Lethbridge County is looking for its next Director, Corporate Services, who can build on the strong foundation already in place.The Director is responsible for the financial leadership, accounting and reporting functions of Lethbridge County, ensuring County finances are managed in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner. The ideal candidate is a finance professional that will serve as a strategic partner to both Council and Administration. This Director must see the “big picture” and be able to tie the financial processes to the broader business plan, guiding the Senior Leadership Team to build a financial plan and narrative for Council and the community.
The Director is responsible for coordination of the budget process, long-term financial planning and reporting requirements as well as risk management and the development and monitoring of control systems. The key to success is a smooth integration with the County’s Strategic Plan and aligning financial goals with the business plan. This position also provides strategic leadership and oversight for all financial and accounting operational functions, including budget strategy and management, analysis, financial forecasting, sustainability and reporting.
This position will develop, evaluate and make recommendations on financial policy regarding the various operational systems and procedures of the County and is accountable for the design and implementation of control procedures for all County assets, as well as the secure and effective investment of County funds.
The Director must be strategic in their thinking, understand the nuances of relationships and most importantly anticipate the needs of the CAO and Council as they work for the communities we serve. The most important competencies for this role are:
- Strategic planning
- Political acumen, diplomacy and confidentiality
- Problem solving & sound decision making at a strategic leadership level
- Highly developed interpersonal skills
- Highly developed communication & presentation skills
- Analysis and attention to detail
- Change management
Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan and oversee the County’s overall financial management activities, including budgeting, reporting, accounting, payroll and assessment.
- Align the County’s financial plans with the business plans approved by Council.
- Produce financial statements as required by Provincial statute; produce monthly financial statements and reports required by the County.
- Prepare and control the annual budget with input from all departments and produce a year-end statement showing the results in relation to the budgeted revenues and expenditures for the year.
- Act as a resource to all departments on financial and accounting matters.
- Administer the County’s system of accounting for all receipts and disbursements of the County; develop, coordinate and implement accounting systems and procedures.
- Oversee: bank reconciliations, inventory oversight.
- Perform cash flow analysis; prepare year-end working papers and statements for annual audit.
- Lead, train and develop direct reports and monitors their performance.
- Attend regular Council meetings, prepare reports, review agendas and acts on motions of Council.
- Work with the Assessor to adjust tax rates to achieve budget priorities and update tax bylaws annually.
- Inform Council quarterly regarding financial situation and monitor significant expenditures or extraordinary financial events.
- Complete various Federal financial statistics reports and GST rebate claims; administer financial records for the Lethbridge Regional Waste Services Commission and Lethbridge Regional Water Services Commission.
- Under the direction of the CAO and in accordance with County policy, administer the investment portfolio of the County and monitor organization cash flow and update bank information.
- Uphold and make recommendations on policies approved by Council.
- May be required to act in the Chief Administrative Officer’s role in their absence.
- Emergency Management Team member, in accordance with Bylaw 1425 be able to fulfil the duties of the Emergency Coordination Center.
- Review, check and verifies payroll and benefits, accounts payables/receivables, cash receipts and grant related documents.
- Design, implement and test financial controls for Lethbridge County.
- Oversee cost accounting functions including the preparation, review and analysis of product inventory costing, standard costing, overhead allocation and variance analysis.
- Analyze operating variances, strategic sourcing opportunities, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Perform other related duties as required.
- Post-secondary degree in Accounting or Business Administration/Management or equivalent. Ideally supported by an accounting designation (Chartered Professional Accountant-CPA) or equivalent.
- Ten or more years related work experience representing continuous learning and career progression, including a minimum of six years oversight over multiple disciplines
- Experience in a senior financial leadership role in a public sector or quasi-public sector environment is an asset.
- Proven knowledge of Municipal Government Act, regulations, relevant statutes, local improvement levies, off site levies, and special taxes
- Experience working with elected officials or a sophisticated board of directors.
- Certifications in Local Government Manager (CGLM), Local Government Administration (LGA) and/or Local Authority Administration (NACLAA) would be considered an asset.
- Excellent management, planning, coaching, supervisory, organizational and analytical skills
- Extensive technical knowledge in the areas of accounting and financial software programs
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Refined public speaking and presentation skills
- Experience in Emergency Management would be an asset.
- Experience with FOIP program administration would be an asset
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong computer skills; experienced in Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy is extremely important.
- Must be able to work in a high-volume environment and be able to prioritize to meet deadlines.
- Ability to work with all departments and provide guidance and support in regard to A/P and A/R functions.
- Strong customer relations skills and this position deals with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and residents.
- Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license.
Salary range: $140,000 - $170,000 per year
To ensure a streamlined process, please submit your application exclusively through Indeed by following the link below.
ca.indeed.com/job/director-corporate-services-941e5a3ab056fe6f
Only applications received through Indeed will be considered.
