Director, Accounting – Controls

Sun Life

. Lead and develop a team of accounting professionals and control specialists .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeWaterloo • CanadaLead💰 CA$130,000 - CA$175,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial reporting, internal controls, and audit processes while leading a team of accounting professionals. Proficient in leveraging technology and analytical skills to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Professional Accounting DesignationTechnical Accounting SkillsAudit/Internal Controls BackgroundProficiency in MS ExcelBilingualism in French and English

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial ReportingIn-Depth Financial AnalysisControl Environment ManagementContractual Service Margin CalculationInsurance Contract Liability ReviewProcess Development and ControlsContinuous ImprovementChange ManagementRecords ManagementBusiness Continuity Planning

Soft Skills

Leadership AbilitiesRelationship ManagementVerbal Communication SkillsWritten Communication SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

SAP Analysis for OfficeTableauAI ToolsFinance SystemsUser/Business Acceptance Testing

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Accounting Designation

Industry Keywords

Financial ReportingInternal AuditRegulatory ComplianceRisk ManagementThird-Party Risk Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Tableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and develop a team of accounting professionals and control specialists
Own complete, accurate, and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and regulatory reporting for RA&S
Provide in-depth analysis of financial results
Own the control environment, including quarterly Internal Key Control processes and Key Disclosure Analysis
Lead quarterly analysis and review of Finance transactions in the contractual service margin calculation tool
Review insurance contract liability and reinsurance asset roll-forward schedules
Provide leadership and support for strategic projects and initiatives affecting financial reporting
Develop processes and controls to incorporate project results into efficient operational procedures
Champion continuous improvement and use technology, including AI tools, to reduce repetitive manual tasks
Manage finance systems responsibilities, including user/business acceptance testing, chart of accounts, system coding interpretation, mapping, change management, and policy administration systems
Lead compliance activities including records management, business continuity planning, BCT testing, third-party risk management, and internal and external audit coordination
Own LAN maintenance and privacy initiatives
Communicate with senior management and ensure issues are raised and addressed promptly
Collaborate with RA&S Finance & Actuarial, Canadian Finance, Corporate Finance, Risk Management, Operations, and internal and external audit teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Professional accounting designation with 7+ years of relevant experience in a senior financial role
Technical accounting skill set
Audit/internal controls background
Proficiency in MS Excel
Knowledge of SAP Analysis for Office (AfO) and Tableau
Excellent relationship management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Strong leadership abilities to direct and develop a team of professionals
Self-motivated and capable of handling conflicting priorities in a dynamic and changing environment
Bilingualism in French and English, both oral and written, required for Quebec-based candidates

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work with flexibility to work from the office and virtually based on business, client, and employee needs
Incentive plans for eligible employees, with payment subject to individual and company performance
Sales incentive plans for certain sales-focused roles
Accommodation support during the application process
Job postings available in alternative formats upon request