About Us

The Nova Scotia Legislature is the legislative branch of the Government of Nova Scotia. It is made up of democratically elected representatives (the MLAs) who form the House of Assembly, and the Lieutenant Governor. The Legislature makes laws, controls provincial public spending, and monitors and questions the executive branch’s policies and action.
 

The Speaker’s Administration Office is responsible for administrative duties, particularly the financial and human resource aspects, related to the House of Assembly and its offices.
 

The Office is accountable for the payment of all salaries, allowances and expenses for the MLAs and members of the Executive Council. The office’s responsibilities are set out by provincial legislation, regulations, and government policy.

About Our Opportunity

As the Director of Finance and Administration you will be accountable for a full range of administrative services on behalf of the Office of the Speaker; responsible for the administration of all activities affecting the House of Assembly, including the House of Assembly Management Commission Act and the Executive Council Act.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities in this role include:

• Leads the formulation of long-term strategic planning, in accordance with legislation, and utilizing best practices for the management of MLA claims, entitlements and benefits. Makes and implements strategic decisions based on principles, values and operational business cases. In cooperation with the Chief Clerk, formulates policy to support amendments to the House of Assembly Management Commission Regulations.
• Develops annual budget for the Assembly and coordinates with Treasury Board for funding. Provides ongoing financial reports to the Chief Clerk, House of Assembly Management Commission and Audit Committee on program financial progress, identifying pressures and opportunities for savings. Approves the monthly forecasts and annual budget developed by the budget manager before submission to Treasury Board Office.
• Responsible for the administration of all relevant legislation and policy pertaining to the payment of all indemnities, salaries, allowances, and expenses for MLAs and Members of the Executive Council.
• Responsible for the preparation of a financial reports for the Assembly and coordinating financial reviews and audits.
• Responsible for ensuring accountability and transparency of financial information related to the financial results of the Assembly with its annual budget of ~$25 million. Prepares financial reports regarding the performance of the Assembly. Responsible for developing and maintaining a reporting regime for MLAs to meet requirements of the House of Assembly Management Commission Act and Regulations, and timely reporting thereof. Senior lead on developing and administering financial management policies and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for the Public Sector and all relevant legislation and policies. Attends and supports meetings of the House of Assembly Management Commission and Audit Committee to provide expert advance and information on finance and administration in relation to the oversight roles of those bodies.

Primary Accountabilities Continued

• Ensures the effective management of human and financial resources by setting and evaluating staff performance targets, promoting diversity and a healthy workplace, demonstrating the leadership competencies, respecting corporate human resources practices, promoting teamwork and individual development, maintaining internal communication, monitoring revenues and expenditures, adhering to procurement guidelines, acquiring goods and services in the most cost effective manner, and accurately forecasting budget requirements for the fiscal year.
• Responsible for briefing and training all MLAs on required personal documentation, salary and allowances, including optional benefits, advising MLAs on policies and procedures covering operations of constituency offices, travel expenses and living allowances.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates strategic planning and policy analysis and development activities to underpin strategic direction and decision-making for policies, programs, operations and services for the Office of the Speaker and the House of Assembly.
• Leads the development, implementation, communication, enforcement, evaluation and staff training on protocols and standards, improved best practices, and operating and procedural controls and internal policies, guidelines and processes to ensure maximization of and consistency in customer service to MLAs and other related clients. Performs formal training sessions to the caucuses, constituency assistants and MLAs on a recurring annual basis.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Commerce or in another relevant field of study plus several years of progressive experience in administration and financial management.
 

As the ideal candidate you bring a high level of creativity, consensus building and negotiating skills to reach collaborative solutions among a wide range of stakeholders on matters that are complex and central to legislative services. You are innovative in your ability to review processes and controls, make recommendations for improvements, and implement the changes.
 

You are analytical and comfortable making decisions to decide when new information or changes in legislation, regulations or government guidelines require changes in policies, procedures or management practices. You are scrupulously non-partisan and also have strong communication and relationship building skills to interact with internal and external stakeholders including members of the legislature, media and the general public.
 

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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Equivalent experience and training includes, however; is not limited to:

• Minimum 7 years of related experience in financial administration 

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 or will result in termination of your employment.  

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.

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