Estelle Lavis
Grande Prairie,Alberta
Summary
High integrity, energetic and innovative leader with a broad-based expertise in First Nations, finance and business development, governance, and strategic direction. Over 25 years experience in senior level leadership roles focused on people, finance, and financial outcomes. Proven ability to mentor, lead by example, and coach a diverse team to success, through commitment, compassion and a genuine desire to instill pride in outcomes and people. Strong ability to multitask in high stress environment, while maintaining calm direction in times of crisis and uncertainty. Fair leader that looks at all sides of an issue.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Saulteau First Nations
06.2016 - 08.2024
- An Executive Leader that plays an integral role in the management of the Nation and the programs that are offered
- A key advisor to Chief and Council in areas of risk management, fiscal accountabilities, strategic growth and planning, governance and human resources
- Saulteau First Nations if a progressive Nation that has become a leader in the province for innovative and creative strategies to build wealth
- I am proud to have been a key player in this success
- Saulteau First Nations is very focused on the health and wellbeing of its members and place a high value on this success
- Accomplishments in this area include: Opening of SFN Primary Care Clinic, Safe House, New Beginnings House, these all contribute to, and promote health and wellness in the community
- Economic growth through development: the development of the Industrial Site and constructed an office and shop complex to house the development corporation
- Encouraged and assisted with the development of an Economic Development Corp to oversight and manage the Nation owned businesses
- Saulteau takes great pride in their lands and the people and animals on these lands
- The caribou recovery program is one of these initiatives and I was appointed by Council to sit on the Board of Directors to represent the Nation
- Other areas of great value to Saulteau First Nations that are part of my responsibilities for the Nation are: Director of Linda Krystina Society, Director of Nikanese Watzee Society, Director of Property Management Corp, Director of Business Development Corp, Advisory to the Board of the Mistahyia Development Corp, Director of Saulteau Communications
- Assist, advise and participate in negotiations for TLE, IBA’s
- Joint Ventures, Economic Development ventures, all major purchases of capital, resource sharing agreements
- Successfully negotiated many of the above but due to confidentiality projects can not be disclosed.
Director of Finance
Kwanlin Dun First Nation
08.2013 - 05.2016
- In this role I was responsible for the financial and human resources management for the Nation
- Lead, prepare and present audit to Financial Management Committee, Chief and Council and to Membership at the General Assembly
- Financial, Fiscal Planning, budgeting, reporting
- Monthly, Quarterly and Annually
- Develop Business Charter for Corporate Arm of Nation
- Lead departmental budget process by working with Senior Managers and Directors to prepare operational plans and annual budgets to present to FMC and Council
- Prepare documents as needed for legislative process and law making
- Lead the development and implementation of the Administrative Trust for Compensation dollars, in coordination with legal and financial advisors
- Risk management through implementation of strong financial controls to safeguard all the nation’s financial and physical assets.
Finance Comptroller
Kwanlin Dun First Nation
06.2011 - 07.2013
- Managed the day to day activities of the Finance and Human Resources Dept
- Provide oversight, analysis, and mentorship to the overall department
- Internal auditing and monitoring functions of all accounting operations
- Monitor all Contribution Agreements and contracts
- Assist Director of Finance with budgets, review of monthly statements, and financial presentations
- Supervision and employee performance management including training of new staff and mentoring.
Chief Financial Officer
Kinistin Saulteaux Nation
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Managing all the financial aspects of the Nation
- Funding, budgets, financial reporting, day to day entries, month end reports, collections, implementing budgetary controls, audit preparation, reporting to Chief and Council, reports to INAC, FNIHB, and all other funding agencies
- Maintain personnel files, administer group plan, direct and manage staff
- Work with program managers to enhance program delivery
- Meet with Program committees to update and provide advisory and technical input.
Sales Consultant
Investors Group Financial Services
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Obtained Mutual Funds License
- Obtained Insurance Sales License for Alberta, BC and Sask
- Sold mutual funds, insurance and provided financial products to clients
- Built a client base in Alberta, Sask
- And BC.
Tackama Divisional Controller
Canfor (Slocan) – Tackama
01.1996 - 01.2005
- Responsible for all accounting functions for the lumber and plywood mills
- Financial reporting, planning, capital expenditures, audit preparation, signing officer., annual and quarterly reviews, human resources
- Report directly to Mill Manager and Corporate Controller
- Implemented Y2K “Compliant Payroll System”
- Supervise the accounting department staff of the division
- Modified procedures, implemented systems to improve the Accounts Payable Department
- Prepare all financial reports for division
- Work closely with superintendents to increase profitability of division
- Played a key role in modifying the account reconciliation process
- Greatly improved employee/management relations through teamwork and mutual respect.
