Description
Search conducted by Placemaking 4G at p4g.ca on behalf of Millbrook First Nation.We deeply value the diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen our team and community. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, particularly those who are members of Millbrook First Nation and/or identify as Mi’kmaq. We also welcome applications from all equity deserving individuals, including those who identify as African Nova Scotian, Black, racialized, a
person living with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or newcomers to Canada. If you’re comfortable, please share this information and your pronouns in your application.
To ensure a thoughtful and inclusive process, we’ve partnered with the P4G search team, who are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment. They’re here to listen and help accommodate your needs, ensuring your experience throughout this process is intentional, inclusive, and respectful.Millbrook First Nation is a Mi’kmaq community based near Truro, Nova Scotia. In addition to the main reserve in Millbrook, the community’s land base extends across central and eastern Nova Scotia to include reserves in Beaver Dam, Sheet Harbour, Dartmouth, and Cole Harbour.
Community Enterprises & Local EconomyMillbrook owns and operates a variety of businesses, real estate properties, and commercial operations that generate revenue to help fund local services and community infrastructure. Key ventures include:
- Millbrook Power Centre: A commercial and retail district located along
- Highway 102 near Truro that hosts a mix of local and national businesses.
- Properties & Land Holdings: Community-owned commercial and multi-unit residential properties located in Dartmouth and Cole Harbour.
- Cultural & Enterprise Outlets: Local operations including Treaty Entertainment, event space rentals, and the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre.
- Fisheries: Commercial fishing operations and related coastal infrastructure, including facilities in Sheet Harbour.
Band Administration & Community ServicesMillbrook’s Band Administration manages day-to-day community operations, maintains infrastructure, and delivers public programs across all reserve lands. Administrative operations are organized into 15 main departments:
- Administration & Finance: Finance, Human Resources, Governance, Legal Affairs Communications, and Security & IT.
- Community & Health Services: Health Services, Housing, Education, Employment & Training, Culture & Heritage, and Parks & Recreation.
- Economic & Resource Management: Economic Development, Commercial Fisheries, and Community Engagement.
Together, these teams provide essential programs and services that help strengthen Millbrook today while building a vibrant and sustainable future for generations to come.
This Moment, This Position
The Millbrook community continues to grow a vast portfolio of economic development projects, leading to First Nation members sharing these benefits. Millbrook currently invests $1.2 million a year into trust funds for its members under the age of 19.
To build off this momentum, Millbrook First Nation is seeking a dynamic, relationship-oriented Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who encompasses strong financial stewardship abilities and a successful financial history from previous positions. The CFO will be eager to join this organization influencing necessary system changes to enhance the economic and social growth of the region.
The CFO will possess a high level of cultural sensitivity and awareness of First Nations communities, including, but not limited to, the Indian Act provisions, Indigenous Services Canada’s policies and programs, the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, current social and economic challenges. Providing sound management of Millbrook’s finances and overall operations, this position will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Millbrook First Nation, and supporting Senior Management, Finance staff, along with the Chief and Council in realizing the community’s long-term vision.
As Chief Financial Officer, you will lead the organization's financial strategy and operations, ensuring fiscal sustainability, sound governance, and informed decision-making. Key contributions include:
Leadership - Provides a high level of technical, strategic, financial, and policy support to the First Nation Executive Director, Chief and Council, Finance Department, and Audit team.
- Provides direct support to the management team for budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and monitoring of financial activities.
- Responsible for the oversight and leadership to the Finance Department. Provides training, mentoring, and support to employees while conducting annual employee evaluations and preparing individual development plans.
- Ensures that all finance employees have the skills, tools, and knowledge to perform the responsibilities of their positions.
- Recommends changes to staff functions and their placement (i.e., temporary/permanent employment status, position title, salary, or wage) following and working in conjunction with human resource policies.
- Plans and coordinates the preparation, review, consolidation, and presenting of all short-, medium-, and long-term financial plans, statements, and audits. Upholds the highest accountability and resolves challenges for the overall monies of the organization.
- Maintains Management Information Systems.
- Ensures all financial systems, administrative policies, procedures, and internal controls are appropriately designed and operating effectively.
- Provides evaluations and recommendations with respect to financial operations including revenue management, investments, risks, and overall financial information management systems.
Financial Management - Provides full controllership functions to ensure finances are properly recorded, accounted for, and held according to legislation guidelines, policies, procedures, and accepted accounting principles and practices are utilized.
- Oversees and manages all accounting, financial internal controls, risk management, and asset management systems.
- Responsible for the overall financial management and accounting including Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), bank reconciliations, payroll, and manages/maintains the Chart of Accounts.
- Conducts financial analysis, forecasts, and other synopsis. Prepares monthly, quarterly, and other financial statements and reports as necessary.
- Develops and implements purchasing practices. Monitors procurement systems.
- Provides guidance and management regarding all contracts, tendering’s, and RFPs in relation to the FAL.
- Manages all ISC and other reporting systems: Year-End Management Reports, DCI Reports, employee benefits, OSFI, Pension, and CMHC.
- Establishes and maintains cash controls using an effective cash flow management process.
- Manages treasury (banking) agreements and banking services, debt, and debenture requirements.
- Monitors department spending and recommends corrective actions when required.
- Manages investments and reserve funds.
