Senior Financial Analyst (Financial Services Officer 3)

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program (DSP).

Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

The Senior Financial Analyst strengthens and supports the Department of Community Services' financial accountability and control. In this role, you are key to ensuring the integrity of rates of funding, and the quality and accuracy of information to support informed decision making. You will perform specialized financial research, analysis and reporting to improve funding programs and models, and inform on the design and implementation of new funding programs and supporting financial policies, processes, and costing models.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Financial Analyst, you will be accountable for a wide and varied range of financial support services. We count on your expertise to deliver:

• Financial and cost-benefit analysis and modelling across all DCS programs, offering sound interpretations, and possessing the ability to participate in the design and implementation of the selected option;
• Support for the financial administration, salary analysis, and cost accounting of Disability Support Programs (DSP) such as residential facilities and adult service centres;
• Accuracy and consistency of information provided, as well as equity in funding across service providers;
• Sound recommendations and the continuity of consultative advice to the Service Provider Funding Committee, your peers, and Senior Management; and
• Oversight of the creation and management of financial reporting and tracking systems to support financial accountability and informed decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Senior Financial Analyst, you have three (3) years of post‐secondary professional accounting training with six (6) years of related experience, including supervisory responsibilities.

Enrollment in the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) program, along with knowledge of the corporate financial management system (SAP), Cognos Enterprise, or similar applications are considered assets.

You are detail-oriented, decisive, and guided by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and PSAB while applying an innovative approach to your work. You are proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. You have exceptional communication skills (written and verbal) with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. You also have a proven ability to interpret, synthesize, and analyze data and information from a wide range of sources, of differing formats and types. You use discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive information and can work in a fast-paced environment; assessing and prioritizing work to ensure all deadlines are met by the department.

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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A related two (2) year diploma and seven (7) years of related experience
• Nine (9) years of 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 here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2024. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

Your worksite location is flexible and will be determined at the time of offer negotiation and based on operational requirements. Opportunities may be in any region across the province and located in any of our 30 offices. You can find our office locations here.

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.