About the role
Our student and new graduate programs offer a chance to explore Sun Life from the inside. You’ll make a difference in the lives of our customers and communities, while building the skills and experience that allow you to grow in a meaningful and rewarding way.
Job Description 8 month co-op term required (January - August 2026)
Role Summary Sun Life Financial Group Retirement Services (GRS) leads the Canadian defined contribution industry as the largest provider of group retirement services in Canada, serving over 1 million plan members.
The Group Retirement Services Finance team is responsible for providing accurate and timely financial information to enable effective management decision-making, working in partnership with our business partners in GRS and other Business Units in Canada, including Canadian Finance.
The Expense Team provides reporting, budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning and project advice to the business unit.
The successful co-op student for this role should possess excellent communication skills, both in speaking and writing, along with the ability to build strong relationships and think critically. They should also demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment, while being comfortable challenging existing practices respectfully. The successful candidate will contribute positively to the team atmosphere, balancing innovative thinking with a respectful approach to colleagues, ultimately thriving in a fast-paced and evolving workplace.
This is for an 8-month work term starting January 2026.
Main Accountabilities
- Support month-end reporting, forecasting and budgeting processes for expense management
- Investigate and effectively communicate expense variances against budget to business leaders, working closely with Business stakeholders to forecast for upcoming spend
- Support on project spend, including calculating capitalization and amortization for various qualifying initiatives in GRS and the CSC and maintaining supporting schedules
- Support the month-end close processes including accruals, expense transfers, CSC chargeback reporting and review of preliminary results for errors or unusual patterns in results
- Support monthly reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness of accounts
- Collaborate with other Finance areas to support and promote process integration and efficiencies
- Assist in ad hoc analysis and projects as required by management
Competencies
- Currently enrolled in an accredited accounting, commerce, or business undergraduate program at a post-secondary institution, with the intention to obtain a CPA designation.
- Ability to work independently and with minimal direction and frequent interruptions.
- Ability to be proactive thinking several steps ahead to understand and address needs.
- Ability to thrive in an environment with pressing deadlines and constantly changing conditions.
- Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership ability.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Energetic, enthusiastic, and excellent interpersonal relations to interact professionally with people at all levels of the company.
- Proficiency working with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software applications quickly.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Must possess a high level of commitment and dedication to the role and the team.
- Flexibility and commitment to work overtime as required.
The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted for. The Base Pay which you will be considered for will vary depending on the Campus program you are selected for.
Eligible Sun Life employees for various Campus Graduate programs will also participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance
Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.
Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.
We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you! Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.
We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Category Temporary Employee
Posting End Date 10/11/2025
About Sun Life
About the role
Our student and new graduate programs offer a chance to explore Sun Life from the inside. You’ll make a difference in the lives of our customers and communities, while building the skills and experience that allow you to grow in a meaningful and rewarding way.
Job Description 8 month co-op term required (January - August 2026)
Role Summary Sun Life Financial Group Retirement Services (GRS) leads the Canadian defined contribution industry as the largest provider of group retirement services in Canada, serving over 1 million plan members.
The Group Retirement Services Finance team is responsible for providing accurate and timely financial information to enable effective management decision-making, working in partnership with our business partners in GRS and other Business Units in Canada, including Canadian Finance.
The Expense Team provides reporting, budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning and project advice to the business unit.
The successful co-op student for this role should possess excellent communication skills, both in speaking and writing, along with the ability to build strong relationships and think critically. They should also demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment, while being comfortable challenging existing practices respectfully. The successful candidate will contribute positively to the team atmosphere, balancing innovative thinking with a respectful approach to colleagues, ultimately thriving in a fast-paced and evolving workplace.
This is for an 8-month work term starting January 2026.
Main Accountabilities
- Support month-end reporting, forecasting and budgeting processes for expense management
- Investigate and effectively communicate expense variances against budget to business leaders, working closely with Business stakeholders to forecast for upcoming spend
- Support on project spend, including calculating capitalization and amortization for various qualifying initiatives in GRS and the CSC and maintaining supporting schedules
- Support the month-end close processes including accruals, expense transfers, CSC chargeback reporting and review of preliminary results for errors or unusual patterns in results
- Support monthly reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness of accounts
- Collaborate with other Finance areas to support and promote process integration and efficiencies
- Assist in ad hoc analysis and projects as required by management
Competencies
- Currently enrolled in an accredited accounting, commerce, or business undergraduate program at a post-secondary institution, with the intention to obtain a CPA designation.
- Ability to work independently and with minimal direction and frequent interruptions.
- Ability to be proactive thinking several steps ahead to understand and address needs.
- Ability to thrive in an environment with pressing deadlines and constantly changing conditions.
- Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership ability.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Energetic, enthusiastic, and excellent interpersonal relations to interact professionally with people at all levels of the company.
- Proficiency working with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software applications quickly.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Must possess a high level of commitment and dedication to the role and the team.
- Flexibility and commitment to work overtime as required.
The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted for. The Base Pay which you will be considered for will vary depending on the Campus program you are selected for.
Eligible Sun Life employees for various Campus Graduate programs will also participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance
Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.
Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.
We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you! Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.
We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Category Temporary Employee
Posting End Date 10/11/2025