Finance Manager

Salary $72,430 - $97,028 per annum based on 35 hours per week.

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.

The Ocean Frontier Institute ( OFI ), led by Dalhousie University, is one of the world’s most significant ocean science research and training collaborations with partnerships extending globally, across many sectors such as university, government, research institutes, industry, NGO ( non-governmental organization), and philanthropic. Reporting to and under the direction of the Executive Director, the Finance Manager is responsible for the administration, management, oversight, and financial reporting of all research accounts associated with the Ocean Frontier Institute.

• Lead the financial management, oversight, analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting for all OFI programs and projects, including consolidated budgets and forecasts for partner institutions and research programs.
• Prepare financial reports, variance analyses, forecasts, business cases, and feasibility assessments for OFI leadership, governance bodies, Dalhousie University, funders, donors, partners, and other stakeholders, recommending corrective actions as required.
• Provide strategic financial advice and recommendations to OFI leadership, assessing the financial implications, risks, and opportunities associated with organizational priorities, proposed initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and resource allocation decisions.
• Monitor funded programs and projects to ensure expenditures and financial activities comply with University policies, sponsor and granting agency requirements, funding agreements, regulations, and audit standards, and coordinate financial audit requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance OFI financial policies, procedures, controls, systems, and reporting practices, identifying opportunities for process improvement and taking appropriate action to support accountability, transparency, and compliance.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with researchers, program managers, partner institutions, funding agencies, and Dalhousie Research Services and Financial Services, providing guidance on financial transactions, planning, compliance, financial risks, and funding requirements.

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 with minimum five years of progressively responsible financial management experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated experience in budget development, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting. Experience developing, interpreting, and administering financial policies and procedures.
• Experience supervising staff and managing work priorities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholder groups.

• Experience working in a university or research environment.
• Experience…