Senior Advisor – Financial Strategy
Top Benefits
About the role
Position Information
Position Title
Senior Advisor – Financial Strategy
Department/Unit
Financial Services
Location
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number
S113-25
Employee Group
DPMG
Position Type
Regular, On-Going
Duration of Contract (if applicable)
Employment Type
Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE)
1
Salary
$88,864 - $119,841 per annum
Classification
ADM-08
Provisional Statement
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.
About Dalhousie University
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
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 Senior Director, Budgets & Financial Analysis and to the budget unit(s) within their portfolio(s), the Senior Advisor – Financial Strategy is responsible for planning, analyzing, managing, and reporting on budget administration and business operations by developing, maintaining and monitoring internal administrative systems to facilitate effective, efficient and sustainable operations. The Senior Advisor – Financial Strategy manages complex portfolio(s) which include an operating budget, direct revenues, research expenditures, endowment funds, gifts, discretionary reserves, and clinic operations.
Key Responsibilities
-
Serves as the lead financial officer for portfolio(s) of budget unit(s) and is responsible for the managerial oversight of the daily operations and long-term financial planning and analysis for the unit(s).
-
Provides counsel to the budget unit(s) through interpreting financial data and developing complex financial models used to drive the budget owners’ decision-making and strategic planning initiatives.
-
Responsible for developing and regularly updating budget unit(s) multi-year financial plan based on university policy changes and planning parameters. Responsible for preparing, implementing and evaluating budget allocations and expenditures.
-
Collaborates with budget unit(s) to establish long range financial projections, to innovate and renew revenue streams, and to manage strategic decisions through the use of extensive business modeling.
-
Provides leadership and direction for business intelligence including gathering, reporting and analyzing the data associated with the budget unit(s) finances, human resources, research and students.
-
Supervises a team of financial employees as assigned, sets their own work priorities, and exercises independent judgment in making decisions concerning financial analysis and recommendations.
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 business administration, finance or other job related discipline, with a minimum of seven years’ related financial management experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
-
Professional accounting designation such as a CPA
-
Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, gather and analyze statistical data and generate reports, statements and/or projections.
-
Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting applications, and computerized student information systems.
-
Excellent interpersonal skills, communication (verbal and written), analytical skills and competence using information technology tools.
-
Strong leadership abilities along with supervisory / management experience.
-
Must be able to exercise initiative and independent judgement in a complex organizational environment.
Assets
-
Highly developed planning and project management skills
-
Experience working in a university environment
Job Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:
-
Respect & Inclusion
-
Adaptability
-
Thinking and Acting Strategically
-
Relationship Building
-
Resource & Process Management
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. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Open Date
06/13/2025
Close Date
06/23/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19068
About Dalhousie University
One of Canada's leading universities, Dalhousie University is widely recognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and a broad range of educational and research opportunities.
Located in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie attracts students from around the world. Since 1818, we've been inspiring students, faculty, staff, and graduates to make significant contributions to our region, Canada, and the world.
Senior Advisor – Financial Strategy
Top Benefits
About the role
Position Information
Position Title
Senior Advisor – Financial Strategy
Department/Unit
Financial Services
Location
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number
S113-25
Employee Group
DPMG
Position Type
Regular, On-Going
Duration of Contract (if applicable)
Employment Type
Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE)
1
Salary
$88,864 - $119,841 per annum
Classification
ADM-08
Provisional Statement
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.
About Dalhousie University
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
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 Senior Director, Budgets & Financial Analysis and to the budget unit(s) within their portfolio(s), the Senior Advisor – Financial Strategy is responsible for planning, analyzing, managing, and reporting on budget administration and business operations by developing, maintaining and monitoring internal administrative systems to facilitate effective, efficient and sustainable operations. The Senior Advisor – Financial Strategy manages complex portfolio(s) which include an operating budget, direct revenues, research expenditures, endowment funds, gifts, discretionary reserves, and clinic operations.
Key Responsibilities
-
Serves as the lead financial officer for portfolio(s) of budget unit(s) and is responsible for the managerial oversight of the daily operations and long-term financial planning and analysis for the unit(s).
-
Provides counsel to the budget unit(s) through interpreting financial data and developing complex financial models used to drive the budget owners’ decision-making and strategic planning initiatives.
-
Responsible for developing and regularly updating budget unit(s) multi-year financial plan based on university policy changes and planning parameters. Responsible for preparing, implementing and evaluating budget allocations and expenditures.
-
Collaborates with budget unit(s) to establish long range financial projections, to innovate and renew revenue streams, and to manage strategic decisions through the use of extensive business modeling.
-
Provides leadership and direction for business intelligence including gathering, reporting and analyzing the data associated with the budget unit(s) finances, human resources, research and students.
-
Supervises a team of financial employees as assigned, sets their own work priorities, and exercises independent judgment in making decisions concerning financial analysis and recommendations.
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 business administration, finance or other job related discipline, with a minimum of seven years’ related financial management experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
-
Professional accounting designation such as a CPA
-
Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, gather and analyze statistical data and generate reports, statements and/or projections.
-
Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting applications, and computerized student information systems.
-
Excellent interpersonal skills, communication (verbal and written), analytical skills and competence using information technology tools.
-
Strong leadership abilities along with supervisory / management experience.
-
Must be able to exercise initiative and independent judgement in a complex organizational environment.
Assets
-
Highly developed planning and project management skills
-
Experience working in a university environment
Job Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:
-
Respect & Inclusion
-
Adaptability
-
Thinking and Acting Strategically
-
Relationship Building
-
Resource & Process Management
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. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Open Date
06/13/2025
Close Date
06/23/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19068
About Dalhousie University
One of Canada's leading universities, Dalhousie University is widely recognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and a broad range of educational and research opportunities.
Located in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie attracts students from around the world. Since 1818, we've been inspiring students, faculty, staff, and graduates to make significant contributions to our region, Canada, and the world.