Junior Financial Accountant

About Our Opportunity

Under the leadership and direction of the Sr. Advisor to the Controller, the Junior Accountant will assist with a variety of tasks relating to accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and control processes within the Department of Finance and Treasury Board.  Over a three-year period the individual will rotate throughout the following areas, amongst others:  Treasury Board Office, Government Accounting, Controllers Office, and Financial Advisory Services.  They will do this as they work on getting their professional accounting designation. This position will be part of CPA’s Pre-Approved Program Route (PPR).
 

The Junior Accountant may assist with standardized provincial costing structure, forecasting, financial reporting analysis (year-end and monthly), financial administration and special projects.  These special projects involve the creation of unique spreadsheets to access and analyze information.  They will provide support to the Treasury Board Office team during the corporate budget process ensuring budget objectives and the government’s debt commitments are met; working with Government Accounting and the Controller’s Office to support the financial statement year end process leading to the publication of the Province’s Public Accounts; and support the Financial Advisory Services with departmental business case and program delivery analysis.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. accounting/auditing, statistics, and business management) and completed or almost completed (within 12 months) the necessary CPA preparatory courses (or equivalent) required to begin the CPA Professional Education Program. Additional courses in accounting, statistics, and or business management would be considered an asset.  Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and email software such as Outlook is required.

This position is ideal for candidates working to complete their professional accounting designation.

The following competencies are required:
 

Ability to communicate, interpret and report information both verbally and in writing. Pays close attention to detail, analytical thinker and is outcome focused. Excellent organizational and communication skills.  Work independently in a busy and collaborative team environment, to determine priorities and deadlines, and exercise good judgement around issues requiring a high degree of tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive/confidential information. The ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with other departmental staff as well as external partners including other levels of government demonstrating an understanding of cultural differences.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application. We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

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.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 1, 2028. 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