Director, Finance & Accountability

Established in 1976 the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our nine Career Centres across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.

Nature and Scope

As a leader in the Saskatchewan Indian Training Assessment Group (SITAG) department, the Director of Finance & Accountability is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of SITAG's financial management, corporate services, risk management, and accountability functions. The position provides financial and administrative oversight, ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, and delivers financial analysis to support informed decision-making, effective resource management, and long-term planning. The position promotes operational effectiveness, sound organizational practices, and collaborative leadership while fostering an environment that reflects and advances SIIT's vision, mission, and mandate.

General Accountability

The Director of Finance & Accountability is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective financial and administrative work plans, procedures, internal controls, and reporting systems that support sound organizational management and accountability. The incumbent monitors organizational and financial performance, supports strategic and operational planning, and ensures adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), funding agreements, applicable legislation, Board policies, and SIIT policies and procedures. The Director identifies and mitigates financial and administrative risks and promotes consistent, accountable practices across assigned areas of responsibility.

The Director plays a key leadership role in strengthening organizational capacity, maintaining accountability to funding requirements and organizational policies, and advancing continuous improvement across administrative functions. The Director balances multiple priorities and competing demands while providing timely financial analysis, advice, and recommendations to senior leadership and the Board of Governors. Through effective monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement, the position supports the responsible stewardship of financial and organizational resources.

Specific Accountabilities

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Resource Management

• Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Develop multi-year financial plans that support organizational priorities and long-term sustainability
• Monitor organizational financial performance and prepare regular financial forecasts
• Review financial results, analyze trends and variances, and recommend corrective actions where appropriate
• Develop and monitor financial performance indicators and reporting tools to support executive decision-making
• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Ensure financial resources are effectively managed in accordance with approved budgets and organizational priorities
  

Financial Reporting, Accountability & Compliance

• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), funding agreements, legislative requirements, Board policies, and organizational procedures
• Coordinate the annual external audit and support audit readiness throughout the organization
• Develop and maintain effective financial reporting systems that support organizational accountability and transparency
• Ensure appropriate financial documentation, records management, and confidentiality are maintained
• Monitor changes in legislation, accounting standards, and funding requirements and recommend appropriate organizational responses
  
  

Financial Analysis & Strategic Decision Support

• Provide strategic financial analysis and recommendations to support organizational planning and decision-making
• Analyze financial trends, operational performance, and resource utilization to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and sustainability
• Collaborate with organizational leaders to align financial resources with strategic priorities and operational objectives
• Evaluate financial systems, reporting tools, and administrative processes to improve organizational effectiveness
• Prepare business cases, financial models, and cost-benefit analyses to support strategic initiatives
  
  

Corporate Services, Governance & Administrative Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of corporate services, including finance, administrative services, human resources, procurement, information technology, facilities, records management, and other shared services
• Ensure organizational policies, administrative procedures, and internal controls are consistently implemented and monitored
• Lead the development, implementation, and review of corporate policies and administrative practices that support effective governance and accountability
• Support organizational planning, governance initiatives, and continuous improvement activities
• Prepare reports, briefing materials, and recommendations for the Executive Team, Board of Governors, and Board Committees
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement throughout the organization

Risk Management & Organizational Compliance

• Lead the development and implementation of organizational risk management and accountability frameworks
• Monitor organizational compliance with funding agreements, legislation, contractual obligations, and organizational policies
• Identify organizational risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies
• Coordinate organizational responses to audits, compliance reviews, monitoring activities, and financial assessments
• Support business continuity planning and organizational resilience initiatives
• Ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect organizational assets and information
  
  

Leadership & People Management

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and supervision to staff within portfolio
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement
• Conduct performance planning and evaluations in accordance with organizational policies
• Support recruitment, onboarding, succession planning, and employee development
• Collaborate with managers across the organization to strengthen administrative practices and organizational effectiveness
• Build productive working relationships with internal and external partners, funding agencies, auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies
• Represent the organization on committees, working groups, and partnership initiatives as required

Required Qualifications and Experience: A degree or post graduate degree in Business/Accounting and a professional accounting designation (CPA) are required. A minimum of six years of senior financial experience is required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. This position is subject to accept or handle monies on behalf of SIIT, therefore, a cleared criminal record check (CRC) is required.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Significant experience in financial management, accounting, financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning
• Demonstrated experience establishing and maintaining financial work plans, internal controls, policies, procedures, and reporting systems that support effective organizational accountability
• Experience providing strategic financial advice and analysis to senior leadership, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear recommendations that support organizational decision-making
• Experience supporting Boards of Directors/Governors and Board committees, including the preparation and presentation of financial reports, analysis, recommendations, and other decision-making materials
• Demonstrated experience coordinating external audits, responding to audit findings, and maintaining organizational audit readiness
• Experience administering and monitoring funding agreements, including financial reporting, contractual requirements, and federal and/or provincial reporting obligations
• Experience identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial and organizational risk and strengthening internal accountability practices
• Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring organizational policies, procedures, and accountability frameworks
• Strong leadership and people management experience, including the ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff, manage competing priorities, and foster a collaborative and accountable work environment
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including managing and analyzing data using tables and pivot tables and presenting financial information through charts and other reporting tools
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and communicate at all levels of an organization
• Knowledge and understanding of First Nations cultures, governance, communities, and organizations is considered a significant asset
• Experience working within an Indigenous organization, post-secondary institution, not-for-profit organization, government-funded environment, or public sector organization is considered an asset
• Knowledge and experience related to federal and provincial financial reporting, funding, and compliance requirements is considered an asset
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of financial management principles, GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Knowledge of governance, risk management, and organizational accountability practices
• Understanding of funding agreements, contribution agreements, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and facilitation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous engagement, cultural awareness, and respectful relationship building
  

Required Competencies: Flexible and Adaptable, Leadership Communication, Relationship Building, Results Oriented, Ethics & Professionalism, Coaching & Developing Others, Knowledge & Expertise, Analytical Thinking, Focus on Excellence.