Director of Corporate Services

Big Lake County's economy is supported by agriculture, forestry, aggregate, tourism and recreation, and the oil and gas industry.
The Towns of High Prairie and Swan Hills are key service hubs within the County.
Collectively the County offers access to many services and amenities including health services, airport, primary, secondary, and post-secondary education, secondary medical and pharmaceutical services, fire protection, policing, seniors and supportive living care and housing, community organizations, shopping and a multitude of recreation facilities, green spaces, sports fields, curling rinks, and parks.
As it is named, four 'big lakes' reside within the County, Lesser Slave Lake, Snipe Lake, Utikuma Lake and Winagami Lake.

The County is legislated under the Alberta Municipal Government Act and is governed by a Council comprised of nine (9) Councillors from which a Reeve and Deputy Reeve are appointed.

Vision:

Building a sustainable municipality.

Mission:

To enhance our community by encouraging responsible development that supports our agricultural and resource-based industries.

About the Opportunity

The County is seeking a Director of Corporate Services who will be a member of the Senior Management team.
The Director of Corporate Services reports to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
The individual will direct, control, support and co-ordinate the following functions:
financial planning, accounting, banking and investments, assessment and taxation, customer service, utility customer transactions, insurance, risk management, and corporate legal liability.

Positions Supervised:

Receptionists, Accounts Payable Clerk, IT Administrator, Grants Officer, Taxation Clerk, Finance Controller, and Project Costing Clerk.

Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Monitor Department operations, along with the performance and development of its staff, to ensure consistency with County policy and statutory requirements.
• Carry out the duties of Director of Corporate Services by managing County revenues and reserve funds through provision of banking, investment, and cash flow projection services.
• Responsible for leading the customer service receptionists and Interac-payment processing systems.
• Plan and oversee the County's overall financial management activities including budgeting, inventory control and reporting, accounting, insurance, and treasury support.
• Monitor and recommend appropriate financial control processes and policies.
• Lead the grant application and reporting duties for relevant provincial and federal grants.
• Compile and prepare (in discussion with the management team) and recommend the overall County operating and capital budgets and associated tax rates and collaborate with the Chief Administrative Officer for final presentation to Council.
• Ensure that financial management and reporting is carried out in a timely and effective manner.
• In conjunction with auditors and staff, prepare the necessary year-end working papers and applicable audited financial statements pursuant to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and practices.
• Maintain a current understanding of applicable municipal legislation and leadership, as well as relevant provincial and federal government programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Responsible for the municipal taxation process and property assessment.
  This includes ensuring that mill rates are set to ensure the County receives the tax funding it requires.
• Advise on appropriate reserve fund management to address and plan for future Capital requirements.
• Oversee, review, advise, and update CAO and Council on County assets, debentures, and investments.
• Responsible to prepare and present the monthly financial report, for both operating and capital accounts showing the County's financial position against the approved budget.
• Attend all meetings designated by the CAO which may include Council, Regional Landfill, Committees and Boards, appointed by Council, and assist in the decision-making process by providing advice, guidance and consultation as required.
• When the CAO is absent, the Director of Corporate Services may perform Acting CAO duties.
• Perform any other duties as may be required by the CAO.

Qualifications

• CGA, CMA or CPA/CA designation is desirable, a combination of other relevant education and experience may be considered.
• A minimum of 5-years' experience at a senior level financial accounting and reporting role preferably with a Municipality or government organization; 5-years auditing experience in Municipal Government may also be considered.
  (Experience in non-municipal government area may also be considered).
• Experience and knowledge using Municipal Affairs MAConnect grant portal.
• Experience with common municipal financial software such as Great Plains, Diamond Municipal Solutions, and City Wide would be an asset.
• Experience in liaison with Public Works staff in capital works and infrastructure improvement programs would be an asset.
• Must be bondable.

Big Lakes County is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff benefits and enriches the work environment and contributes to organizational excellence.
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals including candidates from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package commensurate with skills and experience.
Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.
All finalists will undergo a Criminal Records and Credit Check and must provide a drivers abstract (5-yr) and proof of valid Class 5 Drivers License.