Financial Analyst (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), 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

We’re looking for a highly skilled Financial Analyst to support the Finance & Administration Division of the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD).

In this role, you’ll lead the development and oversight of financial compliance programs for both internal teams and external service providers. Your work will influence key budget decisions, shape policy recommendations, and directly impact how we fund and support some of the province’s most critical services.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role you can expect to:

• Lead financial analysis and costing across a range of program areas and new initiatives.

• Interpret and apply Canadian GAAP standards to review and assess financial statements from external service providers and agencies.

• Develop and implement compliance policies and procedures aligned with provincial legislation and departmental financial frameworks.

• Design systems and tools to collect, organize, and analyze financial and statistical information for internal reporting and forecasting.

• Prepare risk assessments and financial forecasts that inform executive decision-making and assess organizational health.

• Train and advise internal teams and external partners on financial procedures and compliance requirements.

• Develop reports and funding models that support transparent decision-making and highlight areas of financial risk.

• Participate in cross-departmental projects, supporting policy development, program reviews, and Executive Council submissions.

Qualifications and Experience

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Accounting, Finance, Business Administration), and a minimum of six (6) years of directly related financial experience is required, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. In addition, you bring:

• Expertise in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and their application in public sector environments.
• Experience preparing and analysing financial statements.
• A strong track record of financial forecasting, cost analysis, and compliance in complex organizations.
• Experience developing and delivering training on financial policies and procedures.
• Comfort working with large data sets and financial reporting systems (experience with SAP or similar tools is an asset).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work across diverse teams and functions.
• Ability to interpret financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to make sound financial recommendations that shape strategy, policy, and service delivery.

While not required, it's an asset if you have:

• CPA or CFA designation (or working toward one)

• Experience working within the public sector or with government-funded service providers
• Knowledge of Nova Scotia’s public sector financial policies
• Familiarity with contract and performance management of third-party providers

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 master’s degree and four (4) years of related experience
• A related diploma and eight (8) 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 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 typical work week is 35 hours with 7-hour days.This is a primarily office-based role with flexibility for occasional site visits. The role involves a high degree of mental focus, detailed analysis, and stakeholder interaction. You will often navigate multiple priorities under tight deadlines, contributing to work that has real impact across the province.

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