Business Advisor (Bilingual)

Company description

CBDC Digby-Clare assists in the creation of small businesses and in the expansion and modernization of existing businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs.

• Financial assistance is available in the form of loans, loan guarantees and equity financing to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Business counselling, help & advice is available to small businesses. We help businesses to succeed and therefore we give high priority to the advisory role of our mandate.
• Entrepreneurship development and training to individuals and small business owners/managers is available in many of our offices.
• Technical assistance usually takes the form of guidance and coaching, and sometimes advocating on behalf of our clients to other lending establishments or regulatory agencies.

Job description

OUR MISSION

CBDC Digby-Clare supports the development, growth and success of businesses contributing to a vibrant and prosperous community.

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Business Advisor (BA) will provide information on the delivery of CBDC programs and services to potential or existing entrepreneurs. The Business Advisor (BA) will guide clients with business planning, assessing needs and making referrals to relevant programs. Additionally, the Business Advisor is responsible to review applications for financing, complete the assessment and present to the Executive Director and/or Board of Directors for final approval.

The Business Advisor also administers the S.E. (Self Employment Benefits) Program for the Digby County area. The role requires that the Business Advisor coach, inform, and assist potential and actual entrepreneurs especially in their first year(s) of business operation. Responsibilities include assisting potential clients with the S.E. application process and submitting applications as required to the appropriate regulatory body. Identifying, organizing, and facilitating training and client information sessions is also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Loan Applications:
Proactively contact new and existing business owners who require financing. Complete the assessment of loan applications, provide guidance and client support with business planning preparation. Identify client training plans, complete loans, checklists, and maintain ongoing client relationships.

Loan Administration of Programs:
Enter all client data into the Tea Database (our Loan Accounting System). Prepare legal documentation, gather the collection of required documentation from the client and prepare various financial reports when needed. Complete required documents for loan payments.

Client Follow up, Counseling & Training:
Follow up with clients on a regular basis to ensure that clients are successfully implementing projects for which program funds were received. Assist in the identification and organization of business training seminars for CBDC clients as required. Collect on delinquent accounts and generate and submit monthly credit reports. Prepare and process loan renewals.

Self-Employment Assistance Benefits (S.E.) Program:
Assist potential clients with the S.E. application process. Submit S.E. applications as required to the appropriate regulatory body and prepare S.E. reports as required.

Customer Service:
Provide clients with information on the various CBDC programs and business support initiatives. Assist other CBDC personnel when required. Provide guidance and client support with their business plan preparation as required.

EXPERTISE AND EDUCATION

The Business Advisor's position requires that the incumbent have a thorough knowledge of the various Corporation’s procedures, guidelines and policies. The Business Advisor must also have strong technical and financial knowledge in order to guide clients with business planning and assessing loan applications. This knowledge is normally acquired through post-secondary degree in Business Administration or in a related field of study and five years’ work experience in the business field. The equivalent knowledge and expertise may also be attained through a combination of training and years of work experience. The position requires the successful candidate to be fluent in both English and French languages (preferred).

COMPETENCIES

• Self-Starter: As this position is located primarily in our Church Point satellite office (3 days + 2 days in Digby) the individual needs to be disciplined, self motivated and able to create an effective working environment for themselves.
• Client Counseling Skills - an ability to listen, probe, understand and respond to client needs and provide advice and guidance.
• Business Writing Skills - an ability to write reports and prepare various business communications.
• Presentation Skills - an ability to effectively present client projects/funding requests to the Executive Director and/or Board of Directors and an ability to do presentations to business or related groups.
• Computer Skills - a strong knowledge of Word, TEA Software, Simply Accounting, Outlook, Excel and Power Point.
• Relationship Building Skills - an ability to work effectively with the various business partners.
• Teamwork Skills - an ability to effectively communicate with work colleagues and share information on an ongoing basis.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to adapt to change, work under pressure and manage multiple tasks at the same time
• A valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team environment.
• Be bondable.
• Fluently Bilingual in French and English.

Location: CBDC Digby Clare offices (Church Point, NS: 3 days; Digby, NS: 2 days)

Salary Range: To be determined based on experience.

Deadline for Application:

Please send your CV (resume) and cover letter by December 18, 2024

To:
Rebecca LeBlanc, Executive Director
CBDC Digby-Clare

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $55,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Language:

• French (preferred)
• English (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-12-18