Financial Services Officer 2 - Budget Officer (Fas) (Hiring Pool)

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. The Financial Advisory Services (FAS) units provide direct support to departments, crown corporations and other public service entities through budget, forecast and a variety of program related financial advice. There are eight FAS units in total, which support the following departments (Government - Government of Nova Scotia), as well as a number of other organizations and agencies. If you are detail oriented, enjoy working as part of a team that prioritizes technical expertise in support of client needs, thrive while working in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to meet tight deadlines, this is an exciting opportunity for you to explore as a Financial Services Officer 2.

About Our Opportunity

The position is responsible for the preparation and interpretive analysis of financial reports required by Senior Management. Also responsible for providing advice and recommendations to budget and cost centre managers within government departments regarding the administration of their financial resources. The position is responsible for identifying financial implications of existing and proposed programs and activities and to help with solutions and options of financial and accounting issues.

Most importantly, the incumbent is a key resource and is responsible for supporting the monthly forecasting and annual budget processes and assisting in the preparation of Deputy Minister and Minister's briefing materials.

The successful candidate is a valuable resource to other Financial Advisory Services staff and FAS clients, providing sound financial advice on how best to strategically utilize the Department's resources, both human and financial. The finance team and clients rely on you to provide accurate and timely support so they can make informed decisions relating to responsible allocations of these resources. Through investigation and analysis of data, you will provide guidance to Management in a way that allows them to make informed decisions.

This Hiring Pool will be used to fill multiple Permanent, Term, Temporary and Casual FSO 2 opportunities over the next several months in Halifax.

Primary Accountabilities

• Preparation, analysis, and data entry of forecasts of expenditures, revenues, fees, recoveries, salaries etc., including providing accurate and timely variance analysis.
• Preparation and/ or review of accounts payable, and accounts receivable documents, potentially including the preparation, submission, analysis, reimbursement and reconciliation claims and recovery claims for cost shared programs.
• Preparation of the monthly forecast comparison report detailing changes in the Department's budget.
• Preparation and analysis of trends and recommendations.
• Assists with the preparation of the annual departmental / client budget.
• Responsible for supporting the month-end and year-end accounting processes.
• Responsible for design, modification, and updating of various reports as required by senior management.
• Responsible for timely updates of the corporate full-time equivalent software system.
• Responsible for updating salary data.
• Responsible for distribution and receipt of forecast and other financial reports.

Qualifications and Experience

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

You have experience providing accurate budgeting, forecasting or other detailed financial advice to clients. Your strengths include having the ability to analyze large volumes of information and produce concise, relevant, and timely reports. You have the ability to articulate financial information in a way that is readily understood by non-financial users. You possess exceptional judgement and problem-solving skills, being able to accurately interpret information and determine an appropriate course of action. You thrive working independently and possess sound time management and organizational skills, strategically managing multiple deadlines.

You are proficient in programs such as Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook), enterprise resource planning systems, and the internet, and the ability to quickly learn custom applications is required. You enjoy learning new computer systems which allow you to find ways to streamline processes while maintaining business requirements and meeting tight deadlines.

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
• Some overtime work required
• Dynamic continuously evolving work environment

Additional Information

This Hiring Pool will be used to fill multiple Permanent, Term, Temporary and Casual FSO 2 opportunities over the next several months in Halifax. 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