Manager of Finance

Application Deadline:  SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Location: Westlock, Alberta - approximately one hour north of Edmonton; commuting or relocation are both realistic.

Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent

Pay: $107,673 - $143,563 annually. 7.5 hours per day/ 37.5 hours per week /1950 hours per year

Work Arrangement: On-site at the Westlock County Administration Office

Application Deadline: September 11, 2026

What You Need (Must-Have)

A Professional Accounting Designation (CPA or equivalent), achieved or actively in progress.

Three to five years of directly related, progressively responsible finance/accounting experience, including experience leading financial employees or functions.

Demonstrated experience with budgeting, financial analysis and reporting, year-end/audit preparation and strong internal controls.

Comprehensive working knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards and Alberta's Municipal Government Act.

What Would Be an Asset

Municipal or broader public-sector finance experience, particularly experience supporting elected officials, boards or public accountability requirements.

Experience modernizing or automating finance systems, workflows or reporting processes.

Why This Role Matters

At Westlock County, Finance is close to the decisions that shape municipal services. You will lead an established Finance team, translate financial information into practical advice for managers and Council, and help the County move through budget, audit and system-improvement priorities with strong controls and clear information.

Is This Opportunity Right for You?

You enjoy leading capable people and helping them succeed rather than managing every detail.

You can translate complex financial information into clear advice for managers and Council, including difficult budget conversations.

You are comfortable moving between detailed financial work, people leadership and organization-wide priorities during busy cycles.

You see ways to improve systems and technology, but introduce change thoughtfully so people and processes can absorb it.

What You Will Lead

Lead the County's annual operating and capital budget process and provide clear financial reporting and advice to Council, the CAO, General Managers and Managers.

Lead year-end, audit and internal-control processes so financial information is accurate, timely and reliable.

Guide and support the Financial Services team while overseeing core functions including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, utilities billing and bank reconciliations.

Maintain and improve financial systems, policies and workflows, identifying practical opportunities to streamline work and use technology effectively.

Your First Priorities

Learn the County, the Finance team, the financial systems and the operational realities behind the numbers, while establishing trust with the people who rely on Finance.

Take an active role in the 2027 operating and capital budget cycle and support the budget through Council approval.

Transition into year-end reconciliation and the annual audit cycle while identifying practical improvements that strengthen efficiency without disrupting what already works.

What Success Looks Like

Strong performance in this role means the Finance team is supported and accountable, managers understand their financial position, Council receives clear and reliable information, and the budget and audit cycles are well controlled. Improvements make the organization more effective without losing the trust of the people doing the work.

What Westlock County Offers

• Benefits – 80% ER/20% EE premiums
• LAPP Pension
• Employee Health and Wellness Program
• Employees are eligible for $300/calendar year, prorated for half the year if hired after July
• Management employees receive 3 weeks of vacation to start
• 18 paid sick days available Jan 1st of each calendar year (up to 3 can be used as personal days, up to 7 can be used to care for an ill or injured family member, and medical/dental appointments can be taken as sick time and accounted for by the quarter hour). Note that new employees are prorated with 1.5 sick days/month for their first year
• Training and Development Program – approval of GM and CAO. 2 year return of service agreement required.
• Relocation Assistance may be provided.

Why Westlock County

Westlock County is a small municipal organization where departments work closely together and leaders are accessible. The Finance team is established and capable, and the County is open to thoughtful improvements that strengthen service rather than change for its own sake. The Administration Office is in Westlock, approximately one hour north of Edmonton.

How to Apply

Apply online at www.preparedforduty.ca/careers. Submit your resume and cover letter. Applications for this competition are being managed by Prepared for Duty Recruitment Service Inc. on behalf of Westlock County.

What Happens Next

Applications will be reviewed by Prepared for Duty against the must-have requirements and the approved success profile. Selected candidates will be invited to a structured pre-screen conversation. Westlock County will determine who proceeds to interview, and finalist due diligence may include references and approved credential or background verification.

Prepared for Duty is working with Westlock County to support this recruitment.

www.preparedforduty.ca/careers

Questions? Contact Cindy Moretti, cindy@preparedforduty.ca