Job Description:

The R.M. of Wallace-Woodworth is seeking a strategic, experienced, and innovative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead its financial management and long-term fiscal planning. As a key member of the senior management team, the CFO is responsible for providing expert advice to Council and the CAO, implementing the asset management plan, and aligning financial strategies with the 2025–2030
Strategic Plan. The CFO reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

This position oversees the Finance Department and ensures financial oversight of all municipal functions including operating and capital budgets, utility finances, infrastructure planning, and grant compliance. The CFO plays a critical role in positioning the municipality for growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
– Serve as the senior financial advisor to Council, the CAO, and department heads, providing expert guidance on financial policy, fiscal planning, and strategic investments
– Lead the development of multi-year budgets, long-range financial forecasts, and reserve strategies aligned with the municipality’s strategic plan
– Champion continuous improvement of financial systems, reporting processes, internal controls, and performance measurement tools
– Lead the financial components of the municipality’s asset management program, ensuring accurate lifecycle costing, capital prioritization, and integration of asset data into budget and funding decisions
– Prepare utility rate studies and Public Utilities Board (PUB) applications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and long-term utility fund sustainability
– Collaborate with Public Works, Utilities, and GIS teams to align capital planning with asset condition assessments and service level objectives
– Support or coordinate debenture applications, borrowing strategies, risk management, and longterm debt planning to fund priority infrastructure needs
– Evaluate and recommend effective funding models to sustain long-term infrastructure investment and service delivery, consistent with the municipality’s strategic goals

Functional Responsibilities
– Develop and monitor annual budgets, tax rate models, and capital expenditure plans.
– Coordinate the preparation of detailed financial analyses to support Council decision-making.
– Manage internal controls, cash flow forecasting, and audit preparedness.
– Lead the preparation of year-end financial statements and reports in accordance with PSAB standards.

-Support the preparation of grant funding applications and ensure financial reporting and compliance for externally funded projects.
– Maintain awareness of provincial and federal legislation related to compensation, benefits, pension
plans, and payroll compliance, and ensure alignment with municipal HR and financial practices.

Team Leadership and Collabortation
– Supervise and mentor finance staff
– Promote professional development and performance excellence across the finance team.
– Collaborate with Public Works, Utilities, GIS, and Planning on financial aspects of service delivery and infrastructure planning.

Public Accountability and Communication
– Present financial information at public hearings and Council meetings in a clear and accessible
format.
– Prepare summaries, department reports, and briefing notes for Council decision-making.
– Respond to ratepayer inquiries and ensure transparency in municipal financial matters.

Governance and Policy
– Develop and update financial policies, investment strategies, and procurement guidelines.
– Ensure compliance with provincial legislation, audit standards, and municipal regulations.
– Monitor and report on financial risk, liabilities, and long-term commitments.
– Perform other duties as assigned by the CAO.

Leadership and Professional Competencies
– Proven leadership and mentoring abilities within a financial or municipal context.
– Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
– Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
– Commitment to ethical financial stewardship, fiscal responsibility, and public accountability.

Scope
The Chief Financial Officer:
– Reports to the Chief Administrative Officer
– Is accountable for the leadership of the Finance Department, including oversight of the Municpal
Accountant (with a planned re-alignment to support both finance and employee engagement functions) and Accounts Payable Clerk. The CFO provides strategic direction for all municipal financial matters, including long-term capital and operating plans, financial policy development, and grant funding compliance.

Qualifications
– Degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics; CPA designation required (or legacy CA, CMA, or CGA)

Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in finance, with experience in a senior leadership or strategic role; experience in municipal finance an asset
– Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, and grant management
– Proficiency with municipal financial systems (e.g., Muniware) is an asset
– Understanding of PSAB and the Manitoba Municipal Act is an asset
– Working knowledge of compensation, payroll, pension, and benefit-related legislation and reporting requirements is considered an asset.
– Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
– Familiarity with employment-related financial legislation and benefits compliance is an asset
– A Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration will be an asset
– Familiarity with asset management, capital planning, and rural infrastructure is highly desirable
Skills
– Effective written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and presenting financial information to Council and stakeholders
– Strong computer proficiency, including advanced use of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
– Analytical and strategic thinking skills for budget development, financial forecasting, and long-term capital planning
– Excellent time management and organizational skills to manage multiple reporting deadlines and priorities
– Proven ability to interpret financial data and legislation to support compliance and sound municipal governance
– Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, as well as independently with a high degree of professional judgement
– Experience with developing and monitoring municipal budgets, reserve planning, and expenditure tracking
– Ability to become proficient in municipal software systems such as Muniware and All-Net for financial and administrative functions

Attitude
– Pleasant personality dealing with members of the public
– Positive attitude to keep building a strong team.
– Respect, support for others and the goals that are set out from management.
– Lead by example.
– Always keeping the R.M. and ratepayers’ best interest in ALL you do.
Supervision
– Municipal Accountant (with a planned re-alignment to support both finance and employee engagement functions)
– Accounts Payable Clerk

Submit applications by:
Email: info@wallace-woodworth.com
Mail/Drop-off: R.M. of Wallace-Woodworth Municipal Office
154023 PR 257 Box 2200 (Corner of 83 Hwy & PR 257) Virden, MB R0M 2C0

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.