Program officer Jobs in Surrey, BC

Job Description

Organizational Profile

KIRAH Executive Search & Leadership Advisory is supporting kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation Enterprises (KFNE) in the search for its next Director of Finance.

This is a senior financial leadership appointment with responsibility spanning strategic finance, financial reporting, treasury, governance, enterprise risk, commercial analysis, internal controls, audit, compliance and long-term financial sustainability.

The position is structured to report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will form part of KFNE's executive leadership structure.

KFNE is seeking an accomplished CPA who can combine strong technical financial leadership with commercial judgement, executive communication and the ability to support significant business, investment and partnership decisions.

This mandate will appeal to a finance leader who is comfortable moving beyond traditional controllership and accounting oversight to operate as a strategic financial advisor within a Nation-owned enterprise focused on sustainable economic development and long-term value creation.

About kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation Enterprises

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation Enterprises is the economic development arm of kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation, focused on creating sustainable economic growth and long-term value for the Nation.

KFNE develops and manages business opportunities through strategic partnerships, joint ventures, commercial leasing, land development and other commercial initiatives.

Its work brings together business leadership, financial stewardship, responsible development and long-term economic planning.

KFNE collaborates with industry, government, Indigenous communities and private-sector organizations to advance opportunities built on trust, accountability and shared value.

As a Nation-owned enterprise, KFNE's commercial activities carry a broader purpose: protecting Nation-owned assets, creating sustainable economic opportunities and contributing to the long-term prosperity of the Nation.

KFNE operates with a lean, evolving organizational structure that provides senior leaders with close access to governance and decision-making.

The Leadership Opportunity

The Director of Finance will serve as KFNE's senior financial leader and a key financial advisor within the organization's executive and governance structure.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director will provide leadership across:

• financial strategy
  
• budgeting and forecasting
  
• financial reporting
  
• treasury and liquidity
  
• enterprise risk management
  
• audit and compliance
  
• corporate governance
  
• internal controls
  
• commercial finance
  
• financial modelling
  
• investment analysis
  
• business performance
  
• financial systems and ERP
  
• long-term financial sustainability
  

The Director will also support reporting and strategic recommendations to the KFNE Board of Directors and Finance & Audit Committee.

The relationship with the Board and committee is one of governance, reporting and accountability rather than direct operational reporting.

This is a role that combines technical financial stewardship with broader commercial and strategic responsibility.

The Leadership Mandate

Strategic Financial Leadership

The Director will:

• Provide strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive Officer and executive leadership.
  
• Develop and implement long-term financial strategies aligned with KFNE's strategic direction.
  
• Lead annual operating and capital budgeting processes.
  
• Prepare multi-year forecasts and financial sustainability plans.
  
• Analyze financial trends and identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency and business performance.
  
• Translate financial information into meaningful executive insight and recommendations.
  

Financial Reporting and Stewardship

The Director will:

• Oversee accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.
  
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and financial records.
  
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes.
  
• Ensure financial records remain complete, accurate and audit-ready.
  
• Prepare variance analyses, executive financial reports and Board reporting packages.
  
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial accountability.
  

Treasury and Financial Management

The Director will:

• Lead cash-flow forecasting and liquidity analysis.
  
• Oversee treasury operations and banking relationships.
  
• Monitor investments, financing arrangements and corporate insurance.
  
• Support long-term capital planning and financing strategies.
  
• Provide financial guidance to management and support responsible budget management.
  

Commercial Finance and Business Performance

The Director will:

• Support the CEO in evaluating new business opportunities, acquisitions, investments and strategic partnerships.
  
• Prepare financial models, business cases and feasibility analyses.
  
• Participate in financial due diligence involving acquisitions, commercial leases, joint ventures and investment opportunities.
  
• Monitor business performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and return on investment.
  
• Develop dashboards and key performance indicators that support strategic decision-making.
  

Governance, Audit and Risk

The Director will:

• Promote strong corporate governance, accountability and transparency.
  
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
  
• Coordinate the annual external audit and act as the primary liaison with external auditors.
  
• Monitor financial and operational risk and recommend mitigation strategies.
  
• Support compliance with taxation requirements, legislation, contractual obligations, accounting standards and Board-approved financial policies.
  
• Support reporting to the Board of Directors and Finance & Audit Committee as required.
  

Leadership and Organizational Capability

The Director will:

• Lead, mentor and develop the Finance function.
  
• Provide leadership to the Senior Accountant.
  
• Coach managers and leaders on budgeting, financial management and business performance.
  
• Build productive relationships across KFNE and with external advisors and partners.
  
• Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting and business processes.
  
• Support implementation and optimization of ERP and financial technologies.
  
• Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  

What Success Will Look Like

The successful Director of Finance will be expected to strengthen KFNE's financial leadership capacity while supporting sound governance, disciplined commercial decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.

