Senior Governance and Controls Advisor

Description: 

 

Permanent Full Time 

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As the Senior Governance & Controls Advisor on our Business Risk & Controls team, you will act as a trusted business partner to facilitate and monitor control testing activities within Workplace Benefits & Retirement, drives execution of remediation action plans and support significant projects to rationalize the control environment. As this role blends execution responsibilities and participation in transformation projects, it requires an ability to thrive in a changing uncertain environment.

 

Reporting to the Manager, Risk & Resilience, you will coordinate with stakeholders across all lines of defense (LOD) to ensure the design, implementation, and execution of effective controls in Workplace Benefits & Retirement. Promoting a culture of prudent risk management, with consideration for the interests of a broad range of stakeholders, you will play a key role in spearheading multiple initiatives to strengthen internal controls on many emerging risks while rationalizing the internal control activities and reporting.

 

What you will do 

 

 

Access Management:

 

  • Manage and monitor Workplace Benefits & Retirement’s response and compliance with the organizations controls over controlling user access.
  • Provide expert support to business stakeholders as necessary.
  • Actively participate in efforts to rationalize and improve consistency in access review processes. You will be expected to provide insights and actively contribute to ongoing efforts to rationalize access management efforts, beyond the current scope of controls.

 

 

Internal Control Testing and Management:

 

  • Coordinate Workplace Benefits & Retirements internal controls frameworks (ICOFR, SOC1 reports). Liaise with our auditors and business contacts to ensure timely delivery. Act as a primary problem-solver to remove any bottleneck.
  • Handle client requests focusing on internal controls.
  • Understand the current controls environment and actively support future optimization efforts. This will involve prioritizing business areas and developing dedicated approaches to improve controls.

 

 

Internal and External Assessments:

 

  • Maintain our engagement model with business stakeholders during internal audit, compliance or regulatory assessments. Provide insights and advise on scoping, engagement execution and findings discussions.
  • Help and facilitate proper and timely implementation of all Workplace Benefits & Retirement findings. Acting as an internal consultant, proactively devise solutions for any issue surfacing in that domain.

 

 

Special projects:

 

  • As new priorities emerge, actively participate in problem resolution and ad-hoc implementation efforts.

 

 

 

What you will bring:

 

  • Problem Solver: Comfortable with ambiguity and change, you analyze emerging issues, identify root causes, and help define solutions. Curious, proactive, and ready to challenge the status quo with a “can-do” attitude.
  • Relationship Builder: Collaborate across all lines of defense, asking the right questions and navigating complex structures. Communicate clearly on complex topics, build credibility, and influence at all levels.
  • Relevant Experience: Minimum 5 years in Financial Services, ideally with Insurance expertise. Background in Audit, Consulting, or advanced functional roles preferred. Professional designations (CPA, CIA, CISA) are an asset but not required.
  • Reliability Status Security Clearance – this can only be completed with candidates who receive an offer of employment. This is a personal security status that is required as a condition of employment before an employee can gain access to Protected B information, assets or work sites as outlined by the Government of Canada website. The cost of submitting these checks will be covered by Canada Life
  • Broad understanding of Workplace Benefits & Retirement operations, processes and roles is beneficial but not required.
  • Proficiency in accounting, auditing, and information security best practices.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently in a high pace, high change environment.

 

 

Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in the following head office locations: London, Winnipeg, or Toronto.

 

 

 

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The base salary for this position is between  $63,500 - $117,400 annually.  This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation ( i.e. annual bonus, commission etc).  If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.

 

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

 

Be your best at Canada Life- Apply today!

 

Being a part of Canada Life means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.

 

You can be your best here. You’re part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You’ll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.

 

Together, as part of a great team, you’ll deliver on our shared purpose to improve the well-being of Canadians. It’s our driving force. Become part of a strong and successful company that’s trusted by millions of Canadians to do the right thing.

 

Canada Life serves the financial security needs of more than 13 million people across Canada, with additional operations in Europe and the United States. As members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies, we’re one of Canada’s leading insurers with interests in life insurance, health insurance, investment and retirement savings. We offer a broad portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions for individuals, families, businesses and organizations. 

 

We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential. 

 

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com.

 

Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

 

#LI-Hybrid

Requisition ID:  4836
Category:  Customer Service and Administration
Location: 

London, ON, CA Toronto, ON, CA Winnipeg, MB, CA

Date:  Nov 28, 2025

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