(Senior Financial Analyst) Program Admin Officer 3

About Us

At the Nova Scotia Department of Finance and Treasury Board, we provide financial leadership, analysis, and policy support that helps strengthen Nova Scotia. As stewards of the province’s financial affairs, we deliver a broad range of corporate fiscal and management services.

Our eight Financial Advisory Services (FAS) units work directly with departments, Crown corporations, and other public service entities, providing support in budgeting, forecasting, and program-related financial advice. We are continuously seeking new and innovative ways to improve how we plan, manage, budget, and invest.

About Our Opportunity

As the Program Administration Officer 3 (Senior Financial Analyst), you provide specialized financial expertise and strategic advice to senior management and program areas. You will play a key role in supporting the financial management and delivery of government programs and funded external agencies, while contributing to sound decision-making, financial oversight, and the evaluation of new and existing initiatives.

This competition may be used to fill multiple Permanent, Term, Temporary and Casual Senior Financial Analyst opportunities over the next several months.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities of the role will include: 

• Provide specialized financial advice and analysis to support the administration, delivery, and oversight of government programs and funded external agencies.
• Prepare and analyze financial information related to budgets, forecasts, agreements, contracts, program costing, payment disbursements, and exception reporting.
• Interpret and apply financial and program policies, guidelines, and legislation, while monitoring financial accountability, audit requirements, and risk management processes.
• Contribute to annual budget development, business planning, and Estimates support materials, and assess the fiscal impacts of program and budget initiatives.
• Support accurate and timely month-end and year-end processes, including financial statements, audit files, and the reconciliation of recovery claims for cost-shared programs and capital projects.
• Analyze financial trends and program data, identify opportunities for process and systems improvements, and build strong working relationships with clients, partners, and service providers.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. You also possess knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS) and other relevant CPA Canada standards and requirements.

You have experience providing financial analysis, advice, and support in a complex program, public sector, or government environment. You are comfortable interpreting and applying financial policies, guidelines, agreements, and legislation, and have experience preparing or reviewing budgets, forecasts, financial reports, and supporting analysis to inform decision-making. You bring strong analytical, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills, along with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and respond effectively to complex stakeholder issues.

Experience supporting month-end or year-end processes, audit activities, recovery claims, contract or agreement administration, and financial systems or reporting improvements will be considered assets. Experience supervising staff, or providing guidance and support to junior team members, is also considered an asset.

While not required, the following would be considered assets:

• A Canadian CPA accounting designation or enrolment in a recognized CPA accounting program
• Knowledge and experience using SAP/S4HANA or a similar ERP system
• Knowledge and experience in the delivery of a broad spectrum of financial services to a varied client group
• Knowledge and experience in the performance of auditing procedures

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

This is an excellent career opportunity for many, and we do consider an equivalent combination of training, education, and 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 a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, 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: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. You may be required to work overtime on occasion.

The majority of your work is conducted in a comfortable office environment.

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus