AVP, Accounting and Controls Transformation

Sun Life Financial, Inc.

$140K — $225K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of progressive experience with a future-focused approach
  • CPA or MBA designation with a relevant university degree
  • Strong experience in digital and process transformation execution
  • Proficiency in managing strategic initiatives and projects
  • Expertise in analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Bilingual in French and English required for Quebec positions
  • Strong leadership skills with a collaborative mindset

Responsibilities

  • Lead a diverse team of over 40 finance professionals in key financial processes
  • Support strategic initiatives driven by the Sun Life Health Leadership team
  • Ensure proper accounting for acquisitions and partnerships and manage integrations
  • Oversee the financial workstream for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
  • Drive transformation of financial systems and controls, leveraging automation and AI
  • Collaborate with Corporate and Canadian Finance on process improvements

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work within a purpose-driven, supportive corporate culture
  • Recognition as one of the top 100 most sustainable companies globally
  • Awarded as one of Canada’s Best Workplaces and Best Workplaces for Women
  • Unique Sabbatical Program for extended time off every five years
  • Care Days available for personal and family well-being
  • Hybrid work environment offering flexibility in work settings
Full Job Description
Job Description:

About the role

Reporting to the Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Sun Life Health, this role is accountable for leading the transformation of the accounting and control processes supporting the Sun Life Health (SLH) business and sharing relevant improvements with other Business Units, Canadian Finance and the Corporate office as applicable.

Transforming the SLH Accounting and Controls processes and technology is critical to accurate and timely financial information for running the business and making strategic decisions.

This role will partner with peers across the Finance function to deliver impactful improvements leveraging all of the new financial data, systems and tools available. This role will lead, build, challenge and inspire an inclusive team that is focused on achieving transformative process change, leading to better management insights, faster and increasing shareholder value.

What you'll be doing
  • Lead a team of over 40 finance professionals accountable for monthly close process, reinsurance accounting and settlements, financial controls and reconciliations, and audit engagements
  • Finance leader supporting key initiatives and strategies driven by the Sun Life Health Leadership team
  • Ensure acquisitions, partnerships and related integrations are appropriately accounted for, and the relevant financial systems and controls are in place
  • Oversee the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) finance workstream, accountable for CDCP plan, forecast, and all finance deliverables
  • Drive financial systems, data and controls transformation, including streamlining processes, leveraging automation and AI where applicable, and facilitating a faster and well-controlled financial system
  • Partner with Corporate and Canadian Finance on the transformation of the financial accounting and control processes in SLH

What you'll need to succeed
  • Experience in digital and process transformation execution
  • Experience in leading through change
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • 10+ years progressive experience and future-focused outlook
  • Experience with financial services/insurance industry an asset
  • CPA or MBA designation with related university degree
  • Experience in managing strategic initiatives or projects
  • Strong leadership skills with an ability to work across multiple functions and business groups
  • Connects the big picture, understands the business and manages complexity across deliverables
  • Drives for results, optimizes work processes and aligns work to outcomes
  • Focuses on key internal clients and their needs at senior levels
  • Operates well in ambiguity and is resilient in changing situations
  • Adapts leadership style to be effective in different situations and challenges
  • Works effectively together through engagement and influencing others, collaborates effectively, and optimizes talent
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent financial and business analytic capabilities
  • Advanced skills in process re-engineering and use of digital and/or AI as part of transformation
  • As this position is posted in several locations, we specify that bilingualism (French, English, both oral and written) is required for Quebec only as the position includes managing both French and English-speaking staff (Quebec and outside Quebec) and providing daily support to the team.


What’s in it for you:
  • Being a member of the Sun Life family, a group of people united by our Purpose: to help Clients and Employees achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.
  • In 2024, Sun Life ranked among the top 100 most sustainable global corporations by Corporate Knights for the 15th consecutive year, leading Canadian insurers.
  • We are proud to be on the 2024 Best Workplaces in Canada list by Great Place to Work.
  • We’re also listed as one of the Best Workplaces for Women and Best Workplaces with Most Trusted Executive Teams.
  • Our unique Sabbatical Program gives you the opportunity to take up to 6 weeks off, every five years.
  • Care Days available for self-care or care of others (i.e., family or others you may support) and Sick Days to support your well-being.


The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.

We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you.

We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, interview scheduling.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Salary Range:
140,000/140 000 - 225,000/225 000

Job Category:
Finance

Posting End Date:
11/09/2026

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