Senior Accounting Analyst

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.•Toronto, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zurich Canada is seeking a Senior Accounting Analyst to support regulatory reporting and general accounting operations in their Toronto office. This role reports to the AVP, Financial Accounting and Reporting and involves performing and overseeing regulatory reporting and general accounting activities. The analyst will ensure accounting processes and procedures are followed to support business objectives, provide support to the AVP, communicate financial statement impacts to management, and act as an analytical, solutions-oriented partner to cross-functional stakeholders. The position requires an analytical thinker with strong business acumen and technical knowledge, capable of managing complex transactions, driving process improvements, and maintaining a strong internal control environment. This is an opportunity to build knowledge and experience in a supportive environment. Zurich Canada utilizes AI-enabled tools for initial application review, but all hiring decisions are made by qualified hiring professionals. The role follows a hybrid work model, requiring three days per week in-person presence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance and 4 or more years of experience in the Accounting or Finance area OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Accounting or Finance area OR Completion of the Zurich Finance Development Program, including a Bachelor’s Degree and 2 or more years of experience in the Accounting or Finance area OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice with 4 or more years of experience in the Accounting or Finance area
Experience with accounting and financial reporting, including general ledger and reporting tools
Experience using accounting and treasury principles

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance and 8 or more years of experience
Pursuing a CPA designation
Strong knowledge and understanding of accounting principles
Insurance industry experience
Advanced general ledger transactional experience
Project management experience
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills (particularly Excel)
Technology experience related to one or more of the following areas: general ledger, financial reporting systems, Business Objects or other query/reporting tools
Strong written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

Support various types of general ledger and sub-ledger transactions relevant for Group and regulatory reporting.
Perform and review internal controls in line with Group internal guidelines.
Process complex transactions and related activities, clearly communicating and documenting financial statement impacts to management.
Oversee and coordinate the balance sheet reconciliation process in accordance with Group internal control guidelines.
Analyze financial statements and ledger accounts and prepare complex spreadsheets; suggest solutions to issues and take responsibility for execution and resolution, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Perform complex accounting research and apply advanced accounting theory to transactions.
Identify potential process improvements and efficiencies; develop and present action plans for process improvement to management with a focus on innovation, simplification and customer focus.
Manage day-to-day accounting activities and ad hoc tasks, including internal controls supporting internal and external reporting requirements.
Research primary financial data sources, select relevant information, analyze key themes and trends, execute and measure effective controls, and make recommendations to inform policy and/or product development.
Research best practices and review and analyze detailed business models to support senior management in developing and improving Finance, Accounting & Reporting processes and systems, including leading the testing of new solutions.
Act as a technical expert in financial analysis, conducting process reviews and initiating change to contribute to continuous improvement of customer service for internal and external stakeholders.
Deliver training to educate team members and increase awareness of existing or new Finance, Accounting & Reporting policies and procedures to optimize performance and increase compliance within the process or product area.
Work extended hours during peak periods, as required.