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Leads and manages the Canada branch income tax financial accounting, reporting and compliance functions, encompassing both local jurisdiction tax and corollary U.S. tax impacts. Additional tax oversight includes tax projections and management of tax managed services with external tax advisors. Collaborates with senior leadership and U.S. tax colleagues with regard to tax planning and the tax consequences of strategic decisions. Responsibilities extend to all direct and indirect taxes. This position reports directly to the CNA Canada CFO and indirectly to U.S. tax leadership.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Key Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

• Responsible for, and manages, corporate tax compliance. Directs and reviews the work of external advisors in this regard. Also manages external audits with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and local provincial taxing authorities.
• Accountable for, and manages, tax accounting and reporting on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis for both local P&C 2 and U.S. GAAP. Directs the work and coordinates with the external advisors and integrates processes with local finance team and U.S. tax colleagues, with an eye on streamlining operations and enhancing controls in this regard.
• Manages external financial statement audit processes related to tax reporting.
• Directs all aspects of tax related projects including project scope, approach, methodology and timing to ensure the corporate and tax compliance objectives of the organization are met.
• Works with the U.S. tax team to address the tax aspects of strategic initiatives and decisions and influences the strategic direction of the Company.
• Act as the tax liaison point for internal operational business professionals and external tax advisors to ensure overall alignment between goals and strategies.
• Oversee analysis and research of tax technical issues and the consideration of both Canadian and U.S. tax implications on financial statements, reporting and compliance. Presents interpretations of findings to leadership and U.S. tax colleagues and makes recommendations as needed.
• Responsible for staying up to date on trends and developments within area of insurance tax as well as the insurance industry as it relates to tax. Provides insight and guidance throughout the organization as a tax technical expert.
• Acts as a key leader within the Finance function and interacts closely with the other Finance leaders and teams.
• Engages in and/or leads wider cross-functional and cross-discipline projects and initiatives.
• May engage in other duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Significant insurance tax experience.
• Knowledge of taxing policies and principles in Canada and a working knowledge of U.S. corporate tax principles, including U.S. GAAP tax accounting standards (ASC 740) is preferred.
• Knowledge of Canada direct and indirect taxation and of associated compliance needs.
• Senior level knowledge of Canada corporate taxation and tax accounting principles, including deferred taxation.
• Experience of financial ledger systems utilized for tax accounting.
• Working experience of tax processes and controls, SOX implementation and review.
• Exhibits a process improvement mentality, providing process and technology based solutions to increase executional efficiencies.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills and track record of building collaborative relationships with external tax advisors, operational business professionals, and senior leadership, including senior tax leadership teams.
• Ability to lead and influence others within a leadership environment.
• Ability to play a lead role in projects and initiatives undertaking all necessary tax analysis, coordinating with external tax advisors as appropriate.
• Ability to achieve results by taking a proactive long-term view of business goals and objectives.

Education & Experience

• CPA with minimum of 10 years experience in corporate tax including accounting for income taxes.
• Insurance industry tax experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business/Accounting. Advanced/post-graduate degree preferred.
• Detailed knowledge of direct and indirect taxation.

At CNA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job. If you require an accommodation during the hiring process or upon hire, please inform Human Resources. If a selected applicant requests accommodation during the recruitment process, CNA will consult with the applicant in order to provide suitable accommodation that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs.