Senior Specialist, Data Analytics and Innovation
About The Position
The Office of the Auditor General of Nova Scotia provides independent assurance to the House of Assembly on the government’s use of public funds and performance. With about 40 professionals, it offers exposure to complex, high-profile audits in areas like healthcare, education, social services, and public safety. This is a senior, highly visible role where contributions will directly shape how the Office approaches data analytics, IT audit, and AI. The incumbent will work across all audit teams, engage with leadership, and build capability at the organizational level. The Senior Specialist, Data Analytics and Innovation is the Office’s primary internal resource on data analytics, IT audit techniques, and artificial intelligence (AI). This is a hands-on senior role accountable for directly executing analytics work on audit engagements and providing strategic advice to audit teams and senior leadership. The position supports both the Financial Audit and Performance Audit teams and operates with a high degree of independence and professional judgment. Limited travel within Nova Scotia may be required. The Senior Specialist also serves as the designated backup for the Computer Services Officer during periods of absence, providing continuity for urgent IT issues and essential systems functions.
Requirements
- Post-secondary degree in a relevant field such as Data Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline
- A minimum of five years of progressive experience in data mining, data analytics, predictive analytics, and data programming
- Demonstrated experience with data analytics tools and programming languages such as Python, SQL, R, Power BI, Tableau, IDEA, or ACL
- Experience with relational and non-relational database environments (e.g., SQL, Oracle, DB2, MongoDB) and data warehouses
- Experience developing and documenting analytics procedures, guidance, or standards
- Experience in planning and executing audit procedures for IT general controls to support financial statement audits and performance audits
- Experience coaching, training, or mentoring others in data analytics concepts and tools
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to adapt methodologies to ambiguous or incomplete data
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex analytical findings clearly to diverse audiences
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and meet tight deadlines
- High degree of professionalism, ethical judgment, and confidentiality
Nice To Haves
- Experience performing data analytics in an auditing or accounting environment
- Familiarity with AI tools and their application in a professional or assurance context
- CPA designation or equivalent recognized by CPA Canada
- Knowledge of Canadian Standards on Assurance Engagements (CSAE)
Responsibilities
- Performing data extraction, transformation, validation, and analysis to support audit objectives, applying tools such as SQL, Python, and audit analytics software
- Identifying risks, anomalies, trends, and control issues through analysis of large and complex data sets, and documenting procedures in accordance with audit standards
- Applying AI tools directly within audit procedures where appropriate, and assessing their outputs critically
- Advising audit teams on data acquisition, analytics approaches, and use of emerging tools including AI
- Assisting audit teams in developing and executing audit procedures for IT general controls, including large and complex systems
- Coaching and supporting audit staff in developing foundational analytics skills and developing practical guidance for consistent use across the Office
- Leading or supporting pilot initiatives and experimentation with new analytics, IT audit, and AI tools
- Providing recommendations to senior leadership on priorities, tools, investments, and capability development, including business cases where appropriate
- Maintaining awareness of leading practices in other legislative audit offices and professional communities
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Extended health and dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Defined benefit pension plan
- Career development
- Support for professional growth
- Funding for annual CPD requirements
- Support for participation in professional networks and legislative audit committees
- Flexible hours
- Hybrid work options
- Flex Fridays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
