Director of Finance

District of Sparwood•Sparwood, BC

30d•$116,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The District of Sparwood is seeking a strategic, experienced, and collaborative Director of Finance to join its Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Finance serves as the municipality’s principal financial advisor to the CAO and Council and provides leadership over the District’s financial stewardship and long‑term sustainability. This role plays a key part in supporting sound decision‑making, fiscal accountability, and alignment with Council priorities. The Director of Finance is responsible for the overall financial leadership, stewardship, and sustainability of the District. This position exercises the statutory powers, duties, and functions assigned under Section 149 of the Community Charter and the District’s Officers and Officials Bylaw. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Finance is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and serves as the municipality’s principal financial advisor to the CAO and Council. The Director provides strategic leadership and direction over all financial functions, including financial planning and reporting, budgeting, forecasting, taxation, treasury, investing, debt management, risk management, asset management integration, and internal controls. The Director supports informed decision‑making and the achievement of Council priorities through sound financial analysis, long‑term financial planning, risk‑aware advice, and continuous improvement of financial systems and practices.

Requirements

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation
Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible financial administration experience
Minimum five (5) years in a financial leadership or supervisory role
Strong knowledge of public‑sector accounting standards and municipal governance
Proven experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and variance analysis
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
A wide range of non-traditional education and/or equivalent work experience will be considered
Strong knowledge of Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS).
Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.
Extensive experience in municipal financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
Strong understanding of municipal governance, legislation, and public‑sector accountability.
Sound analytical, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
Demonstrated ability to provide clear, practical, and defensible financial advice to senior management and Council.
Proven leadership and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to effectively lead and manage staff in a unionized environment.
Demonstrated knowledge of human resources concepts, including labour standards, compensation frameworks, benefits administration, and employment policies, from a financial and advisory perspective.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, and policies.
Ability to identify issues and implement creative and strategic solutions to complex financial and organizational challenges.
Ability to delegate effectively, set clear expectations, and monitor performance of direct reports.
Ability to resolve conflicts while minimizing disruption to workflows and working relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with Council, staff, external partners, and the public.
High level of integrity, ethics, confidentiality, professionalism, and accountability.
Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to adapt to financial systems, tools, and technological change.

Nice To Haves

Municipal finance experience and experience in a unionized environment are considered strong assets
Experience in municipal finance is considered an asset.
Experience working in a unionized environment is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
Development and administration of operating, capital, reserve, and borrowing plans
Property taxation, utility rates, and long‑term funding strategies
Treasury functions, investments, debt management, and internal controls
Grant funding administration, reporting, and compliance
Risk management, insurance, and asset management planning
Preparation of financial bylaws, policies, and reports for Council
Advising the CAO and Council on financial condition, risks, and sustainability
Leadership and mentorship of the Finance team
Develop operational, capital, and reserve budgets; financial bylaws; financial statements; statistical reports; cost analyses; monthly reporting; and annual financial reports.
Develop and maintain long‑term financial planning, including reserve strategies, debt management plans, and related financial policies to support the District’s financial sustainability.
Develop long‑term funding strategies related to property taxation, parcel taxes, and utility rates to balance affordability for residents with the funding needs of municipal services.
Administer the District’s financial resources in accordance with Council‑approved budgets and monitor revenues and expenditures.
Analyze and interpret financial and accounting information to assess operating results, performance against budget, and the overall financial condition of the District.
Oversee forecasting, variance analysis, and reporting against actual results; identify significant trends, risks, and discrepancies; and recommend mitigation or corrective actions as required.
Oversee grant funding administration, reporting, and compliance to ensure adherence to funding agreements and grant program requirements.
Establish and maintain systems of internal financial controls, including appropriate checks and balances, to safeguard assets and minimize the risk of financial loss.
Ensure the custody and investment of all District funds and securities in accordance with the Community Charter and Council policies.
Research, prepare, and present financial policies, bylaws, reports, and supporting materials for Council and senior leadership.
Ensure accurate, complete, and secure financial records of the District are prepared, maintained, and retained.
Ensure the Chief Administrative Officer and Council are kept fully informed on the financial condition of the District and significant factors influencing it.
Maintain effective working relationships with external auditors, government agencies, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and professional advisors.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and provincial financial requirements, including Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS).
Identify and evaluate financial and operational risks to the District, including internal and external risks.
Develop, implement, and maintain an overall risk management approach that assesses potential financial impacts on the District.
Prepare and administer risk management and insurance budgets.
Oversee the procurement and maintenance of appropriate insurance coverage to protect the District’s assets and operations.
Oversee insurance renewals, claims management, and relationships with insurance providers and brokers.
Monitor risk exposures and trends and recommend strategies to reduce or mitigate risk where appropriate.
Advise the Chief Administrative Officer on significant risk‑related issues affecting the District.
Participate as a member of the internal Asset Management Committee, providing financial leadership and advice.
Contribute to the development, implementation, oversight, and ongoing monitoring of the District’s Asset Management Plan.
Collaborate with the committee and department heads to establish processes and policies that support effective asset lifecycle management.
Develop and review financial strategies and models related to capital planning, asset renewal, and long-term infrastructure funding.
Ensure asset management information is integrated with financial forecasts, reserve strategies, and capital budgets.
Support informed decision‑making by aligning asset condition, service levels, risk, and financial capacity.
Develop, implement, and monitor long‑term strategic plans, goals, and objectives in support of Council priorities and the District’s strategic goals.
Provide financial analysis, costing, and advice to the Chief Administrative Officer and Manager of Human Resources related to compensation, benefits, labour relations, and workforce planning.
Oversee the financial administration of the District’s employee benefit programs and Municipal Pension Plan participation.
Collaborate with the Chief Administrative Officer and department heads in planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing corporate and cross‑departmental initiatives.
Promote and support a work environment committed to employee health, safety, wellness, and respectful workplace practices.
Undertake special projects and assignments as required.

Benefits

Employer‑paid benefits
Up to 3 weeks of time off in lieu of overtime
Earned Day Off (EDO) program
Flexible workplace provisions to offset overtime and support work‑life balance
Active Living Pass providing access to the Leisure Centre, fitness centre, climbing wall, pool, arena, and select drop‑in fitness classes
Opportunities for ongoing professional development
A collaborative and supportive work environment.
Opportunities for continual professional learning and development.
Flexible workplace provisions to offset overtime and support work‑life balance.
Earned Day Off program.
Employer‑paid benefits.
An Active Living Pass providing access to the Leisure Centre, fitness centre, climbing wall, pool, arena, and select drop‑in fitness classes.