External Audit Services

Introduction

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. The AFN hosts two Assemblies a year where mandates and directives for the organization are established through resolutions directed and supported by the First Nations in Assembly (elected Chiefs or proxies from member First Nations).

The AFN is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under Part II of the Canada Corporations Act. Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. With a budget of approximately $55 million and 11 finance staff keeping track of over 80 cost codes.

With a year-end date of March 31^st, the AFN completes interim audit work in January and then the rest is complete within a few weeks between May and June. The deadline for financial audited financial statements and audit reports is June 30^th for presentation to the Executive Committee and subsequently to all the Chiefs at the Annual General Assembly in July. Detailed Financial statements and other organization information can be found on the AFN’s website.

Objective

The National Indian Brotherhood (NIB) as represented by the AFN invites professional accounting firms to submit proposals to perform yearly audit services for a term of three (3) years commencing with the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027.

ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposal is expected to cover the following services:

report to the AFN Management Committee and Executive Committee on the audit plan, final report and any other meetings as required.
provide additional reports as required by the funding agencies such as attest to supplementary information and cash audits for different projects; and,
complete yearly tax return.
attend the AFN’s yearly Annual General Assembly, to provide the Auditor’s report to the Chiefs-in-Assembly.

BIDS MUST INCLUDE

The proposal should include the items listed below:

Company contact and profile which should include date founded, services provided, business philosophy or approach, quality standards.
Detail the experience the firm has with providing Not-for-Profit auditing and tax services.
Describe the audit implementation, including the approach to gaining an understanding of the NIB structure, the proposed schedule, approach and the technology to be used.
Provide a description of other value-added services such as keeping NIB informed of changes to accounting principles and legislation that will impact the annual financial statements.
Provide the audit fee which should include the estimated number of hours for each area of responsibility and breakdown of billing.
Provide a description of individuals who will be responsible for delivery of the audit services, as well as the qualifications of the individuals.
Identify any subcontractors and functions to be performed by each subcontractor, if any.
Subsequent fees for each year of the audit and,
An estimate of other expenses.

RIGHTS OF THE AFN

The AFN reserves the right to:

reject any or all Bids received in response to this RFP.
enter negotiations with one or more Bidders on any or all aspects of their respective Bids:
accept any Bid in whole, or in part.
cancel the Call for Bids at any time.
re-issue a modified version of a given Call for Bids requirement at any time.
award one or more contracts.
verify all information provided with respect to a given Bid requirement, including the right to request a confirmation of the Bidder’s legal status and signed documentation; and,
Select a Bidder who may not be the lowest bidder, at our sole discretion.

AWARDING THE BID

The Selections Committee will present options to the CEO and AFN Management Committee, who will forward recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will provide their appointment no later than July 20, 2026. A notice in writing will be sent to the successful accounting firm.

QUESTIONS

Questions about the bid process or clarification of bid requirements should be directed to:

Roxanne Ruediger, CPA

Assembly of First Nations

50 O’Connor Street, Suite 200

Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2

E-Mail: [email protected]

TIMEFRAME

All bids must be submitted by e-mail and received by the AFN office no later than May 29, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST).

SUBMISSION OF BIDS

Please submit bids electronically to the following:

Andrew Bisson

Chief Executive Officer