Job Description

Competition # : 36989

Department: Community Services

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 10/28/2022 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services we strive to provide financial leadership, analysis and policies that strengthen Nova Scotia. As stewards of the province's financial affairs, we deliver a wide range of corporate fiscal and management services - including the preparation of the departmental budget, forecast updates, and financial advice to program within the Department of Community Services.

About Our Opportunity

As the Financial Analyst, you will be responsible for providing sound and timely financial advice to the various assigned program areas and any external agencies funded by the client department.

You will serve as the primary day-to-day contact on all financial matters that support program delivery regarding financial accountability between Financial Advisory Services and other branches of the Department of Community Services and externally funded agencies.

As the Financial Analyst, you will report to the Senior Director, Financial Operations, Department of Community Services.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary responsibilities in this role include:

• Developing, examining, analyzing, costing, and making financial policy recommendations for senior management with respect to issues relating to capital and operating funds, funding models and contract renewals
• Ensuring expenditures are accounted for in adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) and government policies
• Designing and assisting in the implementation of systems and procedures to organize and coordinate the collection of financial and statistical information.
• Providing interpretations of the guidelines and advice to external auditors, service provider administrators and departmental staff.
• Working collectively with departmental staff and client agencies in preparing and analyzing annual budget documents, including briefing material for senior management.
• Developing terms of reference, research and analysis of policy options, recommendations and report preparation and memo to executive council preparation.
• Participate in special projects with other departmental staff, client agencies and outside consultants as required.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a related bachelor's degree with six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. You also possess knowledge of PSAB (public sector accounting board) and other relevant CPA Canada (chartered professional accountants of Canada) standards and requirements.

You have an extensive financial background and experience in dealing with the complex economic inter-relationships between the province and provincially regulated and/or funded agencies.

You posses the ability to critically analyze and cost programs, forecast operations, examine financial statements, counsel clients on finances, accounting, and reporting, in the context of generally accepted accounting principles, legislation and policy. Experience in program evaluation and the development of systems, procedures, and policies with respect to financial accountability is necessary. You possess effective communication skills and the competency to build and maintain successful relationships with senior management and both internal and external stakeholders.

While not required it is considered an asset if you possess:

• An accounting designation (CPA, CA, CGA, CMA) or enrolment in a recognized accounting program
• Knowledge and experience in the delivery of a broad spectrum of financial services to a varied client group.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Equivalencies may include:

• A completed master's degree and Four (4) years related experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, term status position with an end date of November 30, 2024, however the position status ("term", "temporary" or "casual") is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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 for Nova Scotians
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade: PR 17

Salary Range: $3,001.65 - $3,525.41 Bi-Weekly

Employment 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.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. 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.