Budget Officer

Position Title: Budget Officer
Reporting To: Senior Finance Officer
Location: Remote, hybrid or local (MNC Office, #600-180 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON)
Position Status: Full Time (35 hours per week), Permanent

The Organization:
The Métis Nation is a distinct Indigenous people recognized under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982. The Métis National Council (MNC) and its Governing Members advocate for the Métis Nation. The primary mandate of the MNC is to work with federal and other key stakeholders to resolve systemic issues and concerns of the Métis Nation such as the fiscal relationship with the federal government; economic development; health; childcare and family services; education; environment, Métis veterans, and language promotion and protection. The MNC represents the Métis Nation both domestically and abroad and seeks to reinforce the Métis Nation’s right to self-government in Canada.

The Position:
Under the supervision of the Senior Finance Officer, the Budget Officer will be responsible for overseeing financial planning, budget development, and expenditure monitoring. The officer will also provide insightful financial information to aid management in making sound business decisions ensuring the fulfillment of MNC's financial obligations in strict adherence to established accounting policies and procedures.
Integral to the role of a Budget Officer in a policy organization is meticulous budget planning, accurate financial analysis, and effective communication with stakeholders. By aligning resources with organizational priorities, monitoring expenditures, and fostering collaboration, the Budget Officer ensures financial stability and supports informed decision-making.
As a vital member of the Finance team, the Budget Officer contributes to the seamless financial operations of the MNC and provides regular updates on budgetary status and financial performance. The role requires a keen attention to detail, a thorough understanding of financial processes, and effective communication skills to uphold the highest standards in financial accountability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop annual budgets in coordination with department heads and senior management
• Analyze historical spending patterns and forecase future financial requirements
• Ensure that budget allocations align with organizationa l priorities and strategic objectives
• Review budget proposals and provide recommendations for optimization and efficiency
• Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and identify variances
• Conduct financial analysis to assess the financial health of the organization
• Prepare regular financial reports and present findings to Senior Finance Officer
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve budget management and cost-effectiveness
• Manage grants and funding received from external sources, ensuring compliance with grant requirements
• Develop grant proposals and budgets in collaboration with program managers
• Monitor grant expenditures and prepare financial reports for grantors
• Forecast case flow requirements and ensure availability of funds for ongoing operations
• Analyze cash flow trends and identify potential risks or opportunities
• Suggest strategies to optimize cash flow and liquidity management
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, policies, and procedures
• Stay abreast of changes in financial regulations and reporting requirements
• Develop and implement internal controls to safeguard financial assets and mitigate risks
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather financial information and support decision-making
• Communicate budgetary guidelines and procedures to departmental staff
• Serve as liaison with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and funding partners
• Identify opportunities to streamline budget process and enhance efficiency
• Implement technological solutions to automate budgeting and reporting tasks
• Continuously evaluate and improve financial management practices.

Qualifications:

• Certificate in Accounting or Bookkeeping and/or a minimum of 5 years of progressively related experience specifically with budget planning, financial analysis, and grant management
• Experience with and knowledge of accounting software such as QuickBooks Online or Sage
• Attention-to-detail, accuracy and an ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work well with others to achieve desired results or independently, as required
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, time-management and problem-solving skills, sometimes under pressure
• Flexible and responsive to changing needs and circumstances
• Strong Excel skills and ability to generate and maintain accurate spreadsheets
• Very good oral and written communication skills to achieve clarity and understanding with suppliers, service providers and other stakeholders.
• Certification (e.g. CPA, CMA) is a plus

Knowledge and Skills:

• Understanding of Métis culture, history, and the unique challenges faced by Métis communities. Knowledge of the Métis Nation's historical, political and legal issues High level of tact, diplomacy, discretion Excellent judgement and creativity Organizational, multi-tasking and time-management skills Resilience and adaptability Strong ability to work independently and with a team

Additional Requirements:

• Complete a clean Criminal Record Check with the Vulnerable Sector.