Competition # : 41733

Department: Finance and Treasury Board

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 15-Feb-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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, fiscal and tax policy, and administration.

If you are detail oriented, enjoy complex analysis, a fast-paced environment, and are seeking a largely independent role while supporting many different teams, we have an exciting opportunity for you to explore as a Labour Relations Financial Advisor.

About Our Opportunity

As the Labour Relations Financial Advisor, you are the financial expert on wage and benefit costs for the following health-related departments, offices, and providers:

• Department of Health and Wellness (DHW)
• Department of Seniors and Long-term Care (SLTC)
• Office of Additions and Mental Health (OAMH)
• Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment (OHPR)
• Government funded Nova Scotia Health Care Sector Providers (Health Authorities, Long-term Care facilities, etc.)
  
  

Labour costs account for 46% ($2.66 billion) of the overall budget for the above departments and offices.

The position is responsible to work closely with department and third-party organization’s staff to develop costing scenarios for potential union settlements prior to negotiations, during negotiations, and post-negotiation activities related to finalizing funding for the approved negotiations within the Provincial budget. The position coordinates and/or creates all relevant analysis for these departments and offices as part of the budget planning process and for labour negotiations.

The position resides within the Financial Advisory Services (FAS) team (supporting Health) and works closely with the Labour Relations and Compensation team. Both teams are areas within the Department of Finance and Treasury Board.

Primary Accountabilities

Provide financial analysis for compensation for all Nova Scotia Health Care Sector Providers:

• Using detailed information gathered from over 150 collective agreements, calculate and run numerous “what if” scenarios to be used in analysis and decision-making for future budget and settlement recommendations.
• Analysis must include scenarios across multiple unions, and various employment settings with a variety of very complex calculations, often with one agreement impacting another.
• Create and maintain a comprehensive information system used in running individual and collective “what-if” costing analysis.
• Must be able to synthesize large volumes of financial wage and benefit information with a robust understanding of how one line impacts another and then be able to present information in a cohesive and simplified for ease of evidence informed decision making.
• Provide ad-hoc reports to Management involving detailed analysis on the information system such as overtime, pension, and potential settlements (items on the table in the negotiation process after a union agreement has expired).
  
  

Identifies wage-oriented budget changes

• Tracks all funded base salaries and relevant benefits that have incremental increases outlined in ratified/settled collective agreement. Increases must be compared to wage claims within the Restructuring fund, in which settled agreements are funded.
• Discusses changes to budget with Management, Financial Advisors, and Health Care Providers while reconciling wage claims received and payments made out.
• Validating and processing wage claims received from providers.
• Implements salary changes into the current and future years of Health Care Sectors budgets.
• Coordinates year-end analysis of budget base by completing journal entries as required.
  
  

Budget related duties

• Assists with financial administration, management, and/or coordination of existing programs and processes of health-related departments and offices including the annual budget, briefing books for Minister’s, monthly forecast reports and provides financial advice to others as appropriate.
  
  

Performance of other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor’s degree with five years related experience, or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience.

You must possess a strong ability to understand and financially analyze complex documents, contracts and agreements with a demonstrated ability to construct and modify complex financial costing models. You have above average attention to detail and Microsoft Excel skills. Excellent writing, presentation and problem-solving skills with the ability to work under tight deadlines while handling the pressures of competing and ever-changing priorities are also required.

It is considered an asset if you have or are currently working toward a professional accounting designation.

Assets For This Position Include

• Experience working in a government environment
• Experience supporting the development of legislation and regulations
• Experience in intergovernmental relations, such as supporting federal-provincial-territorial (FPT/PT) committees and development of agreements with various levels of government
• French as a second language
  
  

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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. 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 Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

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 within Government.
• Department-specific flexible working schedules.
  
  

Pay Grade: EC 11

Salary Range: $3,238.10 - $4,047.67 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.