Request for Proposals: Financial Controller Services

Job Description

The Qwelmínte Secwépemc (QS) is a collective of seven (7) Secwépemc communities working together to strengthen its government-to-government (G2G) relationships with the Province of British Columbia (BC) and respective ministries. Through a shared commitment outlined in the QS-BC Skú7pecen's Journey Letter of Commitment (SJ LoC), QS Signatories are working to transform how decisions are made about their Ancestral territories / Areas of Responsibility and resources.

Supported by the QS Secretariat Office (QSO), the collective draws on generations of Secwépemc knowledge, values and leadership, to build respectful partnerships that honour both Indigenous (Secwépemc) and western approaches to stewardship. The collective Areas of Responsibility includes the Fraser River (including the Thompson/Shuswap and Fraser Headwaters) and Columbia River basins.

Inspired by the Skú7pecen (Porcupine) story / telling, the SJ LoC is grounded in four (4) core principles, including the principle of Walking on Two-Legs - bringing together Indigenous and western knowledge systems to guide decision-making and land stewardship. Together, the QS is working to move beyond outdated consultation practices and toward a new era of shared responsibility, revitalization, and collaboration.

POSITION PROFILE:

Financial Controller Services (Contract) opportunity.

Qwelmínte Secwépemc ("QS") Office is seeking proposals from qualified accounting and financial management professionals or firms to provide Financial Controller services to support QS Secretariat operations, governance bodies, and the QS Finance Team.

The successful engagement will provide professional financial oversight, systems support, audit preparation, and advisory services in alignment with QS policies, Indigenous governance structures, and the QS-BC Government-to-Government framework.

This engagement is advisory and oversight in nature and does not include day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll processing, transactional accounting, or operational finance administration unless expressly agreed to in writing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core Financial Services

Provide Financial Controller services in relation to QS Secretariat operations
Participate as part of the QS Finance Team, reporting to the Responsible Official and/or Administrative Manager
Provide advice and support on QS financial policies
Support the development and refinement of financial controls and procedures

Governance & Advisory Support

Support preparation and review of financial materials for the QS Administrative Committee and Joint Leadership Council (JLC)
Attend finance-related meetings as required to provide analysis, advice, and recommendations
Provide financial input to support QS governance decision-making, funding agreements, and stewardship initiatives

Systems & Internal Controls

Provide advice on financial systems, internal controls, and accounting practices
Support continuous improvement of financial management processes and reporting
Identify risks and opportunities to strengthen transparency and accountability

Audit & Compliance

Provide audit preparation support and required financial documentation
Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, legislation, funding requirements, and QS policies

Capacity Support

Provide mentorship or financial guidance to internal programs (e.g., Knowledge Builders Program), where requested and appropriate

DELIVERABLES:

Deliverables may include, but are not limited to:

Monthly financial oversight review and advisory input
Support for quarterly governance financial reporting cycles
Annual audit preparation and coordination support
Governance-ready financial reports and briefing materials
Recommendations to strengthen financial systems and controls
Knowledge sharing and capacity support activities, as requested

Final deliverables and reporting cadence will be confirmed in the executed agreement.

Requirements

Professional accounting designation (CPA or equivalent) in good standing
Minimum seven (7) years of progressive senior accounting or Financial Controller experience
Demonstrated experience supporting governance reporting and audit processes
Experience working within Indigenous governments, public-sector, or non-profit governance environments
Ability to provide services within Canada

QS encourages submissions from Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led firms. Experience working with Indigenous governments, particularly within British Columbia or Secwépemc territory, will be considered an asset.

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain appropriate professional liability coverage consistent with the scope of services.

ENGAGEMENT DETAILS:

Term: Initial one (1) year agreement anticipated April 1, March 31, 2027
Commitment: QS anticipates an average commitment of up to approximately three (3) days per month
Engagement Model: Independent contractor agreement. Meetings are anticipated to occur virtually, with cadence varying based on reporting cycles and governance needs

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:

Submissions must include:

Relevant experience and qualifications
Proposed approach to delivering the scope of work
Identification of the proposed lead Financial Controller and any supporting personnel
Daily and/or hourly rates
Anticipated level of effort per month
At least two (2) references for similar work

Submission Deadline: March 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)

Additional information about Qwelmínte Secwépemc can be found at:

Qwelmínte Secwépemc thanks all respondents for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration may be contacted. QS reserves the right to amend, modify, or cancel this RFP process at its discretion.