Senior Financial Advisor (PAO4)

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. 

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Finance, the Senior Financial Advisor is accountable for providing advanced professional expertise and strategic financial advice on business issues, planning and forecasting for management's use in decision-making.  This includes providing expert accounting advice on complex financial issues related to the Branch, the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC), a Crown corporation, and its operators, Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) and Casino Nova Scotia (CNS), as well as sound financial reporting that is compliant with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 

The role also provides coaching and mentoring to all staff regarding financial matters, including forecast and budgets, variance analyses and makes recommendations within the accountability framework.  In addition, the Senior Financial Advisor identifies gaps in policies, procedures or controls and assists with recommendations to develop and implement change.

Primary Accountabilities

• Contributes to the development of the annual budgets and actively participates in the review of the gaming operators’ budgets. Reviews business plans/proposals for reasonableness and accuracy and assists with recommending changes prior to finalization.
• Conducts comprehensive financial analysis and assesses financial position through development of financial forecasts; consulting with operators and managers, reviewing year-to-date results, tracking key performance indicators, and preparing trend analysis.
• Leads the integration of financial information across multiple reporting entities, ensuring alignment with consolidated financial strategies.
• Ensures NSGC is compliant with IFRS by keeping up to date on standards, researching, analyzing, developing, and implementing new accounting policies or monitoring and enhancing existing accounting policies.
• Responsible for the annual preparation of complete and timely fiscal year-end financial reporting, including the consolidated financial statements and notes for NSGC, and interacting with external auditors.
• Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive compliance testing program in accordance with applicable regulations and internal controls.
• Create internal testing systems, procedures, templates and documentation to support compliance reviews and reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a Bachelor’s degree (e.g., in Finance, Accounting or Commerce) + 6 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).
• Experience working in AML, regulatory compliance, risk management, or a related field.
• Experience conducting reviews, monitoring activities, or compliance testing is considered an asset.

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 in the office
• May be required to work overtime on occasion

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with 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
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.