Financial Analyst

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Professional accounting designation ( CPA ) or current enrollment in the CPA program.
• Equivalent accounting…