Senior Risk & Compliance Advisor

The Government of Nova Scotia•Halifax, NS

2d•CA$101,819 - CA$127,634•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, Financial Advisory Services, the Senior Risk & Compliance Advisor provides expert advice and leadership in financial compliance, internal controls, and risk management for federally funded programs and departmental operations. The role focuses on establishing and maintaining financial compliance frameworks and internal control standards, including internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), and ensuring alignment with government policies, legislation, and funding agreements. The Advisor plays a key role in strengthening financial oversight, internal control consistency, and accountability across program areas. The Advisor is focused on shaping how compliance, risk, and internal control practices are designed, implemented, and sustained across a complex operational environment. This includes leading the development of risk-based monitoring approaches and ensuring financial and compliance risks are identified and managed effectively. Working closely with program leadership, the Advisor applies a risk-based, proportionate approach to compliance and oversight in a high-volume environment. The role emphasizes influencing decision-making and building capability within program areas, while implementing practical and sustainable approaches that support both accountability and effective service delivery.

Requirements

Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
Minimum of five years progressive experience in financial compliance, internal controls, or risk management within complex environments
Experience advising senior leadership
Experience addressing system-level financial risks
Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks (e.g., ICFR, COSO), government financial policies, and funding agreements.
Demonstrated experience leading or advising on financial compliance, internal control, or risk management practices in complex, high-volume environments.
Demonstrated experience designing and evaluating internal control frameworks, including assessing control effectiveness and supporting remediation of deficiencies.
Experience developing or applying risk-based approaches to monitoring or oversight, including prioritizing work based on risk and materiality.
Experience reviewing or advising on funding agreements or contracts, including assessing compliance risks related to reporting, eligibility, and enforcement.
Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior leaders and non-financial audiences.
Experience building or improving structures, including processes or documentation, in evolving or developing environments.
Experience supporting financial capability development within program or operational teams.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain financial compliance and internal control standards, providing expert advice on their application across program areas.
Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing assessment of internal control frameworks (ICFR), including documentation and evaluation of control effectiveness.
Design and operate a risk-based financial compliance and internal control monitoring program, including risk assessment approaches and prioritization of review and monitoring activities based on risk and materiality.
Provide risk and compliance oversight of funding agreements, including advising on reporting requirements, eligibility criteria, audit provisions, and enforcement mechanisms.
Identify and assess financial and compliance risks and control deficiencies and provide evidence-based recommendations and mitigation strategies.
Implement compliance standards and supporting tools and guidance to promote consistent financial practices and strengthen accountability.
Support the development of financial capability within program areas through guidance, training, and ongoing advisory support.
Support audit readiness and act as a key liaison with internal and external auditors.
Influence program decision-making through clear, structured advice and strong working relationships that support improved compliance and accountability.