At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and reporting for Canada Life, driving strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join a trusted company dedicated to improving Canadians' well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, career development, and community involvement.
- Other info: Flexible work locations and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies across Canada while collaborating with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in finance, strong communication skills, and a university degree in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 121200 - 171200 £ per year.
Reporting to the AVP, Financial Management & Planning, the Director, Financial Management & Planning is a key finance leader responsible for driving the future of Canada Life. The Director will play a key role in leading and contributing to the development, implementation, and ongoing production of the Canada financial plan and of timely, accurate and relevant Canadian Division Management Information to meet the needs of senior Corporate leaders. This role ensures the Canada financial plan aligns with the Canada strategy and Canada business goals. This role is a unique opportunity to see business operations and strategy across all of Canada and interact with senior financial, actuarial, and business leaders throughout the organization.
What you will do
- Management Reporting: Synthesize exhibits for actual and forecast reporting, results, observations, recommendations to stakeholders and management, including formal presentations. Perform, review, and present analysis and interpretation of trends and variances holistically and across the regional segments. Ensure the accurate completion of the quarterly earnings commentary report and external shareholder’s report for the Canadian division. Lead the preparation of the Canada Corporate division five-year earnings plan and performance related Financial Condition Testing (FCT) scenario modelling. Implement Canada-level cash flow forecasting.
- Financial Plan: Provide strong leadership and oversight on the Canadian financial plan, including: Coordinate and monitor timelines and deliverables. Prepare plan presentations. Ensure earnings modelling is valid, current, and aligned to the company’s strategy. Challenge business unit areas on targets they set. Evaluate, recommend, and facilitate changes to the financial planning process to implement changes in best practice & industry. Lead the preparation of the Canada Corporate division five-year earnings plan and performance related Financial Condition Testing (FCT) scenario modelling.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Execute processes in a timely manner, build partnerships with the Company’s finance and actuarial organizations to develop automation solutions. Participate in ad hoc financial projects, as required.
What you will bring
- University degree in finance, investments, or a related field and 7+ years of professional/technical experience in a finance role.
- Effective communication and strong relationship building skills.
- Solid business acumen and leadership experience.
- Strong Microsoft Suite skills.
- Highly motivated, agile, and tenacious, with a proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical capabilities; you look at an unclear path as an opportunity and not an issue.
Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in the following head office locations: London, Toronto or Winnipeg.
What we offer:
- Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
- Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.
- Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
- Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.
- Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
- Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.
We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Financial Management & Planning in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Canada Life. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Financial Management & Planning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Canada Life.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Canada Life's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canada Life
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Canada Life.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Canada Life will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Canada Life employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