Success will require the ability to:

• establish credibility as KFNE's senior financial leader
  
• provide clear and practical financial advice to executive and governance leadership
  
• strengthen financial planning, reporting and accountability
  
• support informed investment and commercial decisions
  
• maintain strong financial controls and stewardship
  
• contribute to improved business performance and long-term value creation
  
• develop the capability of the Finance function
  
• build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  
• balance technical financial rigour with commercial judgement and organizational awareness
  

The Leader KFNE Is Seeking

KFNE is seeking more than a technically accomplished accountant.

The organization requires a finance leader capable of operating credibly across financial stewardship, executive advice, governance and commercial decision-making.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• strategic financial leadership
  
• strong technical accounting capability
  
• commercial acumen
  
• executive judgement
  
• financial stewardship
  
• corporate governance awareness
  
• enterprise risk capability
  
• strong financial modelling and analytical skills
  
• executive communication
  
• relationship-building capability
  
• collaborative leadership
  
• integrity and accountability
  
• cultural awareness
  
• continuous-improvement orientation
  

The strongest candidate will be capable of moving comfortably between strategic discussion and detailed financial analysis.

Requirements

The successful candidate is expected to bring:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in good standing.
  
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline.
  
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience.
  
• Minimum five years in a senior management or executive finance role.
  
• Demonstrated experience preparing audited financial statements.
  
• Strong experience across budgeting, forecasting, treasury management, financial reporting, internal controls and strategic financial planning.
  
• Experience within commercial finance, economic development, private enterprise or another complex corporate environment.
  
• Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership and presenting financial information to Boards or governance bodies.
  
• Experience supporting commercial growth, business performance and strategic decision-making.
  
• Strong financial modelling and analytical capability.
  
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial management and ERP systems.
  
• Strong executive communication and the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
  

Considered an Asset

• Master of Business Administration.
  
• Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager designation.
  
• Executive leadership, governance or risk-management certifications.
  
• Advanced education in business, finance, public administration or Indigenous governance.
  
• Experience working with an Indigenous organization, First Nation or Nation-owned business.
  
• Experience within economic development, commercial real estate, land development, investment, partnerships or joint ventures.
  

Location and Working Environment

The Director of Finance will be based onsite in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.

The onsite working model reflects the executive nature of the role and the importance of regular interaction with executive leadership, the Finance function, Board Directors and Finance & Audit Committee.

Standard business hours are generally:

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Flexibility is required to meet executive and operational responsibilities.

Occasional evening and weekend commitments may be required, particularly for Board and Finance & Audit Committee meetings.

Occasional business travel may also be required.

Candidates must hold:

• a valid Class 5 BC Driver's Licence
  
• reliable transportation
  
• a clean driving record
  

Relocation assistance may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Compensation and Benefits

The approved salary range for the Director of Finance is:

$140,000 to $190,000 annually

The position includes a comprehensive employment package that currently provides:

• four weeks' vacation
  
• employer-paid Extended Health
  
• Dental
  
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
  
• AD&D
  
• Life Insurance
  
• Manulife retirement pension plan
  
• minimum employee contribution of 1%
  
• employer matching contribution of up to 5.5%
  
• reimbursement of applicable CPA and professional dues
  
• professional development and continuing education support, subject to approval
  
• computer
  
• cell phone
  
• parking
  

Additional Time Away

KFNE also identifies:

• 10 Cultural Days
  
• Indigenous Day, June 21
  
• approximately two weeks of office closure over the Christmas and New Year period
  

Why Consider This Opportunity?

For an accomplished finance leader, this opportunity offers the chance to:

• operate close to executive and governance decision-making
  
• influence financial strategy and organizational capability
  
• contribute to commercial and investment decisions
  
• work across financial stewardship, business performance and long-term value creation
  
• support investments, partnerships, joint ventures and other commercial opportunities
  
• strengthen financial systems, processes and organizational capability
  
• work within a Nation-owned enterprise focused on sustainable economic development
  
• contribute to the responsible stewardship of Nation-owned assets
  
• build trusted relationships with executive leadership, governance and external partners
  

This is an opportunity for a finance leader who wants both strategic influence and meaningful connection to the substance of financial and commercial decision-making.

KIRAH's Perspective

KIRAH believes this opportunity will be particularly compelling for a finance leader who combines technical depth with strong commercial judgement.

KFNE requires someone capable of operating beyond financial reporting and traditional accounting oversight.

The successful candidate must be comfortable advising executive and governance leadership, evaluating business opportunities, strengthening financial systems and controls, supporting commercial decision-making and maintaining a strong stewardship mindset.

The strongest candidate will understand that technically accurate financial information is only one part of effective finance leadership.

Judgement, context, communication, governance awareness, commercial thinking and the ability to translate financial information into informed decisions will be equally important.

