Capital Markets Analyst - Financial Services Officer 3

About Us

At the Department of Finance and Treasury Board, 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 preparation of the provincial budget, and help ensure government plans are coordinated and fiscally responsible.

We are constantly looking for new and better ways to plan, manage, budget and invest.

About Our Opportunity

The Capital Markets Administration and Compliance Division is responsible for the accounting, reporting, administration, and safekeeping of the Province’s debt and investments, as well as the administration and reconciliation of provincial banking activities. The Division provides accounting, reporting and administrative support for debt and investment activities, including post-trade settlement, debt servicing, trust fund administration, and forecasting of provincial debt servicing costs and investment income. It also oversees the reconciliation of provincial bank accounts and related banking transactions, manages financial service provider relationships and contracts, and administers the systems supporting the Province’s debt management operations. In addition, the Division develops debt management policies, manages risks associated with debt and investment activities, manages the Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance program, and ensures compliance with applicable legislation and policy.

As the Capital Markets Analyst, you provide specialized financial analysis and operational support for the Province’s debt and investment portfolios. You maintain the debt servicing cost and sinking fund models, prepare forecasts and budget information, complete financial reports, support the daily settlement of trades and maintain records and schedules used in the Province’s Public Accounts and other financial reports.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary responsibilities in this role include:

• Developing and maintaining models for debt servicing costs and sinking fund requirements.
• Preparing forecasts and budgets for debt servicing costs and interest revenue, including analysis and explanations of variances.
• Settling daily trades and authorizing significant value financial transactions.
• Preparing financial reports for the governing committee related to outstanding market debt and investments, debt servicing costs, investment revenue, remeasurement gains and losses, and trading activity.
• Liaising with internal and external partners, including auditors, to provide information and respond to requests and inquiries related to debt servicing costs, interest revenue, and debt and investment activities.
• Preparing financial information and maintaining account records used in the preparation of the Province’s financial statements.
• Maintaining and enhancing the division’s Business Continuity Plan.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have completed three years of post-secondary professional accounting training and have six years of related experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

You have experience in financial accounting, financial reporting, audit support, banking services, debt servicing, forecasting and budgeting, as well as working with complex financial models, and reconciliations. Your background includes working with debt instruments, derivatives, foreign exchange transactions, money market and fixed income investments, as well as trade settlement. You have demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret complex financial information, identify variances or discrepancies, maintain detailed supporting records, and communicate conclusions clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.

You exercise sound judgment and work effectively with limited supervision in an environment where accuracy, timeliness, confidentiality and strong financial controls are essential. You can manage competing deadlines, collaborate professionally with multiple partners, and contribute effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel is essential, along with proficiency in Word and Outlook

The following are considered assets:

• A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, or current enrolment in either program.
• Experience with public-sector accounting and reporting, including Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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.

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.