Financial Analyst

Job Summary

Dalhousie Financial Services strives to provide the highest quality financial services and information to ensure the effective stewardship of University assets to the benefit of students and scholarly activities. Financial Services is a core service unit of the University, providing services in areas of financial accounting, budgeting, procurement, payroll, cash management, and financial systems and policies. Reporting to the Associate Director, Finance Operations in the Controller’s Office, the Financial Analyst will support the accuracy of Dalhousie’s financial reporting through hands-on work with Tangible Fixed Assets (PP&E) accounting processes; support HST/GST, income tax, and other regulatory compliance; provide analysis to internal stakeholders and contribute to external financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the ongoing accounting and record management of the University’s fixed assets, including entries for additions, retirements, and transfers.
• Administer GST/HST and other taxation processes, ensuring accurate interpretation and application of the Excise Tax Act and Income Tax Act, and preparing filings, elections, and supporting documentation.
• Respond to taxation-related inquiries from campus stakeholders, providing guidance, analysis, and escalation for complex issues.
• Manage and track Section 211 elections related to real property to minimize excise tax exposure and identify opportunities for additional filings or recoveries.
• Support financial reporting activities of the Controller’s Office, including preparing and reconciling balance sheet accounts, investigating variances, and collaborating with business units to resolve discrepancies
• Assist with external and internal reporting requirements, such as provincial financial submissions, Statistics Canada surveys, year-end audit support, and CAUBO reporting.
• Document and improve financial processes, ensuring controls, workflow clarity, and compliance with University policies and accounting standards.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Commerce or Business Administration with five years’ related work experience of progressive complexity (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Familiarity with GST and HST reporting, the Income Tax Act and Excise Tax Acts of Canada, and the ability to search, summarize, interpret, and make recommendations based on each.
• Proficiency with ERP systems processing large volumes of data, advanced skill in the Microsoft Office Suite and exceptional Excel abilities are mandatory.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex and confidential matters with excellent judgment, discretion, and tact, and the ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in a high-volume, quick turnaround, deadline driven environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Comfort with documenting processes and knowledge sharing through meetings and presentations.
• Experience with fixed asset accounting for property, plant & equipment.

Assets

• Professional accounting designation (CPA) or current enrollment in the CPA program.
• Equivalent accounting designation, or international designation with Canadian equivalency, will also be considered.
• Experience in financial reporting, audit, or related accounting functions.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards and best practices.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s and competencies, in particular:

- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication
- Service

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.