Manager of Accounting and Financial Wellness - TransCoastal Adaptations

Saint Mary’s University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned Canadian university in Halifax is seeking a Manager of Accounting and Financial Wellness. This full-time role involves overseeing financial operations, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate has strong accounting and financial management skills, with a focus on supporting the financial wellness of staff and students. A dynamic work environment and several benefits are offered.

Benefits

Extended Health/Dental program

Vacation and Personal days

Professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in accounting and financial management.
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Experience in supporting financial wellness of others.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Director with financial management.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance.
• Generate quarterly financial reports for TCA operations.

Skills

Accounting experience

Financial management

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365

Project management

Problem solving skills

Organizational skills

Education

Post-graduate education in Accounting or related field

Tools

Vena Solutions

Enterprise Resource Planning Software

Job description

Discover

The Opportunity

Position Title : Manager of Accounting and Financial Wellness

Start date : As soon as possible

Salary : $69000 - $71000 plus benefits

Status : Full-time (35 hrs a week)

Duration : 3-year position with possibility of renewal

TransCoastal Adaptations : Centre for Nature-Based Solutions (TCA) at Saint Marys University (SMU) is seeking a full-time Manager of Accounting and Financial Wellness to provide day-to-day financial accounting of TCA operations financial oversight and administration of funded projects training and mentorship of staff to manage their project budgets as well as support the overall financial wellness of TCA and associated staff and students. This includes salary and budget forecasting to support the implementation of TCAs strategic plan and working with SMU to provide guidance and resources to help staff / students manage their finances reduce stress and achieve their financial goals. The Manager of Accounting and Financial Wellness will be an employee of SMU and a member of the TCA core executive team where collaborative decision-making integrity and shared passion for enhancing sustainability of coastal ecosystems and communities are paramount. We offer a dynamic flexible work environment with opportunities to get your hands dirty on applied projects in the field.

TCA is a Centre of Expertise for nature-based adaptation approaches to climate change at SMU in Halifax Nova Scotia. TCA aims to create and foster expertise disseminate knowledge and build capacity around nature-based coastal solutions in our region to establish these as effective and accessible climate adaptation strategies. We generate expertise through cutting-edge field and laboratory research in coastal environments and share research findings through outreach and engagement with the public partner organizations academia and government entities. We build capacity around nature-based solutions through training highly qualified personnel (HQP) by employing students at various levels of study including postgraduate interns and we apply our knowledge by implementing nature-based infrastructure projects throughout Atlantic Canada and beyond. Nature-based solutions are needed now and for the future and TCA is the foremost organization in Canada working to establish and advance these approaches.

The Manager of Accounting and Financial Wellness will be based at SMU report to the Executive Director work closely with TCAs Engagement and Operations Manager and SMUs Financial Services Planning and Analysis Department. They will join the dynamic passionate and energetic team at TCA who are committed to applying innovative nature-based climate change adaptation solutions on the ground.

We are looking to hire an organized dedicated and flexible professional who will thrive in a dynamic academic environment. The Manager of Accounting and Financial Wellness will strive to support the success of TCA projects and the research team while following procedures and policies outlined by SMU.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Marys we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include :

• Extended Health / Dental program and Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Additional benefits after 12 and 24 months of consecutive service including tuition discount & enrollment in pension plan
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the Executive Director (ED) with the financial management of TCA striving to support the long-term sustainability of the Centre including staff retention and implementation of our 2025-2030 strategic plan. Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making.

Maintain accurate up-to-date financial records and ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and standards including those outlined in grant contribution agreements with funders.

Review expense reports prepared by staff and students for compliance with university policies and procedures prior to requesting ED signature and submission to SMU Financial Services. Track submissions and TCA funds being charged.

Manage invoicing accounts payable and receivable functions in collaboration with SMU Financial Services.

Manage financial administration of externally funding projects including budget preparation and tracking completion of financial reports file management and supporting major project administration with project managers. Mentor and empower junior staff in project management processes and budget tracking.

Generate quarterly and annual financial reports of the TCA Centre Operations Budget including revenue streams and expense forecasting. Lead coordination of financial annual report to SMU Senate.

Support financial wellness of TCA staff and students by providing guidance and resources to help manage their finances reduce stress and achieve their financial goals.

Support grant and other funding proposals including project funding opportunities internal and external wage subsidy programs and proofreading / editing material for accuracy.

Mentor and work effectively with the TCA team in terms of listening motivating reinforcing good work habits problem solving supporting and building competence.

Perform other duties related to the financial administration

Skills and Qualifications :

Minimum 3 years of experience in accounting and financial management of multiple concurrent major projects.

Completion of post-graduate education in Accounting Business Management or related field

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 Suite of programs and financial management software; experience with Vena Solutions or Enterprise Resource Planning Software.

Experience in supporting financial wellness of others through education guidance or providing resources for personal finances and budgeting debt management long term planning etc..

Proficiency in file organization and data management.

Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Highly motivated independent and hard-working.

Must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada.

Valid PMP certification or proof of other project management training will be considered an asset.

To apply : If you are interested in this position please send a cover letter describing your background and fit to the position along with a resum or CV and list of references merged into one document via email to Nancy Anningson (Project Manager) at emailprotected

Application deadline : Open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications Aug 11 2025. We thank all applicants however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

At SMU equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect we welcome applications from women Indigenous peoples racialized persons / visible minorities persons with disabilities persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process please contact Dr. Danika van Proosdij at emailprotected .

A little bit about us

Saint Marys University

Saint Marys University is one of Canadas top primarily undergraduate universities known for its international collaborations leadership in entrepreneurship and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts Science Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canadas best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Marys provides our more than 6400 students with a place that fosters possibility excellent research opportunities and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax Nova Scotia on Canadas east coast Saint Marys University is marked by iconic buildings green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Marys University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world-a World without limits.

Learn more about working at Saint Marys University here and follow us on LinkedIn Facebook Twitter and Instagram!

Required Experience :

Manager

Key Skills

Internal Audit,Supervising,Data Entry,Compliance,Customer Service,Accounting & Finance,General Ledger Accounting,IFRS,External Audit,Microsoft Excel,ERP,Payroll,Financial statement,ACCA,CPA

Employment Type : Temp

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 69000 - 71000