Contract Financial Analyst

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Department: Finance
Position Status: Full-Time, Permanent
Compensation: $60,000 - $70,000 CAD

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine. 

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.  

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.   

With us at their side, they can Shine On.  

As part of your total compensation:  

• Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities 

• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home 

• Three (3) weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days  

• Comprehensive benefits package and pension  

• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services 

About the role:

Reporting to the Controller, the Contract Financial Analyst is responsible for the financial administration, analysis, and reporting of contracts and contribution agreements funded by government departments, agencies, and other funding organizations. The position supports a portfolio of community service programs including settlement services, language programs, employment services, childcare, and youth development initiatives.

The Contract Financial Analyst ensures compliance with contractual financial terms and conditions by analyzing financial transactions, preparing claims and forecasts, monitoring contract spending, and maintaining accurate financial records and documentation. The role works closely with program managers, coordinators, and operational leaders to provide financial guidance and support related to funded programs and service agreements.

This position plays a key role in supporting organizational accountability, financial stewardship, and compliance with funder requirements through strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and advanced spreadsheet and financial reporting capabilities.

In this role, you will: 

Key Responsibilities

Contract Administration & Compliance

• Review and interpret financial terms and conditions of contracts, contribution agreements, and funding arrangements.
• Monitor financial activity to ensure compliance with funder requirements, organizational policies, and approved budgets.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date contract files and supporting documentation for active contracts and archived agreements in accordance with organizational retention requirements.
• Support financial monitoring activities, audits, and funder reviews by preparing documentation and responding to information requests.
• Liaise with internal program staff and external funding agencies regarding financial reporting requirements and contract administration matters.

Financial Reporting & Claims

• Prepare and submit financial claims, reports, reconciliations, and supporting schedules in accordance with contract deadlines and funding requirements.
• Analyze expenditures and revenue to ensure appropriate coding, eligibility, and compliance with contractual requirements.
• Prepare journal entries and supporting working papers related to contract revenue recognition, deferred revenue, accruals, and month-end processes.
• Track claims submitted, payments received, outstanding receivables, and contract balances.
• Assist with year-end reporting and audit preparation related to funded programs and contracts.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Prepare and monitor program budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses for funded programs and service contracts.
• Monitor contract cash flow and prepare cash flow forecasts to support operational and organizational planning.
• Provide financial analysis, recommendations, and reporting to managers and coordinators responsible for funded programs.
• Identify financial risks, funding pressures, and variances, and provide recommendations for corrective action where required.
• Develop and maintain financial tracking tools, spreadsheets, and reporting templates to support operational decision-making.

Collaboration & Support

• Provide financial guidance and training to managers, coordinators, and staff regarding contract compliance, budgeting, claims preparation, and financial procedures.
• Collaborate with Finance team members to support accurate financial reporting and continuous process improvement.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of internal controls and financial procedures related to contracts and funding agreements.
• Participate in special projects and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or Business Administration required.  Major in accounting preferred or a related discipline.
• Professional accounting designation (CPA) or enrollment in the CPA program considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum of 2–5 years of progressive experience in accounting, financial analysis, contract administration, or financial reporting.
• Experience working with government-funded programs, contribution agreements, or not-for-profit organizations considered an asset.
• Experience preparing financial claims, budgets, forecasts, and reconciliations preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting processes.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet skills required.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial staff.
• Proficiency with accounting and financial systems (e.g., Sage/ACCPAC or similar ERP systems) considered an asset.
• Knowledge of Canadian not-for-profit accounting standards (ASNPO) considered an asset.

Core Competencies

• Accountability and integrity
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Communication and collaboration
• Attention to detail
• Customer service orientation
• Adaptability and self-management
• Business and financial acumen
• Results-focused approach

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based environment.
• Full-time position with occasional additional hours during peak reporting periods to meet deadline.
• Frequent use of computer systems and spreadsheets with prolonged periods of concentration and attention to detail.

To apply: 

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide: 

• A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older.

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA. 

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. 

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.