Job Description

About Hamlet of Gjoa Haven

The Hamlet of Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuq) is a northern municipality located on King William Island in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut and is home to approximately 1,349 residents. Renowned for its strong Inuit heritage, deep connection to the land and sea, and rich history, Gjoa Haven holds a unique place in the story of Arctic exploration. It is best known as the site where Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen wintered aboard the Gjoa from 1903 to 1906 while completing the first successful navigation of the Northwest Passage. More recently, the waters surrounding King William Island gained international attention with the discoveries of Sir John Franklin's lost expedition ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, found nearby in 2014 and 2016. Today, Gjoa Haven serves as a gateway to Arctic history, culture, and adventure, offering a rare quality of life defined by vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a close-knit community. The Hamlet is committed to strong governance, responsible financial management, and the delivery of essential services that support community well-being, infrastructure, public safety, recreation, and sustainable development. Equally important is the Hamlet's commitment to developing local capacity by training, mentoring, and supporting Inuit employees, creating opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and long-term success within the organization and the community.

Why Gjoa Haven?

This is more than a career move — it's a chance to live and work in one of Canada's most storied Arctic communities. Candidates who join the Hamlet gain:

• A true northern experience: the land and sea, the midnight sun, the aurora, and a slower, community-centred pace of life you won't find anywhere else.
• Immersion in Inuit culture and history: work alongside a community proud of its heritage and its role in Arctic exploration history.
• Meaningful impact: your financial leadership directly shapes the services, infrastructure, and future of a community of just under 1,350 residents — the kind of visible, hands-on impact rarely possible in a larger municipality.
• Flexibility to match the north's realities: the Hamlet is open to discussing a hybrid work arrangement for the right candidate, combining dedicated time on-site in Gjoa Haven with the ability to work remotely for part of the role — offering a balance that supports both community presence and personal flexibility.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Finance plays a critical role in ensuring the Hamlet maintains accurate, transparent, and compliant financial reporting. This position works closely with Mayor and Council, senior management, auditors, and external stakeholders to support decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Oversee all financial operations of the Hamlet, including budgeting, financial reporting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and cash management, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and Nunavut municipal regulations.
• Develop and monitor annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the CAO, Mayor and Council, and department heads.
• Provide timely, accurate financial reports and analysis to support Council decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Nunavut Hamlets Act, municipal bylaws, and all applicable financial reporting requirements.
• Coordinate annual audits and liaise with external auditors, ensuring timely completion and resolution of findings.
• Develop, implement, and maintain sound financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Mayor and Council, senior management, auditors, government funding partners, and vendors.
• Manage vendor and external service provider relationships to ensure value, accountability, and service quality.

Team & Community Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop finance department staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally to support infrastructure, public safety, recreation, and sustainable development priorities across the Hamlet.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• A CPA designation is considered an asset.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management.
• 5 years of experience developing and monitoring budgets and preparing financial reports.
• Experience implementing and maintaining financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and external service providers.

This is an existing position with a current vacancy.

To apply for this key role, submit your application to Phelps by clicking:

Link to be added

Compensation: Salary TBD

Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 13th

All applications will be reviewed and assessed by experienced Phelps search professionals; we do not use artificial intelligence tools to screen candidates. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Qualified candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for consideration for future opportunities.

The Hamlet of Gjoa Haven is committed to fostering a representative and inclusive workforce that reflects the community it serves. Preference may be given to qualified Inuit candidates, particularly beneficiaries enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement, in accordance with the Hamlet's commitment to supporting Inuit employment and participation in the workforce.