Finance Manager

Finance Manager

Permanent Full Time 37.5 hours

Position is required on site in office location in Three Hills, AB.

Kneehill County is seeking a detail-driven and collaborative Finance Manager who brings both technical excellence and a strong commitment to teamwork. This role is central to strengthening our financial operations, supporting organizational transparency, and fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and service excellence.

We are looking for someone who is not only highly skilled in finance, but who also brings energy, curiosity, and a positive, solutions-focused approach to our exceptional Financial Services team. The ideal candidate values communication, partnership, and adaptability—and enjoys working across all levels of the organization to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

If you’re excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a high-performing municipal team, we would love to meet you.

Welcome to Kneehill County

Situated in the heart of central Alberta, Kneehill County is a progressive rural municipality encompassing approximately 814,653 acres and home to 5,001 residents, with more than 11,000 people living across our neighbouring towns, villages, and hamlets—including Three Hills, Trochu, Acme, Carbon, Linden, Torrington, Huxley, Swalwell, and Wimborne.

Our region offers exceptional recreational amenities and a vibrant quality of life, with swimming pools, skating rinks, walking and biking trails, curling rinks, playgrounds, campgrounds, golf courses, and beautiful parks, making it a wonderful place to live, work, and explore.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Finance Manager is responsible for the overall management and day-to-day operations of Kneehill County’s financial functions, including financial systems, processes, administration, budgeting, reporting, and internal controls. The position ensures the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant financial information to support effective decision-making and meet all legislative, regulatory, accounting, and County policy requirements.

The Finance Manager provides leadership, direction, and mentorship to the finance team and manages the Accounts Payable and Procurement positions. Working collaboratively with the Chief Administrative Officer and departments across the organization, the Finance Manager promotes sound financial management, strong fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, and the continuous improvement of the County’s financial practices and processes.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Oversight

• Collaborate with the Chief Administrative Officer to establish and maintain sound financial practices, benchmarks, and performance measures that support organizational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage the County’s annual operating and capital budget processes, including budget development, monitoring, forecasting, and reporting.
• Oversee daily financial operations, including cash receipts, accounts receivable, accounts payable, property taxation, utility billing, and payroll processing.
• Prepare, review, and ensure the timely submission of internal and external financial reports, including financial statements, GST filings, and the annual Financial Information Return (FIR).
• Monitor and analyze operating and capital revenues and expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets, financial plans, and organizational priorities.
• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the general ledger and support sub-ledgers through sound accounting practices, appropriate internal controls, reconciliations, and regular account reviews.
• Coordinate the year-end financial reporting process, including the preparation and review of working papers, year-end adjustments, reconciliations, and supporting documentation required for the preparation of annual financial statements.
• Develop and maintain Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) calculations, working papers, and supporting documentation in accordance with applicable Public Sector Accounting Standards.
• Coordinate and manage the annual external audit process, including the preparation of audit documentation, responses to auditor requests, and completion of associated reporting requirements.
• Prepare and support the development of financial reports, analyses, presentations, and recommendations for Council and senior administration, as required.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and accounting developments that may affect the County, including changes to the Municipal Government Act, Public Sector Accounting Standards, and other applicable financial and regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identify and pursue grant funding opportunities that support the County’s strategic priorities, capital projects, and operational needs, and oversee associated applications, financial administration, compliance, and reporting.

Leadership

The successful candidate demonstrates strong leadership grounded in professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to service excellence. Key leadership competencies include:

• Strategic Thinking
   Anticipates financial and organizational needs, identifies risks and opportunities, and contributes to long-term planning and decision-making.
• Team Leadership & Development
   Builds a positive, respectful, and high-performing work environment; mentors staff; fosters collaboration; and promotes continuous learning.
• Accountability & Integrity
   Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all decisions and actions; maintains confidentiality and acts in the best interest of the organization.
• Communication & Relationship Building
   Communicates clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders; fosters trust, clarity, and transparency in all interactions.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking
   Approaches challenges with curiosity and logic, developing practical, well-supported solutions that improve accuracy, efficiency, and service.
• Adaptability & Resilience
   Works effectively in a fast-paced environment, manages competing priorities, and navigates change with a calm, steady, solutions-focused mindset.
• Political Acumen
   Understands the municipal environment, anticipates sensitivities, and acts with tact, diplomacy, and awareness of organizational and community context.

Core Competencies

• Financial Expertise – Deep knowledge of municipal accounting, PSAB standards, budgeting, audit processes, and financial reporting.
• Attention to Detail – Ensures accuracy, compliance, and completeness in all financial records and processes.
• Collaboration – Works effectively across departments to support shared goals and enhance corporate efficiency.
• Customer Service Orientation – Provides clear, timely, and professional support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Technology Proficiency – Skilled in municipal financial systems (e.g., Diamond/Great Plains) and advanced Excel use.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset – Identifies opportunities to streamline processes, improve controls, and support operational excellence.

Qualifications

• A recognized accounting designation (CPA) or active progress toward designation; a combination of education and experience in accounting, business administration, or commerce may be considered.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible municipal accounting experience, ideally including supervisory experience.
• Strong working knowledge of all legislation and regulations relevant to municipal finance, including PSAB standards and the Municipal Government Act.
• Solid understanding of municipal accounting practices, financial reporting requirements, and year-end processes.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong internal and external relationships and contribute positively to team culture.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a commitment to high-quality customer service.
• Proficiency with financial information systems such as Great Plains/Diamond Municipal Solutions and Questica Budgeting.
• Strong competency in Microsoft 365
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, motivate, and develop staff while fostering a respectful, productive, and collaborative work environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High degree of political acumen and professional ethics.
• Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Comprehensive group health benefits
• An engaging, people-centered work environment
• Strong policy framework and supportive leadership
• Open-door culture for ideas, innovation, and creativity
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Fun, friendly, and collaborative colleagues

WAGE: Grid 11 - $126,203-155,213