Tax Specialist

Job Overview

Under the general direction and supervision of the Manager, Tax Reporting and Compliance, the Tax Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive internal tax services and tax compliance for our Canadian operations.

This role will include preparing and / or reviewing Canadian income tax provisions, income tax returns, indirect tax returns, involvement with tax planning and research on various topics as required related to the Tax filing positions of Wawanesa’s insurance and broker entities.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepares quarterly and annual tax provisions.
• Reports and communicates the overall tax position for the Canadian P&C insurance, Life insurance and broker operations.
• Collaborates with financial reporting team to ensure all financial reporting requirements are met and assists with internal and external enquiries, issues and concerns.
• Responds to questions from the business and collaborates with the Finance Team
• Prepares corporate tax compliance and information returns as assigned and documents filing positions.
• Prioritizes work to ensure compliance and timely submission of all statutory tax filing requirements and internal deadlines.
• Reviews and analyzes premium tax reconciliations and supporting working papers prepared by the Finance teams used for return and provision preparation.
• Performs and / or reviews tax research, other ad hoc tax related strategies and other duties as directed or assigned by the Manager, Tax Reporting and compliance.
• Assists with managing corporate income tax and commodity tax audits. Maintains amicable relationships with external tax auditors.
• Assists with tax planning, due-diligence, research and analysis of strategic initiatives, changes in legislation and industry trends as directed by the Manager, Tax Reporting and Compliance.
• Attends industry meetings and advocates accordingly and in collaboration with the Tax Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree with a major in accounting, or other related post-secondary degree or CPA accounting designation.
• Completion of the CPA In-Depth Tax Program or Masters in Tax is an asset.
• Insurance Industry, Financial Institutions, government, or public practice experience is an asset.
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills. Treats others with respect and courtesy and shares thoughts and ideas with the team.

Works to ensure group objectives are met by making quality contributions and supporting fellow team members.

• Positive and confident individual who communicates in a persuasive and eloquent manner (both written and oral).
• Excellent planning and organizing skills by keeping track of the status of various tasks and project activities.
• Excellent attention to detail. Examines all information completely to identify everything that is relevant and all potential impacts.
• Previous experience in dealing with taxation auditors (CRA & provincial tax authorities) beneficial.
• Previous involvement with tax planning and due diligence with respect to mergers and acquisitions is considered an asset.

Wawanesa is proud to be one of , a in Canada and a in Canada recognizing an exceptional place to work!

Diversity Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Wawanesa is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that is equitable and inclusive for all.

Wawanesa provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual’s protected status : race / ethnicity, colour, religion, creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, pregnancy / childbirth or related conditions, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected status.

Disability or medical-related accommodations are available upon request throughout all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.