Finance Operations & Governance Support for Band Administrations

CedarGrove Finance & Governance supports day-to-day financial management, funding requirements, reporting obligations and audit readiness, while supporting the work of Chief & Council.

Services We Offer

Financial operations, reporting and compliance

Band and Department Managers carry a lot: funding requirements, reporting deadlines, audit preparation, and leadership reporting. We help bring structure to the work so your team can stay organized and confident in what’s due, what’s tracked, and what’s ready to submit.

Funding & Contribution Agreement Support

We help manage and monitor funding and contribution agreements to ensure eligible expenses are tracked, reports are submitted on time, and funding terms are followed. We also assist with funding applications and proposals to help maximize available funding.

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

We support the preparation and management of annual operating and capital budgets based on approved plans and the direction of Chief & Council. This includes quarterly budget reviews and clear explanations to support management and leadership decisions.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

We support required financial reporting for ISC, FNHA, CMHC, DFO, and Year-End Financial Reports, and help monitor pension, benefits, OSFI, and CMHC reporting requirements to ensure accuracy and timely submission.

Audit and year-end support

We assist with year-end audit preparation, including account reconciliations, audit schedules, and organized documentation to help ensure a smooth and timely audit process.

Capital projects and Economic Development Corporation support

We assist with financial processes for capital projects and provide support for the day-to-day financial needs of the Economic Development Corporation.

Support financial processes tied to capital projects (tracking, documentation, reporting readiness)
Budget tracking and organized documentation for project accountability
Day-to-day financial support for Economic Development Corporation needs
Clear financial organization to support reporting and visibility

Governance and certification readiness support

Our approach is practical and collaborative. designed to respect community governance while supporting stronger financial systems, policies, and readiness for long-term funding and certification goals.

FNFMB-aligned financial policies (review, update, implementation support)
10-year grant support and readiness
Financial Administration Law (FAL) development and implementation
Preparation for Financial Management System (FMS) and Financial Performance (FP) Certification

Fractional CFO / Temporary Finance Leadership

CedarGrove works with a network of experienced financial professionals who provide fractional CFO and specialized advisory support to First Nation administrations. This service supports Nations that require senior financial leadership on a temporary or part-time basis, including during leadership transitions, financial system improvements, or major projects.

Funding & Contribution Agreement Support

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

Financial Reporting & Compliance

Engagement options

CedarGrove Finance & Governance can support short-term priorities or provide ongoing services depending on your Administration’s needs, timelines, and internal capacity.

Option A: Project-based support

Best for audit and year-end preparation, targeted budgeting cycles, reporting backlog cleanup, funding application/proposal support, or governance deliverables (policies, FAL, readiness).

Option B: Ongoing operational support

Best for ongoing compliance monitoring, recurring reporting obligations, budget oversight, and maintaining year-round audit readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you work with our current team and system?

Yes. We work alongside your existing staff and current systems. Our role is to support your Administration by strengthening structure, tracking, and documentation, without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Do you provide support for the Chief and Council reporting?

Yes. We support clear, timely financial information for leadership so the Chief & Council can make informed decisions.

Which funding partners do you support reporting for?

We support required financial reporting for ISC, FNHA, CMHC, DCI, and Year-End Financial Reports, and help monitor pension, benefits, OSFI, and CMHC reporting requirements

Can you help if our reporting deadlines are piling up?

Yes. We can help prioritize what’s due, organize documentation, rebuild a reporting schedule, and support timely submission moving forward.

Do you support funding applications and proposals?

Yes. We assist with funding applications and proposals to help maximize available funding and ensure submission requirements are met.

Do you help with operating and capital budgets?

Yes. We support annual operating and capital budget preparation and management based on approved plans and the direction of Chief and Council, including quarterly budget reviews and clear explanations.

What does “audit and year-end support” include?

Account reconciliations, audit schedules, and organized documentation to support a smooth and timely audit process.

Can you support our Economic Development Corporation (EDC)?

Yes. We provide support for the day-to-day financial needs of the Economic Development Corporation and assist with financial processes tied to capital and economic development work.

Do you replace our finance staff?

No. We support your team, strengthen processes, and help make the workload manageable and sustainable.

Do you support governance work and certification preparation?

Yes. We support FNFMB-aligned financial policies, 10-year grant support, FAL development and implementation, and preparation for FMS and FP Certification.

How do we get started?

We begin with a short introductory meeting to understand your priorities, current obligations, and where support would help most right away.