be strong assets:
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation
- Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) or Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation
- A master’s degree in public administration, finance, or a related field
- Direct experience with the First Nations Financial Management Board, FMB certification, or the 10-year grant process
- Strong working knowledge of audit processes, GAAP, and funder reporting requirements
- Experience working with Indigenous Services Canada and other funding agencies
- Experience overseeing multiple functional areas such as Finance, HR, IT, and Planning
As our ideal candidate, you are a disciplined, systems-minded leader who keeps deadlines met and audits clean, and who knows how to build a finance team organized around its reporting obligations. Your understanding of First Nation finances runs from day-to-day funding agreements through to the path toward long-term grant funding. Just as importantly, you lead with integrity, calm, and a people-centred approach, bringing an awareness of intergenerational trauma and its impact on workplaces and governance, along with a genuine respect for Curve Lake First Nation’s history, culture, and traditions.
Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nation or Indigenous ancestry.
About the Benefits
In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a highly competitive salary of $150,000 to $180,000 negotiable dependent on experience, along with a great host of benefits, including:
- Relocation assistance
- Comprehensive Benefits Plan: extended health care, dental, vision, life and long-term disability, etc.
- Competitive Pension Plan with up to 7.5% employer matching
- 40 paid hours for Special/Personal Leave Bereavement Leave
- Paid time off for 17 designated days, including National Indigenous Day, Christmas Day, etc.
- Generous vacation accrual
- Paid sick days
- Regular community events such as Pow Wows, Harvesters' Gatherings, Christmas Craft Shows, and more!
Take on a senior leadership role that builds lasting financial stability and strong systems for the Curve Lake First Nation community. Apply now!
