Senior Tax Specialist

Job Overview

Under the general direction and supervision of the Manager, Tax Reporting, the Senior 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 and indirect tax returns, involvement with tax planning and preparing research on various tax topics as required related to Wawanesa’s insurance and broker entities.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepares quarterly and annual tax provisions. Assists with managing the overall tax position for the Canadian P&C insurance, Life insurance and broker operations.
• Collaborates with financial reporting team to ensure all Canadian and US tax financial reporting requirements are met and assists with internal enquiries, issues and concerns.
• Prepares corporate compliance and information tax returns as assigned.
• Assists with responsibility for compliance and timely submission with all statutory tax filing requirements.
• Reviews and guides work assigned of Tax Specialist and / or Tax Analyst.
• Reviews and analyzes premium tax reconciliations and supporting working papers prepared by Finance teams which are used for return and provision preparation.
• Assists with managing corporate income tax and commodity tax audits. Maintains amicable relationships with external tax auditors.
• Assists with tax planning, research and analysis of strategic initiatives, changes in legislation and industry trends as directed by the Manager, Tax Reporting.
• Performs and / or reviews tax research, other adhoc tax related strategies and other duties as directed or assigned by the Manager, Tax Reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree with a major in Accounting or other related post-secondary degree.
• CPA accounting designation and completion of the CPA In-Depth Tax Program or Masters in Tax.
• Minimum of 5 years in industry or public practice is required with at least 3 years being direct tax experience.
• 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.

• Experience with leading, managing and coaching others in a work related role or through other activiities is desired.
• 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.
• Strong negotiation skills by presenting information or arguments in a convincing manner and by focusing on what is important.
• Previous experience in dealing with taxation auditors (CRA & provincial tax authorities) is preferred.
• Previous experience in working for or servicing financial institutions is preferred.
• Previous involvement with tax planning with respect to mergers and acquisitions is preferred.
• Completion of other CICA Advance Tax courses is desired.

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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.