AVP, Operational Accounting & Finance Systems

Company: CGL
Department: Financial Acctg Services
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
Work Model: Hybrid (2 days in office)
Language: English is required, French is an asset.
Additional Information: This/these role(s) is/are currently vacant

The Opportunity:

We are a leading Canadian financial services co-operative committed to being a catalyst for a sustainable and resilient society and our team is essential to deliver on this strategy.  That’s why we prioritize our people, to ensure we provide a strong culture and development opportunities which enables our team to thrive and to live our purpose.  The best part is that you will work with people that care passionately about you, our clients and our communities.

Our national Finance team aspires to create, enhance, and protect value for our organization and its stakeholders. Our knowledgeable team educates and influences the organization to make well-informed, risk-based decisions. We think innovatively and strategically to solve business problems and strive to move our business forward with practical, integrated processes and tools that ensure organizational success.

Finance, Accounting, and Reporting provides critical accounting, financial reporting and finance system services to all companies in the Co-operators Group, following a shared services model. The AVP, Operational Accounting & Finance Systems is a key member of the FAR leadership team. 

The Operational Accounting responsibilities of this role encompass Accounts Payable including the DATABASICS system, and the corporate credit card program. This role is also responsible for the processing of all cheque, EFT and wire transfer payments, all general ledger bank account reconciliations, the payroll account reconciliations, corporate cash handling, and advisor billing. 

The Finance Systems responsibilities of this role include management of the common financial systems applications across the group of companies, support of financial applications for CGIC, and the development of the financial operations aspect of new product and claims applications.  This leader provides project management support and resources to ensure efficient, effective delivery of new applications, upgrades and enhancements, in support of the goals and objectives of each company.  

This role also works with leaders and teams across the Group of Companies on Finance transformation initiatives to drive strategy, capacity gains, cost savings, accelerated benefits, improved data and reporting and enhanced client experience.

How you will create impact: 

• Serving as the key contact for all relevant projects across the group of companies, providing the business requirements for A/P, A/R, banking and reconciliations
• Developing teams with skillsets aligned to FAR’s longer term strategy, where technology solutions are optimized and staff default to automation of tasks (within appropriate governance guardrails)
• Establishing and maintaining effective, open relationships with all team members, maximizing opportunities for continued employee growth and delivery of quality service.
• Leading the business process/project management function for finance business and systems initiatives. Supporting the initiative sponsors to ensure all key stakeholders are involved
• Developing and maintaining appropriate service levels for all Operational Accounting functions responding effectively to the needs of all companies in the Group.
• Ensuring that Cost-effective internal financial controls are in place and tasks performed for the financial close process are completed by the required deadlines.
• Lead finance transformation efforts by optimizing technology and restructuring processes to create value, efficiency and agility across the broader finance function

To join our team:  

• Demonstrated ability to initiate and lead strategic change, develop and implement innovative solutions, and simplify, standardize, and embed new ways of working while building future-ready capabilities
• You have a minimum of six (6) years of experience in the financial services industry and deep working knowledge experience in Operational accounting, financial accounting, financial controls, auditing and finance systems.
• You have a post-secondary degree in Accounting, Business or a related discipline
• Solid understanding of project management principles, inclusive of having demonstrated strong influence and communication skills to lead cross functional change.
• You possess considerable experience building a high-performing, highly engaged team, with a focus on client service
• You hold a professional designation or appropriate professional qualifications (CPA, CFA, and/or PMP)
• You must be an accomplished professional accountant with a proven ability to translate corporate goals and strategy into operational terms and possess the ability to work effectively across department and hierarchical boundaries to meet company objectives

How you will succeed:

• You initiate new strategies to capitalize on opportunities and lead the implementation of organizational change.
• You integrate complex information to identify solutions or solve problems and apply a strategic mindset to adjust business plans.
• You foster innovation and continuous improvement with a focus on client experience.
• You create a high-performance culture through alignment of your team’s work with organizational goals and successfully convey messages with a sense of positive advocacy.
• You develop others to ensure the evolving needs of the organization will be met and build effective relationships to achieve key business objectives.

What you need to know:

• You will be subject to a Background check as a condition of employment, in the event you are the successful candidate.
• You will travel occasionally.

What’s in it for you?

• Training and development opportunities to grow your career.
• Flexible work options and paid time off to support your personal and family needs.
• A holistic approach to your well-being, with physical and mental health programs and a supportive workplace culture.
• Paid volunteer days to give back to your community.
• In addition to our competitive salary and incentive programs, eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package including group retirement savings plans, pension and benefits (e.g., health and wellness, dental, disability and life coverage), mental health support and an employee assistance program.

Salary to be discussed with successful applicants.​ The salary amount for the successful candidate is determined by Co-operators in its discretion and will vary depending on several criteria including but not limited to: local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualification, experience and education.​