Tax Analyst

Job Description

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About the role:

The Tax Analyst performs tax payment, reporting, accounting, and compliance activities for Sunlife, its Canadian subsidiaries, and its investment funds. Reporting to the AVP, Indirect Tax, the Tax Analyst supports Canadian indirect tax and premium tax compliance, including returns, reconciliations, and accruals. A key component of the role is identifying practical opportunities to simplify and automate recurring processes, improve data quality, and strengthen controls. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who takes ownership of assigned work and is willing to learn indirect tax from the ground up.

What will you do?

• Prepare accurate and timely GST/HST, QST, and provincial sales tax returns for Sunlife and its Canadian subsidiaries.
• Prepare and remit weekly and monthly withholding tax payments to the appropriate tax authorities.
• Calculate and process premium tax accruals and instalments, and prepare annual premium tax returns.
• Perform reconciliations of premium tax, GST/HST, QST and provincial sales tax accounts
• Prepare supporting calculations and journal entry requests for tax accruals, payments and adjustments.
• Investigate variances, identify root causes and correct errors through the reconciliation process.
• Analyze Accounts Payable and expense report data to identify and resolve tax compliance and coding issues and recommend corrective or preventive improvements.
• Assist with federal and provincial indirect tax audits by gathering supporting documentation, preparing schedules and supporting responses to information requests.
• Research routine indirect tax matters, monitor relevant changes, and respond to business-partner questions, escalating complex or higher-risk matters as appropriate.
• Review recurring compliance processes and implement practical standardization and automation opportunities using Excel, SAP, and other available tools.
• Develop and maintain standardized documentation, test and monitor process changes, resolve exceptions, and communicate material outcomes.
• Maintain appropriate supporting documentation and controls, escalate exceptions, and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues and improve processes.

What do you need to succeed?

• 2-3 years of experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, or tax compliance.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with accounting and reporting systems. SAP experience is required.
• Strong Excel skills (proficient with Pivot Tables, X/V-lookups) and comfort working with large amounts of financial data.
• A continuous-improvement mindset and comfort assessing processes, proposing practical solutions, documenting and testing changes, and learning new systems that reduce manual work.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills, with initiative and sound judgment about when to seek guidance.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet time-sensitive filing deadlines.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with tax and non-tax stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• A CPA designation (completed or in progress) and/or completion of the CPA Canada In-Depth GST/HST Program would be considered a strong asset.
• Interest in developing expertise in Canadian indirect taxes, including GST/HST, QST, PST, and premium tax; previous indirect tax experience is an asset but not required.
• A strong background in accounting is preferred.

What's in it for you?

• Hybrid work environment
• A friendly, collaborative, and inclusive culture
• 15 vacation days per year
• Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family
• Pension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial security
• The opportunity to move along a variety of career paths with amazing networking potential
• Access to our Global Learning Centre, available 24/7 for your learning needs
• Wellness programs that support the three pillars of your health – mental, physical and financial

Recent Awards:

• We are honoured to be recognized as a 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Best Workplaces in Canada by Great Place to Work® Canada
• Great Place to Work® list for Best Workplaces for #HybridWork 2022
• Great Place to Work® list for Best Workplaces for Professional Development in Canada 2022
• Named “Best Places to Work” by Glassdoor, 2021 and 2023