Phone: 705-858-0610
Finance Director: Preston Biedermann
Department Contact: Preston Biedermann - Finance Director
Our Purpose and Commitment
The Finance Department is dedicated to supporting the financial strength and long‑term prosperity of Wahnapitae First Nation. We are committed to carrying out our responsibilities in a manner that acts in the best interest of our band members, and we prioritize open communication and clear reporting to ensure our First Nation has confidence in how financial decisions are made. The finance department will manage our financial resources with integrity, ethical practices, transparency, and accountability.
Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings—Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth—we ensure our financial decisions honour our values and responsibilities to the community.
Through responsible financial management and strategic planning. We are dedicated to advancing the growth and economic prosperity of Wahnapitae First Nation.
Governance, Strategy, and Approach
The Finance Department will achieve its goals through effective financial management. This includes following established accounting standards set out to us by the First Nations Fiscal Management Act and the Financial Administration Law. We also understand the importance of sharing clear and accurate financial information with the First Nation and prioritize following the rules and regulations set by our third‑party auditors as well as practicing Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in our day-to-day operations.
The finance department is committed to strong internal controls and effective risk management. These practices improve decision‑making and keep us on track to achieve our organizational goals, while also supporting the development of long‑term financial plans.
Continuous improvement is also a priority and will be supported through staff training, modern financial tools, and regular policy updates. These efforts will help ensure the department remains efficient, effective, and compliant. This approach will also enhance the department’s ability to remain responsive to the First Nation’s needs.
Our Team
Preston Biedermann – Finance Director
Preston began as Finance Director in 2025, bringing management expertise and a strong background in finance and accounting. He holds a two-year diploma in Business Administration from Cambrian College and a four-year Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance degree from Nipissing University. A proud First Nations professional, Preston is committed to sound financial stewardship and organizational leadership.
Preston is responsible for maintaining accurate and current financial records and overseeing the timely and reliable preparation of financial information in support of funding, banking, and payroll obligations. This is achieved through the daily recording, reporting, reconciliation, and budgeting of financial data for all First Nations departments, programs, and events.
Kaylyn Lalonde – Finance Assistant
Kaylyn began as a co-op student in January 2023 fulfilling her hours for her Accounting and Payroll Administrator program at CTS Canadian Career College. In March 2023, she graduated top of her class and was then hired full-time as a Finance Assistant for the First Nation.
Kaylyn’s responsibilities include accounts payable, accounts receivable, and account coding. She maintains accurate and up‑to‑date banking records by completing monthly bank reconciliations, weekly deposits, and verifying transaction activity. She also assists in the preparation of annual budgets and contributes to the preparation of financial statements and reports. Her attention to detail ensures the reliability of our financial data.
Austin Armstrong – Projects & Funding Officer
Austin serves as the Projects & Funding Officer for Wahnapitae First Nation. He supports the planning, coordination, and administration of funded projects and initiatives, bringing a strong focus on organization, compliance, and reporting.
Austin is responsible for supporting funding applications, monitoring project timelines and deliverables, and assisting with reporting requirements to funding partners. His work helps ensure projects are implemented effectively and align with funding agreements and organizational priorities.
