Job Description

Competition # : 43245Department: Finance and Treasury BoardLocation: HALIFAXType of Employment: PermanentUnion Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPGClosing Date: 28-Jun-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsThe Department of Finance and Treasury Board works to preserve the financial capacity of the Government of Nova Scotia for public programs and services by providing advice on fiscal sustainability for the Province. To deliver its mandate, the department is guided by its core functions of: budget and fiscal plan development; financial accounting; expenditure and financial management; financial advisory services; corporate strategic initiatives; revenue estimates and federal transfers; tax policy, administration, and credits; economic and demographic forecasting, policy analysis, and modelling; liability and treasury management; lending to municipalities, capital markets administration, and compliance; regulation of pensions and select financial institutions; oversight on gaming operations, policy oversight to specific agencies, boards, and commissions; and labour relations.DutiesReporting to the Executive Director, Government Accounting, the Director, Internal Controls and Municipal Finance will be accountable for leading a staff of three team members with the following key responsibilities:

• Providing expert accounting and debt management advice on complex issues to municipal clients and internal controls matters to senior management, departments, and controlled entities
• Developing and maintaining strong partnerships and collaborative relationships with municipal leaders to help them with long-term debt solutions and strategies in support of their sustainable financial management
• Overseeing and guiding the Province\'s compliance functions in the following areas:

• Annual Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) program
• SAP Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) system, including Access Control and Process Control
• Tracking Auditor General Recommendations (TAGR) process
• Remaining current on matters of significance to public sector accounting, debt financing, the business environment in general, and on matters related to internal control issues

Duties ContinuedThe Director, Internal Controls & Municipal Finance will oversee the issuance of debentures to municipalities twice a year (Spring and Fall), coordinate other federal loan programs, ensure proper accounting for the Province\'s municipal loan portfolio, ensure compliance with the Finance Act and Municipal Government Act, and initiate corrective action if necessary. Periodically, additional services will be provided to municipal clients such as debt affordability modelling, mentorship to new Directors of Finance, and advisory of various best practices.Other responsibilities include oversight of the 1) planning, implementation, and coordination of the Province\'s ICFR program to assess the effectiveness of internal controls and recommend improvements to deficiencies, 2) strategic management of the SAP GRC system, including Access Control and Process Control, identifying segregation of duties issues, and recommending mitigating controls and improvements, and 3) tracking of Auditor General recommendations and timely resolution by departments. The Director is expected to provide periodic updates to the Deputy Minister Audit Committee and maintain current knowledge of changing industry practices and SAP system updates for compliance, risk management, and internal control matters.The Department of Finance and Treasury Board is looking for a strong team leader and communicator with very good relationship-building skills. The Director should be willing to engage with departments, municipal clients, and other stakeholders to facilitate solutions focused on internal controls, SAP access controls, resolving AG findings, and assisting with municipal debt financing matters in the public sector.Qualifications and ExperienceThe successful candidate must possess a professional financial designation (CPA or CFA) and have at least four years\' experience in an accounting/financial role with management/leadership experience. A reasonable equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. The primary qualifications for this position include: demonstrated knowledge and experience in overseeing and accounting for debenture issues under Canadian public sector accounting standards, coordinating internal controls over financial reporting programs and resolving audit findings, and use of professional judgement in decision making. Other skills include: researching, analyzing, and developing solutions to financing-related matters, working knowledge of ERP accounting software and other applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, as well as current experience in developing accounting/financing policies. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential.The successful candidate must be able to build collaborative working relationships within government, simultaneously manage a team of three staff and multiple assignments with conflicting and urgent deadlines, and exercise discretion at all times with sensitive and highly confidential information. Attention to details, the utmost accuracy, and exceptional analytical, writing, and organizational skills are also required.A strong understanding of SAP, experience in auditing, as well as a working knowledge of the government\'s financial reporting processes and requirements would be considered assets.The ability to travel occasionally is required.Candidates must clearly identify in their application that they meet the qualifications listed above.LEADSThe Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.Please follow for more information.We will assess the above qualifications and capabilities using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.EquivalencyApplicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.BenefitsBased on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: .Working Conditions

• Currently, this position allows an individual to work from home up to two (2) days per week, this arrangement is subject to change due to operational needs.
• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade: EC 14Salary Range: $4,461.45 - $5,576.81 Bi-WeeklyEmployment Equity Statement:Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Government of Nova Scotia