Secretary Treasurer
Opaskwayak Educational Authority
01.1990 - 01.1995
- Eliminated an existing deficit through efficient management of funds
- Responsible to the Board of Directors and the membership for fiscal planning, budgetary controls, investment of funds, and cash flow
- Electoral Officer for the Board of Directors
- Personnel Manager for the School Board Office and the School
- Implemented an Employee Assistance Program
- Policy Development – Personnel Policy, Financial Management Policy Transportation Policy, Corporate Vehicle Use Policy
- Purchased and implemented the computer systems for the office and the school
- Effectively negotiated with the Federal Government for funds
- Negotiated teacher contracts.
Acting Manager of Finance and Administration
Swampy Cree Tribal Council
01.1986 - 01.1990
- Band Financial Advisor for Seven First Nations
- Office Manager for the Tribal Council
- Responsible for the financial management of the Corporation
- Reported to the Board of Directors
- Personnel administration.
Collections Manager
CP Distributors Ltd.
01.1984 - 01.1985
- Responsible for collection of accounts receivable
- Perform credit checks and approve credit.
Payroll/Accounts Manager
CP Distributors Ltd
01.1983 - 01.1984
- Payroll for four branches of the Corporation
- Processed Accounts Payable
- Personnel administration.
Office Manager
All World Travel
01.1982 - 01.1983
- Staff supervision, personnel administration
- Financial management.
Region Office Supervisor
Investors Group
01.1980 - 01.1982
- Staff supervision
- Customer Service for all products sold by Financial Planners
- Work closely with Financial Planners.
Accounts Clerk
Investors Group
01.1979 - 01.1980
- Prepare all new business Applications for submission to Head Office
- Prepare bank deposit
- Customer service
- Learned the products provided, and gained a good knowledge of the business.
Clerk Typist/Receptionist
Investors Group
01.1978 - 01.1979
- Prepared the daily production report
- Greeted and directed clients
- Answered phones and prepared mail.
Education
Financial Management Level I and II
Negotiating skills course
Personnel Management courses through Slocan/Canfor
H&R Block Tax Preparer Course
CRA taxes for personal and small business
AFOA training conferences
Canadian Payroll Association training annually
Adagio Financial Reporting
Pay Dirt Payroll
Lateral Violence Workshop
Pacific Business Law Institute Modern Treaties
01.2015
OH&S training
01.2014
Sales courses
01.2009
MFDA IFIC licensing, Insurance license, CPIC, Bonded
01.2007
Partial completion of CGA program
01.1986
Clerk Typist -
Saskatoon Business College
01.1985
Skills
- Operational Efficiency
- Operations Oversight
- Strategic Planning
- Strategic planning and execution
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Professional Working
Areas Of Excellence
- Strategic Relationship Building & Decision Making
- Leading and Developing Teams
- Risk Management, both Financial and Human
- Strategic Negotiating
- Envision and create successful outcomes
References
Available on request.
Hobbies and Interests
- Camping
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Crafts
- Quilting
- Reading
- Outdoor activities
- Gardening
- Spending time with family and friends
- Entertaining
- Planning and organizing family gatherings.
Timeline
Director of Operations
Saulteau First Nations
06.2016 - 08.2024
Director of Finance
Kwanlin Dun First Nation
08.2013 - 05.2016
Finance Comptroller
Kwanlin Dun First Nation
06.2011 - 07.2013
Chief Financial Officer
Kinistin Saulteaux Nation
01.2009 - 01.2011
Sales Consultant
Investors Group Financial Services
01.2007 - 01.2009
Tackama Divisional Controller
Canfor (Slocan) – Tackama
01.1996 - 01.2005
Secretary Treasurer
Opaskwayak Educational Authority
01.1990 - 01.1995
Acting Manager of Finance and Administration
Swampy Cree Tribal Council
01.1986 - 01.1990
Collections Manager
CP Distributors Ltd.
01.1984 - 01.1985
Payroll/Accounts Manager
CP Distributors Ltd
01.1983 - 01.1984
Office Manager
All World Travel
01.1982 - 01.1983
Region Office Supervisor
Investors Group
01.1980 - 01.1982
Accounts Clerk
Investors Group
01.1979 - 01.1980
Clerk Typist/Receptionist
Investors Group
01.1978 - 01.1979
Financial Management Level I and II
Negotiating skills course
Personnel Management courses through Slocan/Canfor
H&R Block Tax Preparer Course
CRA taxes for personal and small business
AFOA training conferences
Canadian Payroll Association training annually
Adagio Financial Reporting
Pay Dirt Payroll
Lateral Violence Workshop
Pacific Business Law Institute Modern Treaties
OH&S training
Sales courses
MFDA IFIC licensing, Insurance license, CPIC, Bonded
Partial completion of CGA program
Clerk Typist -
Saskatoon Business College
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