For a leader who values purpose, accountability, commercial complexity and long-term organizational impact, this is a significant opportunity.

Equity and Inclusion

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation Enterprises and KIRAH Executive Search & Leadership Advisory are committed to an inclusive search process.

Qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with the Nation's employment and hiring policies.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment and selection process upon request.

Application Process

KIRAH welcomes applications and confidential expressions of interest from qualified finance leaders.

Candidates may apply directly or may be approached confidentially by KIRAH as part of the executive search process.

All applications and inquiries will be treated with discretion.

Candidate information will not be presented to KFNE without the candidate's knowledge and appropriate consent.

KIRAH Executive Search & Leadership Advisory is leading this search for kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation Enterprises. Applications are being processed through destinationone Consulting's recruitment platform as part of KIRAH's search infrastructure.

Requirements
The successful candidate is expected to bring: Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in good standing. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline. Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience. Minimum five years in a senior management or executive finance role. Demonstrated experience preparing audited financial statements. Strong experience across budgeting, forecasting, treasury management, financial reporting, internal controls and strategic financial planning. Experience within commercial finance, economic development, private enterprise or another complex corporate environment. Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership and presenting financial information to Boards or governance bodies. Experience supporting commercial growth, business performance and strategic decision-making. Strong financial modelling and analytical capability. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial management and ERP systems. Strong executive communication and the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences. Considered an Asset Master of Business Administration. Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager designation. Executive leadership, governance or risk-management certifications. Advanced education in business, finance, public administration or Indigenous governance. Experience working with an Indigenous organization, First Nation or Nation-owned business. Experience within economic development, commercial real estate, land development, investment, partnerships or joint ventures. Location and Working Environment The Director of Finance will be based onsite in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. The onsite working model reflects the executive nature of the role and the importance of regular interaction with executive leadership, the Finance function, Board Directors and Finance & Audit Committee. Standard business hours are generally: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility is required to meet executive and operational responsibilities. Occasional evening and weekend commitments may be required, particularly for Board and Finance & Audit Committee meetings. Occasional business travel may also be required. Candidates must hold: a valid Class 5 BC Driver's Licence reliable transportation a clean driving record Relocation assistance may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Compensation and Benefits The approved salary range for the Director of Finance is: $140,000 to $190,000 annually The position also includes a comprehensive employment package currently including: four weeks' vacation employer-paid Extended Health Dental Employee and Family Assistance Program AD&D Life Insurance Manulife retirement pension plan minimum employee contribution of 1% employer matching contribution of up to 5.5% reimbursement of applicable CPA and professional dues professional development and continuing education support, subject to approval computer cell phone parking Additional Time Away KFNE also identifies: 10 Cultural Days Indigenous Day, June 21 approximately two weeks of office closure over the Christmas and New Year period Relocation assistance may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Why Consider This Opportunity? For an accomplished finance leader, this opportunity offers the chance to: operate close to executive and governance decision-making influence financial strategy and organizational capability contribute to commercial and investment decisions work across financial stewardship, business performance and long-term value creation support investments, partnerships, joint ventures and other commercial opportunities strengthen financial systems, processes and organizational capability work within a Nation-owned enterprise focused on sustainable economic development contribute to the responsible stewardship of Nation-owned assets build trusted relationships with executive leadership, governance and external partners This is an opportunity for a finance leader who wants both strategic influence and meaningful connection to the substance of financial and commercial decision-making. KIRAH's Perspective KIRAH believes this opportunity will be particularly compelling for a finance leader who combines technical depth with strong commercial judgement. KFNE requires someone capable of operating beyond financial reporting and traditional accounting oversight. The successful candidate must be comfortable advising executive and governance leadership, evaluating business opportunities, strengthening financial systems and controls, supporting commercial decision-making and maintaining a strong stewardship mindset. The strongest candidate will understand that technically accurate financial information is only one part of effective finance leadership. Judgement, context, communication, governance awareness, commercial thinking and the ability to translate financial information into informed decisions will be equally important. For a leader who values purpose, accountability, commercial complexity and long-term organizational impact, this is a significant opportunity. Equity and Inclusion kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation Enterprises and KIRAH Executive Search & Leadership Advisory are committed to an inclusive search process. Qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with the Nation's employment and hiring policies. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment and selection process upon request. Application Process KIRAH welcomes applications and confidential expressions of interest from qualified finance leaders. Candidates may apply directly or may be approached confidentially by KIRAH as part of the executive search process. All applications and inquiries will be treated with discretion. Candidate information will not be presented to KFNE without the candidate's knowledge and appropriate consent. KIRAH Executive Search & Leadership Advisory is leading this search for kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation Enterprises. Applications are being processed through destinationone Consulting's recruitment platform as part of KIRAH's search infrastructure.