Senior Financial Advisor (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

At the Nova Scotia 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 financial advice to departments, crown corporations and other public service entities.

About Our Opportunity

As the Senior Financial Advisor, you will be responsible for providing sound and timely financial advice  to the various assigned program areas and any external agencies funded by the client department. 

You will serve as the primary day-to-day contact on all financial matters that support program delivery regarding financial accountability between Financial Advisory Services and other branches of the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care and externally funded agencies.

As the Senior Financial Advisor, you will report to the Executive Director, Finance.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary responsibilities in this role include:

• Developing, examining, analyzing, costing, and making financial policy recommendations for senior management with respect to issues relating to capital and operating funds, funding models and contract renewals
• Ensuring expenditures are accounted for in adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) and government policies
• Designing and assisting in the implementation of systems and procedures to organize and coordinate the collection of financial and statistical information.
• Providing interpretations of the guidelines and advice to external auditors, healthcare administrators and departmental staff.
• Preparing and analyzing short-term and long-term forecasts of the financial positions of clients to assess their financial health individually and collectively.
• Working collectively with departmental staff and client agencies in preparing and analyzing annual budget documents, including briefing material for senior management.
• Developing terms of reference, research and analysis of policy options, recommendations and report preparation and memo to executive council preparation.
• Participate in special projects with other departmental staff, client agencies and outside consultants as required.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor’s degree with six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.  You also possess knowledge of PSAAB and other relevant CICA standards and requirements.

 You have an extensive financial background and experience in dealing with the complex economic inter-relationships between the Province and provincially regulated and/or funded agencies.

You posses the ability to critically analyze and cost programs, forecast operations, examine financial statements, counsel clients on finances, accounting, and reporting, in the context of generally accepted accounting principles, legislation and policy.  Experience in program evaluation and the development of systems, procedures, and policies with respect to financial accountability is necessary.  You possess effective communication skills and the competency to build and maintain successful relationships with senior management and both internal and external stakeholders. 

While not required it is considered an asset if you possess:

• An accounting designation (CA, CMA, CGA, CPA) or enrolment in a recognized accounting program
• Knowledge and experience in the delivery of a broad spectrum of financial services to a varied client group.

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.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of December 1, 2026.  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