Job Description
Canada Life Assurance Europe plc ('CLE'), a company within the Great West Lifeco Group, is a life assurance company with a branch in Germany. CLE sells unit-linked pension and protection products to customers in Germany through independent brokers. We have offices in Dublin, Cologne and Neu-Isenburg (near Frankfurt). Our brand values reflect the kind of company we are today and strive to continue to be in the future: Ambitious: We consistently pursue our goals and constantly look for new opportunities and we are ready to go the extra mile for our customers. Creative: Together with our partners we offer appropriate and flexible solutions that inspire. Unconventional: We break new ground in order to offer our customers the best protection for a good life. Better: We constantly work on our abilities and strive to offer our customers superior products and services. Strong: Based on our performance and with the support of our Canadian parent company we look to provide the highest security for the future for our customers, partners and employees alike. Collaborative: We move forward together, helping each other to become better and together we find good solutions both for the customer and for ourselves. Responsible: We act transparently and fairly, and are forward-thinking and risk-aware for the benefit of our customers, partners and employees. People - our customers and employees alike - are at the heart of everything we do at CLE. We share a deep commitment to our customers and to each other. If you are looking to work in an inclusive, supportive and dynamic workplace on a path of growth, we're glad you found us! Whether you are starting your career or looking to develop your expertise as a specialist, we'll support you every step of the way. What we offer Hybrid working model - excellent city centre location with attractive working from home options; Personal Protection - Company Pension, Death in Service Benefit, Health Insurance Allowance, Income Protection Scheme, optional Specified Illness Scheme; Health & Wellness - Top-Class Employee Assistance Programme, Bike to Work Scheme, Policies supporting Work/Life balance, Digital Doctor to name but a few. Role Overview The Financial Reporting Team is responsible for the external and group reporting requirements of the German Division including production of the quarterly and full year financial results to CLG and GWL, the statutory Financial Statements, quarterly and annual regulatory returns and the development of the financial reporting environment. Additionally the team has responsibility for oversight of the outsourced investment functions. What you will help us to achieve An exciting opportunity has arisen within the CLE Financial Reporting team for a Senior Financial Accountant. Reporting to the Executive Financial Reporting Manager, the role involves: the preparation of the quarterly Canadian International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) German division consolidated accounts for GWL group reporting. the preparation of statutory financial statements and regulatory returns for CLE and various holding/service companies within the German Division. More specific responsibilities will include Preparation and Review of GWL Group Financial Returns The quarterly preparation of the financial data for submission to GWL on a Canadian IFRS basis. Preparation of supplementary consolidated information requested by GWL, either quarterly, annually or on an ad hoc basis. Annual Statutory Financial Statements The coordination, preparation and review of statutory financial statements under local GAAP. Solvency II Reporting The coordination, preparation and review of all Pillar 3 reporting under Solvency II. Technical Accounting Advising finance management on new/changing accounting standards/guidance. Review Reviewing the work of Assistant Accountants and peers within the team. Accounting Controls environment Ensuring that there is a strong control environment and that key controls and reconciliation processes are adequately maintained. Ensure clear, accurate and complete procedure documents are maintained for all tasks within current remit. Accounting System development and System Administration To seek continual development and improvement in accounting systems, controls and processes. To perform a system administrator role for the accounting systems. Projects Participate in a variety of other projects to improve and develop the reporting processes (including reporting requirements currently emerging in relation to ESG / Sustainability). Liaising with various internal and external parties Developing key working relationships with finance and actuarial teams and other business areas including liaising with internal and external auditors as required. Supporting the other teams within the wider Finance function will also be a requirement. Risk, Control & Regulatory Environment Ensure familiarity with risk management programmes including Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICOFR) as they impact on this position, and follow appropriate risk management procedures to control, monitor and report on business activities. Ensure compliance with group policies, regulatory, professional, and legal requirements. What you will need to be successful in the role The successful candidate should also possess the following skills and knowledge: A qualified accountant with proven post qualification experience in a financial services environment and evidenced continuous professional development (CPD). Experience with Solvency II regulatory reporting, insurance accounting and performing a group reporting role would be advantageous. Will have a strong awareness of technical financial accounting issues and developments. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written. Strong IFRS and FRS insurance accounting experience. Extensive knowledge of SAP would be an advantage. Working knowledge of financial systems generally (e.g. Workiva, Oracle SmartView) would be advantageous. Experience in taking pro-active responsibility for commercial and control issues and interacting with management on same. Must be highly motivated self-starter with an ability to manage deadlines and ensure quality in every aspect of reporting and to identify / adapt to changing stakeholder needs in a dynamic business environment. Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written. Strong end user computing skills in particular MS Excel. The following skills and knowledge would also be desirable: German language skills. Key Competencies Communication and Influencing Leadership Drive for Results Problem Solving and Decision Making Team Working and Cross Functional Collaboration The company reserves the right to draw up a shortlist as part of the selection process. Where Agency assistance is required the Canada Life Recruitment Team will engage directly with suppliers. Unsolicited CVs / profiles supplied to Canada Life by Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted for this role. Canada Life Group Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunities employer. We have created an environment of inclusion and growth to help people achieve their potential, to ensure they can bring their whole selves to work and to feel valued. We celebrate diversity of thought and perspective and want all of our employees to feel valued, respected and supported. We have built a culture that promotes equality and inclusion for all of our current and future employees and strive to ensure that our behaviours, processes and practices are aligned to this culture. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process please contact and we will be delighted to ensure you are fully supported to be your best. CLGS supports Equal Opportunity and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Apply button below to Login/Register.