Accounting / Financial Management

Position: Manager of Accounting and Financial Wellness
Organization: TransCoastal Adaptations/Saint Mary's University
Location: Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

TransCoastal Adaptations: Centre for Nature-Based Solutions (TCA) at Saint Mary’s 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 TCA’s 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.

Position Title: Manager of Accounting and Financial Wellness

Start date: As soon as possible
Salary: $69,000 - $71,000 plus benefits

Status: Full-time (35 hrs a week)

Duration: 3-year position with possibility of renewal

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

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 TCA’s Engagement and Operations Manager and SMU’s 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.

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 of multiple multi-year projects as required by project leads, Research and Project Managers.

PROFILE

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.

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.

STARTING BENEFITS and PERKS

• Extended Health/Dental program and Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Paid vacation time and personal days in addition to periods where University is closed (e.g., Christmas to New Year’s)
• Additional benefits after 12 and 24 months of consecutive service including tuition discount & enrollment in pension plan
• Annual professional development allowance
• Paid volunteer hours
• Discounted Halifax transit Xpass

APPLICATION

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 resumé or CV and list of references, merged into one document, via email to Nancy Anningson (Project Manager) at Nancy.Anningson@smu.ca

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 dvanproo@smu.ca .

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