Senior Financial Analyst

Wawanesa Insurance•Edmonton, AB

18d•CA$90,000 - CA$110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Financial Analyst to support the Manager, Finance Business Partner in delivering financial planning, performance reporting, and decision support for the Personal/Commercial Lines business. This role will be responsible for preparing analysis, reporting, forecasts, variance commentary, and financial insights that support the integrity of the financial plan and help inform business discussions. The successful candidate will bring strong financial analysis capability, excellent technical proficiency, particularly in Power BI and reporting tools, and the ability to translate financial data into clear and practical insights. Working closely with the Manager, Finance Business Partner, this role will analyze results, identify performance trends, investigate variances, and prepare materials that support planning, reporting, and performance management activities. This role is ideal for a CPA-designated professional with a passion for data-driven decision-making, keen attention to detail, and the confidence to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience in the insurance industry and familiarity with reporting tools such as Power BI are considered strong assets.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of experience in financial analysis, management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, or a related finance role.
Proficiency with advanced analysis and visualization tools (Power BI, Power Query, Python, etc.).
Post-secondary degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field; CPA designation or active pursuit of a CPA designation is preferred.
Strong understanding of financial planning, forecasting, management reporting, accounting concepts, budgeting principles, and variance analysis.
Proven ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
Effective team player with excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly and prepare concise analysis and commentary for management review.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in the insurance industry is an asset.

Responsibilities

Support financial planning, budgeting, reforecasting, and monthly plan management activities for the Personal/Commercial Lines business under the guidance of the Manager, Finance Business Partner.
Prepare detailed financial plans, operating expense budgets, forecasts, performance reporting packages, and supporting analyses for review with the Manager, Finance Business Partner.
Perform monthly and quarterly budget vs. actual and forecast variance analysis, identifying key drivers, trends, risks, and opportunities and summarizing findings for management review.
Prepare monthly performance review materials for Personal/Commercial Lines, helping translate financial results into clear commentary, business implications, and discussion points.
Maintain and analyze key performance indicators and financial metrics, identifying trends and root causes behind performance shifts across the line of business.
Contribute to reporting enhancements, process improvements, and system changes by providing analysis, testing, documentation, and user support as needed.
Identify opportunities to improve planning, reporting, and analysis processes and recommend practical improvements to enhance accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.
Maintain process documentation, reporting guidance, and training materials related to budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting procedures.
Respond to ad-hoc financial reporting and analysis requests by preparing data pulls, reconciliations, variance analysis, trend reporting, and other customized insights.
Provide day-to-day support to business partners on financial reports, budgeting tools, planning processes, and data questions, escalating complex or sensitive matters to the Manager, Finance Business Partner.
Assist with interpreting financial reports, setting up departmental budgets, troubleshooting data discrepancies, and ensuring alignment with internal budgeting guidelines, timelines, and reporting standards.
Perform additional related duties as assigned.