HomeMy Public PortalAboutDirector of Finance and Information Services-Treasurer_Job Description_2021-02-21
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Director of Financial and Information Services/Treasurer
The Municipality of Chester is the “gateway” to the South Shore, boasting ocean and lakeside waterfront,
forest glades, farmland, and an abundance of amenities: the perfect blend of work and casual living. MOC
offers an easy 40 minute commute to downtown Halifax. are the “perfect slice” of Nova Scotia, mingling
tradition with the 21st century; leisure with business; rural with convenience. We are overflowing with local
treasures to be explored and have opportunity aplenty. Enjoy the feel of close-knit, safe, community living
within proximity to major centers, healthcare, schools, green spaces, childcare, and amenities such as shops,
restaurants, trails, cultural venues, community centres, and much more.
The Municipality of the District of Chester is seeking a Director of Financial and Information Services/Treasurer
to be responsible for day-to-day financial reporting and controls, accounting and treasury functions, payroll
and purchasing, and budget preparation and forecasting. The Director works with executive management
within the Municipality to provide timely advice and recommendations to Council on important issues and
ensure that policy and procedures are followed, and services delivered on their behalf. The Director is also
responsible for the Information Services function through collaboration with the Director of Information
Services.
The successful candidate must have a university degree/diploma in accounting, finance, or business
administration, or a closely related field, and ideally with five (5) years’ work experience in municipal finance.
The Professional designation of CPA would be an asset.
A copy of the Job Description may be requested from the undersigned or found on the Municipality’s website
at www.chester.ca.
This competition will remain open until successfully filled.
Please send your resume along with three professional references, in confidence, using one of the following
options:
By email at employment@chester.ca
By fax at 902-275-4771
By mail to:
Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk
151 King Street
PO Box 369
Chester, NS B0J 1J0
902-275-4109
While we thank you for your interest, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
The Municipality of Chester is committed to treating people fairly, with respect and dignity, and to offering
equal employment opportunities based upon an individual's qualifications and performance — free from
discrimination or harassment because of Age, Race, Colour, Religion, Creed, Ethnic, national or aboriginal
origin, Sex (including pregnancy and pay equity), Sexual orientation, Physical disability, Mental disability,
Family status, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or other protected characteristics, in accordance with the
Nova Scotia Human Rights Code.
The Municipality of Chester is committed to the principles of the Accessibility Act. As such, we strive to make
our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations
as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the
application and hiring process, please contact employement@chester.ca.
Municipality of the District of Chester
Position Description
Position Title: Director of Financial and Information Services/Treasurer
Reports to: Chief Administrative Officer
Location: Municipal of the District of Chester, Subject to change
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
May be subject to change. Overtime as may be required.
Status: Regular Full-Time
Classification: Administrative
Salary Band: Directors 1
Updated: February 17, 2021
SCOPE
The Director reports to the Chief Administrative Officer and is accountable for day-to-day
financial reporting and controls, accounting and treasury functions, payroll and purchasing, and
budget preparation and forecasting. The Director works with executive management within the
Municipality to provide timely advice and recommendations to Council on important issues and
ensure that policy and procedures are followed, and services delivered on their behalf.
Responsible for the Information Services function through collaboration with the Director of
Information Services.
OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER LEGISLATION
1. The Municipality of the District of Chester is committed to workplace safety and all
employees are expected to actively participate in the Municipality’s Occupational Health
and Safety Policy and Program and Occupational Health and Safety Legislation as well as
Regulations of the Province of Nova Scotia.
2. The Municipality of the District of Chester complies with the Employment Legislation of
Nova Scotia and all employees are also expected to act in accordance with the appropriate
Legislation as well.
QUALIFICATIONS
Director of Finance/Treasurer (continued) 2
1. A university degree / diploma in accounting, finance, or business administration, or a
closely related field, and ideally with five (5) years’ work experience in municipal finance.
2. Considerable knowledge of modern governmental accounting theory, principles, and
practices.
3. Considerable knowledge of internal control procedures and management information
systems.
4. Considerable knowledge of office automation and computerized financial applications.
5. Considerable knowledge of public finance and fiscal planning.
6. Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports.
7. Ability to maintain efficient and effective financial systems and procedures.
8. Ability to effectively supervise staff.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and
municipal officials.
10. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
11. Professional designation of CPA would be an asset.
SUMMARY OF FUNCTION
Responsible for:
1. The Director of Financial and Information Services/Treasurer is accountable to the Chief
Administrative Officer and is responsible for the coordination and administration of the
Municipality’s financial administration.
2. The position is responsible for the information service function.
3. The position is also directly responsible to Council for the legislative responsibilities
contained in the Municipal Government Act in relation to the statutory duties of the
Treasurer.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
The following is a general outline of the duties and responsibilities of the Director of
Finance/Treasurer. The listing in not intended to be all-inclusive or to limit the Director’s
initiative to expand his/her function beyond this scope nor is it intended to limit the Chief
Administrative Officer’s right to assign other duties.
1. Responsible to manage and supervise the Manager of Finance and the Director of
Information Services.
2. Consult with and advise the Director of Information Systems on information systems best
practices, projects, strategic direction, and budgeting,
Director of Finance/Treasurer (continued) 3
3. Responsible for the effective and efficient operation and general administration of the
Finance Department and to ensure that it functions properly at all times.
4. The Director of Financial and Information Services shall be designated, pursuant to the
Municipal Government Act, the Treasurer of the Municipality and is thereby responsible
for the statutory duties outlined therein.
5. Participates as a senior member of the management team in the development of
corporate and department program goals and objectives through participation in a
corporate planning process.
6. Establish and monitor an internal control system to ensure such is appropriate to
maintain proper controls.
7. Be actively involved in budget preparation and coordination of departmental budgets,
both operating and capital.
8. Monitor all expenditures within the operating and capital budgets, ensuring that they are
authorized, properly coded and recorded, and on a regular basis advising the CAO
respecting the same.
9. Prepares quarterly, annual, and special reports as directed, including reports on the
current and projected financial position of the Municipality.
10. Ensure that all financial reporting to Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and
other provincial and federal government departments and agencies is carried out in a
timely manner as required.
11. Annually prepare the financial statements for the Municipality for audit by the external
auditors.
12. Provide support to the Audit Committee and provide orientation to new Audit
Committee members.
13. Responsible for the monitoring and preparation of cash flow statements on a regular
basis and ensuring the timely investment of surplus funds in order to ensure that
optimum interest income is received in accordance with the Investment Policy of Council.
14. Responsible to ensure the maintenance of records for trust accounts and ensure that
investments are carried out in a timely manner to optimize investment return.
15. Be aware of financial grant programs and ensure the preparation of applications and
submission to claims for all programs worthwhile to the Municipality is carried out in a
timely manner.
16. Keep informed of developments in the field of municipal accounting systems and be fully
aware of the policies, principles and practices as outlined in the PSAB and provincial
regulation for Municipal Government in Nova Scotia.
17. Amend and create finance policies as required.
18. Attend Council and/or Committee meetings as required.
19. Submit to the CAO recommendations for the recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion,
suspension or dismissal of employees under his/her jurisdiction.
Director of Finance/Treasurer (continued) 4
20. Acts as a signing officer for the Municipality and other associated agencies, as
authorized.
21. Responsible for all aspects of Tax Collection per Assessment Act and Municipal
Government Act and advises the CAO on the same.
22. Participates in relevant training and development programs. Maintains a relevant
knowledge base and skill set, computer/software skills.
23. Act of Treasurer of the Zoe Valle Library, preparing annual financial statements and
annual charities return (T3010).
24. Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates appropriate customer service practices.
Carry out any and all duties and responsibilities that the CAO shall see fit to direct or that
shall arise from time to time.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
This employee shall be a Department Head and, as such, shall ensure effective communication
with the CAO and all other heads of departments to ensure coordinated delivery.
DIRECT SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Manager of Finance
2. Director of Information Services
CONTACTS
1. Provincial Government Departments
2. Municipal Solicitor
3. Members of Council and Staff
4. Audit Committee
5. Municipal Finance Officers
6. Association of Municipal Administrators, NS
7. Canadian Association of Government Finance Officers
8. Chartered Professional Accountants Nova Scotia
9. Municipal bankers
10. Insurance broker
11. Village of Chester
12. Zoe Valle Library
13. General Public