Canada Life Assurance Europe plc (‘CLE’) is a dynamic insurance company with over 700 people across our offices in Germany and Ireland. We have been operating in Germany since 2000 and have established a fast-growing presence in one of the world’s largest and most established markets. We specialise in providing innovative unit-linked pension, savings, and protection solutions and have become a trusted partner for life insurance products distributed through independent brokers. It is our priority to support our customers at every stage of life with the best products and service, tailored to their needs - and we’re doing it all in a culture that promotes equality and inclusion for all of our current and future employees.

Role Overview

Based in Dublin, reporting to the Financial Operations Manager, the Assistant Financial Accountant is a permanent role and will be part of a team of 5.
The main purpose of the role is the timely preparation of policyholder balance sheet reconciliations, to assist in the monthly/quarterly financial close process and the coordination of the ICOFR process (Internal Controls over Financial Reporting). Collaboration with other business areas to resolve issues is a key component of the job.

What you will help us to achieve

You will be primarily responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
• Maintaining the controls supporting the policyholder systems to ensure a strong control environment for our 530k+ customers. This includes the monthly balance sheet reconciliation and journal process and resolution of issues in a timely manner.
• The collaboration with other business areas to ensure the maintenance of controls and to assist in the resolving of issues and queries as they arise.
• To ensure that departmental procedures are kept up to date.
• To assist in the preparation of various monthly and quarterly finance tasks.
• Quarterly and annual reporting including inputs into the IFRS17, Statutory and Regulatory processes.
• Coordination of the ICOFR process and to assist in the adherence of internal controls relating to the finance function.
• Liaising with both Internal & External auditors (ensuring all requested data is supplied and performing walkthroughs of Finance processes etc)
• Finance system access reviews and to act as SAR (Security Access Request) coordinator.
• Other ad-hoc / project work as required within the Finance area.

Key Organisational Relationships

The key organisational relationships for the Assistant Financial Accountant include the following:
• Business operational functions such as Finance, Actuarial, Administration, Risk and Internal Audit.

What you will need to be successful in the role

• An accounting part-qualification is desirable. The successful candidate will be encouraged to progress with their accounting qualification.
• Hands on experience with day-to-day operational accounting, ideally in the Financial Services sector (in particular, the Life Assurance sector would be desirable but not essential).
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular, Excel, Word and Access are essential.
• Excellent analytical, interpretation and problem-solving skills.
• The successful candidate will have a high level of self-motivation.
• Excellent communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills required as cross workstream role.
• Flexibility, resilience and adaptability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A knowledge of German would be advantageous but not essential.

Key Competencies

Planning and Organising

Communication and Influencing

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Interpersonal/Teamwork

Risk and Control

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.

Even if you don’t see yourself reflected in every job requirement listed on the posting above, we encourage you to reach out and apply if you feel you are a good fit for the role. We are committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive and diverse company, and we strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation and life experiences to apply.

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 lifecareers@irishlife.ie 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.

Assistant Financial Accountant

Job Description