Financial Services Officer 3 (Financial Accountant)

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 the preparation of the provincial budget, forecast updates, and year-end financial statements - as well as ensure government plans are coordinated and fiscally responsible.

The Province of Nova Scotia is committed to offering a gaming industry that is well regulated, while providing tangible benefits and contributions to the province, its people, and good causes that are important to Nova Scotians.  The Gaming and Operations Branch ensures gambling in Nova Scotia is socially responsible, while making reasonable profits for the government. 

In performing this role, staff oversee the gaming operators, Atlantic Lottery Corporation and Casino Nova Scotia, who carry out the day-to-day business and work closely with the Nova Scotia Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division of Service Nova Scotia, which regulates gambling activity in the province. 

The Branch also contributes to the Province’s support of the environmental, economic and social sustainability of Nova Scotia’s alcohol industry.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Finance, the Financial Advisor is a critical role within the organization and is accountable for providing advice and assistance on financial matters as they relate to the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation and the Gaming and Operations Branch.  The Advisor works closely with managers and operators to monitor forecasts, develop budgets and investigate variances to provide explanations within the accountability framework. 

This position makes recommendations when gaps in policies, procedures or controls exist and helps to develop and implement changes. Responsible for providing detailed data and analysis on business issues, planning and forecasting for management's use in decision-making. Prepares financial statements and supporting documentation and ensures internal controls are strong while also providing support on audits.

Primary Accountabilities

• Supports the preparation of the annual budget, review of the operators' budgets and ensures timely and accurate financial forecasting and planning.
• Contributes to sound decision making by supporting the financial assessment of major business initiatives and conducting other significant financial analyses.
• Maintains and monitors internal financial controls and ensures compliance.
• Maintains financial records, including posting transactions, journal entries and preparing account reconciliations.
• Is responsible for cash management and accounts payable, and ensures statutory remittances are made.
• Prepares reports, presentations and materials for the Audit Committee and senior management.
• Provides expert guidance on IFRS, legislation, and regulatory requirements, resolving complex accounting issues and improving the clarity of financial reporting.
• Develops, implements, and monitors accounting policies based on sound research and recommendations to support the financial reporting objectives.   
• Provides technical financial accounting advice to senior management and prepares year-end consolidated financial statements and documents to support the audit process.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have completed three years of post-secondary professional accounting training, plus six years of related experience, or an acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience.

What you bring:

• You are highly proficient with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Power Automate and Lists) and are comfortable working with automation platforms and data visualization or analysis software.
• You are self-motivated, confident, and capable of performing under pressure.
• You can work both independently and within a team environment.
• You possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication (verbal and written) skills, and in particular can translate complex financial concepts into clear, concise messages to senior leaders and non-financial staff.
• You have exceptional time management skills with a strong attention to detail to provide timely and accurate financial information while managing multiple projects and priorities.

While not required, the following are considered assets:

• Proficiency with the Corporate Financial Management System (Sage and SAP).
• A Professional Accounting Designation (CPA) or active enrollment in a recognized accounting program is strongly preferred. 
• Understanding of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS).

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

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

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

May be required to work overtime on occasion.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of October 1, 2027. The appointment 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
• Department specific flexible working schedules