Senior Risk & Compliance Advisor

Reporting to the Director, Financial Advisory Services, the Senior Risk & Compliance Advisor provides expert advice and leadership in financial compliance, internal controls, and risk management for federally funded programs and departmental operations. This role focuses on establishing and maintaining financial compliance frameworks and internal control standards, including internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), and ensuring alignment with government policies, legislation, and funding agreements. The Advisor plays a key role in strengthening financial oversight, internal control consistency, and accountability across program areas, and shapes how compliance, risk, and internal control practices are designed, implemented, and sustained across a complex operational environment.

Primary Accountabilities

• Establish and maintain financial compliance and internal control standards, providing expert advice on their application across program areas.
• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing assessment of internal control frameworks (ICFR), including documentation and evaluation of control effectiveness.
• Design and operate a risk‑based financial compliance and internal control monitoring program, including risk assessment approaches and prioritization of review and monitoring activities based on risk and materiality.
• Provide risk and compliance oversight of funding agreements, including advising on reporting requirements, eligibility criteria, audit provisions, and enforcement mechanisms.
• Identify and assess financial and compliance risks and control deficiencies and provide evidence‑based recommendations and mitigation strategies.
• Implement compliance standards and supporting tools and guidance to promote consistent financial practices and strengthen accountability.
• Support the development of financial capability within program areas through guidance, training, and ongoing advisory support.
• Support audit readiness and act as a key liaison with internal and external auditors.
• Influence program decision‑making through clear, structured advice and strong working relationships that support improved compliance and accountability.

Qualifications and Experience

• Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a minimum of five years progressive experience in financial compliance, internal controls, or risk management within complex environments.
• Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks (e.g., ICFR, COSO), government financial policies, and funding agreements.
• Demonstrated experience leading or advising on financial compliance, internal control, or risk management practices in complex, high‑volume environments.
• Demonstrated experience designing and evaluating internal control frameworks, including assessing control effectiveness and supporting remediation of deficiencies.
• Experience developing or applying risk‑based approaches to monitoring or oversight, including prioritizing work based on risk and materiality.
• Experience reviewing or advising on funding agreements or contracts, including assessing compliance risks related to reporting, eligibility, and enforcement.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior leaders and non‑financial audiences.
• Experience building or improving structures, including processes or documentation, in evolving or developing environments.
• Experience supporting financial capability development within program or operational teams.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers a range of benefits including a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General Illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment with competing priorities and deadlines. The role operates in a fast‑paced setting with a strong focus on program delivery, requiring sound judgment to balance compliance requirements with operational needs.

What We Offer

• Career development with guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training at every stage of your career.
• An engaging workplace that values, respects, and connects employees, with forward‑thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.
• A dynamic, client‑focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are the focus.

Pay Grade

EC 12

Salary Range

$3,929.22 - $4,911.52 Bi‑Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that reflects the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia welcomes applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in positions where they are under‑represented.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact

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