Finance Officer

Position Information

Position Title

Finance Officer

Department/Unit

Ocean Frontier Institute

Research Project

Ocean Frontier Institute

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

GP92-25

Employee Group

Grant-Paid (PSAC local 86001)

Position Type

Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

1 year with possibility of renewal

Employment Type

Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

1.0

Salary

$61,491 - $82,262 per annum

About the Organization

Dalhousie University's Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) 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, and philanthropic. OFI administers several ocean research and training programs, including Dalhousie's two largest research grants from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF): Transforming Climate Action: Addressing the Missing Ocean (TCA), and Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier(SSDOF) with institutional partners Université du Québec à Rimouski, Université Laval, Memorial University, and University of Prince Edward Island. For more information about OFI, visit

Job Summary

Reporting to and under the direction of the Director of Finance, the Finance Officer is responsible for the financial management, administration, and reporting of all research accounts associated with the OFI. This includes, but is not limited to, budget preparation, financial analysis, forecasting, monitoring, reporting, compliance, and process improvement. The Finance Officer role is both varied and complex. Accountability is a critical component of the position.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare financial reports for funding agencies, governance bodies, leadership teams, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide advice and oversight on compliance, eligibility of transactions, and risk management across multi-institutional projects.
• Lead the financial planning and reporting process for CFREF research program, including annual multi-institution budgets and monitoring and analyzing financial performance.
• Establish mechanisms for measuring progress against documented priorities and performance targets to support decision making of senior leadership.
• Collaborate with partner institutions and funding agencies, maintaining adherence to guidelines and facilitating audits when required.
• Develop financial forecasts and feasibility studies for new initiatives, and recommend budget allocations and planning strategies.

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, Commerce, Accounting, or a related field, with approximately three to five years' related financial administration experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills, with the ability to handle financial reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with financial systems and reporting tools.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent teamwork and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Assets

• Professional accounting designation (CPA/CMA/CGA).
• Experience within a university research environment.

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

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

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

12/05/2025

Close Date

12/15/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

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