Finance & Administration

Key Contact Information

We value the resources you trust us with, and we work hard to use them the best way we can. We are committed to responsibly managing your tax dollars and providing professional financial and administrative services for those who live and work in the Special Areas.

The Finance and Administration Department is responsible for the delivery of financial management, budget planning, human resources, information and technology services, and the Special Areas safety program.

KEY CONTACT INFORMATION
Darren Jones, Director – Finance & Administration
403-854-5605
darren.jones@specialareas.ab.ca

Accounting and Financial Controls

The Special Areas Board maintains an accounting system in accordance with Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards. This system ensures all necessary internal systems and controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are authorized, assets are property accounted for and safeguarded, and financial records are properly maintained. The Board establishes financial management policies which ensure good governance and fiscal responsibility.

The finance and accounting services are administered under the direction of the Director of Finance and Administration and the Chair of the Special Areas Board.

Financial Reporting

The Municipal Government Act requires each municipality to prepare annual audited financial statements and a financial information return. The Special Areas Board prepares annual financial statements which are audited by the Office of the Auditor General.

The Office of the Auditor General carries out financial statement audits under the authority of the Auditor General Act, and other relevant legislation, including statutory financial statement audits of the Province of Alberta, its agencies, boards, and commissions, and its regulated funds. Independent audits provide assurance of the financial reporting of the Special Areas Board,  ensuring accountability on the expenditure of public resources.

• 2024 Audited Financial Statements
• 2023 Audited Financial Statements
• 2022 Audited Financial Statements
• 2021 Audited Financial Statements
• 2020 Audited Financial Statements

Prior year audited financial statements are available in the Documents library.

Budgeting

The Special Areas Board prepares a budget each year which is submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs in accordance with the Special Areas Act. This budget is first reviewed by Advisory Council and recommended by the Board for approval by the Minister.

The annual budget is based on the operational and capital expenditures required to provide services and programs to Special Areas ratepayers. It includes both short-term and long-term plans which support the responsive delivery of municipal services and the responsible management of public lands.

Online Payments

You can pay most Special Areas bills online through your financial institution, including utilities, property taxes, and lease rentals. You will need your unique 10-digit account number found on your invoice. If you cannot locate Special Areas Board as a payee, please contact your financial institution.

Payments will continue to be accepted at district offices, including cash, cheque and debit.