Secretary-Treasurer (CFO)

Secretary-Treasurer (CFO) Peace River, Alberta

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an amazing opportunity for a Secretary- Treasurer (CFO) to join a progressive public-school authority in Peace River, Alberta.  Guided by the Division’s mission, vision, values and beliefs, the Secretary-Treasurer will assist the Superintendent in fulfilling the general and specific aspects of the role description for the Superintendent as defined in the School Act, the Northland School Division Act and Board policy. 

The Secretary-Treasurer will be directly responsible and accountable to the Superintendent for providing leadership in the areas of financial and business administration. This position will be based in Peace River, Alberta and will be preferred on-site (there is opportunity of a hybrid or remote working environment). Relocation assistance will be provided. 

THE CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will have knowledge of and experience with Board governance, records management, statutory and regulatory requirements and election processes and be highly skilled in fiscal management; will be an energetic and progressive leader, with a strong commitment to public education and to the Division’s mission, vision and principles. 

This individual will have a strong work ethic; be committed to excellence and continuous improvement; be a strong team player; and will ensure accountability of self and others. The candidate will have demonstrated exemplary organizational, technological, interpersonal, communication and conflict resolution skills and have the ability to liaise with Alberta Education and Infrastructure departments.

Responsibilities include serving as the Division’s chief financial officer and corporate secretary; providing leadership for the development of the annual budget and facilities master plan; administering the student transportation program; and handling FOIP requirements, contracts, agreements and partnerships.

THE ORGANIZATION

With approximately 2,000 students and 21 schools, the Northland School Division No. 61 is situated in some of the most stunning areas in northern Alberta. Covering 288,347 square kilometers. The schools are located near mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and wetlands in Treaty 6 and 8 Territories where there is a high respect for the history, language, and culture in these territories.

For more information, please visit their website at:  www.nsd61.ca

For more information about Peace River Country, please visit www.peaceriver.ca or www.discoverthepeacecountry.com

The SecretaryTreasurer will have specific responsibilities for:

Corporate Secretary

• Arranges and provides notice for all Board meetings, including committee and public meetings.
• Under the direction of the Superintendent, assists in the preparation of the Board meeting agenda package.
• Attends all Board meetings; ensures accuracy of recording of proceedings at all Board and committee meetings (minutes).
• Ensures proper completion of contracts, agreements and partnerships with outside corporations/agencies.
• Ensures appropriate insurance policies are in place for the Division.
• Ensures the maintenance, access and protection of records in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) and Regulations.
• Ensures public disclosure of expenses by elected and appointed officials in accordance with legislation and Board policy.
• Provides for the interpretation of legislation affecting the operation of the Division, as directed by the Superintendent.
• Acts as Returning Officer for the election of trustees.

Corporate Treasurer

• Ensures the accuracy of funding received by the Division.
• Ensures the fiscal management of the Division is in accordance with the terms or conditions of any funding received.
• Ensures the operation of the Division is fiscally responsible.
• Administers the financial records and risk management operation of the Division.
• Designs budget cycles which meet provincial requirements and provide for stakeholder input.
• Prepares the draft budget, aligned with the proposed Three-Year Education Plan, under the direction of the Superintendent and within the guidelines set by the Board and the requirements of Alberta Education.
• Manages the purchasing function for the Division.
• Maintains appropriate inventory and appraisal records.
• Provides oversight to the payroll program and ensures the program is consistent with Division values.
• Acts as the Division’s signing authority, together with the Board Chair, for all financial, land and property transactions.
• Invests surplus funds in accordance with Board policy and administrative procedures.
• Manages and tracks progress of grants and special project funds.
• Produces financial accountability and other reports in compliance with all legal and Ministerial mandates and timelines, and Superintendent directives.
• Negotiates tuition agreements with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and First Nations in collaboration with the Superintendent, for Board approval.
• Assists principals with the preparation of budgets and the management of their financial affairs.
• In collaboration with the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, provides support to the Board’s negotiating committees.

Human Resource Management

• Provides input to the Associate Superintendent, Human Resources with regard to the recruitment and appointment of support personnel.
• Provides support to the Associate Superintendent, Human Resources in the provision of learning opportunities for Division Office support staff and for business functions for school

Facility Services

• Provides leadership in the development of annual updates to the Three-Year Capital Plan, including provisions for instructional and support services.
• Ensures that building assets are maintained in an appropriate manner.

Student Transportation Services

• Ensures the safety and welfare of students while being transported to and from school on transportation provided by the Division.

Policy/Administrative Procedures

• Assists the Superintendent in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of Board policy within areas of responsibility.
• Provides leadership in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of administrative procedures within areas of responsibility.
• Ensures application of Board policies and administrative procedures as required in the performance of duties.

Organizational Management

• Demonstrates effective organizational skills resulting in compliance with all legal, Ministerial and Board mandates and timelines and adherence to Superintendent directives.
• Contributes to a Division culture which facilitates positive results, effectively handles emergencies and deals with crisis situations in a team-oriented, collaborative and cohesive fashion.

Communications and Community Relations

• Takes appropriate actions to ensure open, transparent internal and external communications are developed and maintained in areas of responsibility.
• Ensures parents and staff have a high level of satisfaction with the services provided and the responsiveness of the department.
• Investigates and facilitates resolution of concerns and conflicts, within assigned areas of responsibility.

Superintendent Relations

• Establishes and maintains positive, professional working relations with the Superintendent.
• Honours and facilitates the implementation of the Board’s roles and responsibilities as defined in Board policy and encourages staff to do the same.
• Provides information which the Superintendent requires to perform his/her role in an exemplary fashion.
• Performs other duties as may be required as a member of the Executive Team or as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Serves on such committees as determined by the Superintendent.

Leadership Practices

• Practices leadership in a manner that is viewed positively and has the support of those with whom s/he works in carrying out the Superintendent’s expectations.
• Exhibits a high level of personal, professional and organizational integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree or master’s in accounting, financial management or business.
• Professional accounting designation – CPA or CA.
• 5+ years of managerial experience.
• 5+ years of school division experience would be an asset.
• Ability to lead and coach/mentor a team.
• Commitment to strategic planning.
• Knowledge about current trends in education.
• Experience introducing, supporting and supervising change.
• Excellent human relations skills.
• Strong communication skills – speaking, listening, writing.
• ASBOA designation of Certified School Business Official would be an asset.
• Extensive knowledge of data processing techniques and systems (both manual and computerized).
• Considerable knowledge of modern business practices.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of financial management and accounting principles, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and auditing. They should be able to develop and manage budgets, prepare financial statements, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Strong leadership skills and be able to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. They should be able to effectively communicate with staff, board members, and external stakeholders such as government officials and community members.
• Able to think strategically and have a strong understanding of the division’s long-term goals and objectives. They should be able to identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations to the board and superintendent.
• Strong understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to school division operations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sandy Jacobson | T: 780.944.1327 | E: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca

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