- Oversees and manages the payroll systems and processes to ensure compliance with all payroll, pension, and benefits legislation.
- Manages all pension and benefits programs, including the analysis and costing of the plans, to ensure the best value.
- Provides advice and assistance on human resources planning and management issues.
- Establishes a system to track the receipt and disposal of all fixed assets.
- Leads organization in the strategic financial planning process including preparation and approval of annual budgets, 5-Year Financial Plans, Long-Term Capital Plans, and Investment Plans.
- Evaluates and makes recommendations for financial reporting systems, accounting procedures, and investment activities.
- Manages and actively monitors compliance with contracts, funding, and all expenditures for balancing procedures, Indigenous and non-Indigenous funding agencies. Prepares leases and property tax as it pertains to First Nation land.
Financial Audits & Law - Formulates and implements financial policies, systems, and procedures to meet organizational needs and be in accordance with administrative law.
- Oversees annual financial audits and ensures successful completion of the audit according to predetermined standards and timetables.
- Ensures distribution, interpretation, and presentation of an annual audit and Annual Report/Audited Statements to Membership.
- Prepares all year-end closing and reconciling adjustments as required under GAAP.
- Manages the compilation and production of all information required for the financial audit and ensures successful completion of the audit according to predetermined standards and timetables.
- Presents Annual Report/Audited Statements to Membership and Chief and Council.
- Provides all support and management services to the Finance and Audit Committee (FAC), including quarterly financial statements.
- Management, development, and planning of all financial administrative law requirements, including, but not limited to, maintaining a tangible capital assets schedule; five, ten, and 30-year forecasts of the estimated cost for rehabilitation, or replacement of the First Nation tangible capital assets.
Strategic Planning, Policy & Process - Establishes and maintains internal controls to ensure compliance with financial and human resources legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Attendance at all required meetings of Council. Provides strategic input and recommendations to leadership on organizational financial matters.
- Develops financial processes and policies in accordance with the FAL and guiding principles set out by the Council, First Nation Administrator, and GAAP.
- Develops policies for the Finance and Audit Committee. Prepares and / or provides any documentation and financial information required by the Council and / or the Finance and Audit Committee to discharge its responsibilities.
- Develops and establishes long-term and short-term strategic plans, objectives, resources, and system requirements related to finance and accounting.
- Provides all financial reporting required by scheduled deadlines and provides special reports as needed or requested.
- Oversees funding and appropriate disbursement of funds to various departments and/or divisions.
- Oversees and manages the payroll systems and processes.
- Ensures compliance with all payroll, pension, and benefits legislation.
- Manages all pension and benefits programs; working closely with Human Resources, including analysis, and costing of the plans to ensure the best value.
Education & Experience - Professional Accounting Designation – CA, CPA, CMA. Years of relevant work experience may be considered.
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or Business Administration or an equivalent form of training.
- A minimum of ten years of experience in Financial Management and Accounting.
- Knowledge and experience using Sage Intacct.
- Knowledge of, and experience with First Nations, Mi’kmaq communities, current social and political affairs, and community needs.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience working in a financial capacity with the First Nation community and/ or government would be an asset.
- Experience in Information Technology oversight would be an asset.
Knowledge & Skills - Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a high standard of accuracy in all financial and operational matters.
- Strong strategic and financial acumen, with the ability to provide sound judgment and influence organizational decision making.
- Committed to supporting the economic development and long-term sustainability of Millbrook First Nation.
- Understanding of, or commitment to embedding, Mi'kmaq values, practices, and ways of working across the organization and in external partnerships.
- Builds and maintains trusted relationships with staff, leadership, community members, funders, government, and external partners.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities while navigating complex and evolving environments.
- Collaborative and solutions-oriented, balancing strategic
- thinking with practical implementation.
- Demonstrates initiative, sound problem-solving skills, and the ability to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Values continuous learning, professional growth, and the development and mentorship of others.
- Able to balance long-term strategic priorities with day-to-day operational and financial responsibilities.
- Committed to making decisions that support the current and future success of Millbrook First Nation.
The Package
Salary: $140,000 - $150,000 annually
Benefits & Perks: Health & Dental coverage, Pension Plan, paid Vacation and Medical days, 2-week paid Holiday Shutdown, observance of Federal and Provincial Holidays, 4 additional Indigenous Holidays, and Summer Fridays.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 -hour compressed work week. Some evenings and weekend availability will be required from time to time.
Location: On-site at Millbrook Band Office, 820 Willow St, Truro, NS B2N 6N7
Our Process & Application Details
What to Expect - Hiring processes often reflect systems that don’t work for everyone. At Placemaking 4G, we believe recruitment should be relational and affirming. Our desire is that candidates are respected, informed, and supported throughout.
- We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
- If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
- Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives.
- Finalists may participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in-person).
- P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.
Application Details - Applications will be accepted until August 14, 2026 at noon AST.
- Please include a cover letter that speaks to your experience and offers a glimpse of your personality.
Have questions about the role? Reach out to the Lead Placemaker at P4G to learn more.
Amr ElKhashab
amr@p4g.ca Placemaking 4G is a human-dynamics and recruitment firm that helps organizations rethink how they hire and how they support people once they’re through the door.
We partner with organizations to build thoughtful teams through human-centred recruiting services, leading human dynamics (human resource) consulting, facilitation, and educational offerings.
