Head of Payments & Collections

PartnerRe; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global reinsurance company in Toronto is seeking a Head of Payments and Collections to develop and execute an efficient payment processing strategy. You will lead a diverse team, ensuring compliance with global regulations and enhancing operational efficiency. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in financial operations and strong leadership skills. This role offers an inclusive work environment committed to valuing diversity.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in payments, collections, reinsurance accounting or financial operations.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English; French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of payments and collections professionals in multiple locations.
• Develop and implement a global payments and collections strategy.
• Ensure compliance with local and international laws related to payments and collections.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, Business Administration, Economics, or related field

Tools

SICS

eMessaging

B2B solutions

Job description

About this job

As the Head of Payments and Collections, you will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy that ensures efficient and secure balances and payment processing. You will lead a team of professionals, collaborate with various stakeholders, and ensure compliance with global regulations safeguarding an adequately controlled environment and mitigating all risks where possible.

The Teams’ objectives include the timely processing of payments from and to our reinsurance brokers and retrocessionaires, the reconciliation and monitoring of unsettled balances, the maintenance of payment partner bank accounts and the interaction with internal and external stakeholders on payment related matters.

About the role

• Lead and mentor a team of payments and collections professionals in five locations (Dublin, Paris, Zurich, Toronto and Stamford)
• Support people development, staff planning and department budgeting.
• Develop and implement a global payments and collections strategy aligned with the company’s overall business objectives.
• Oversee and enhance the payment processing system and processes, ensuring security, accuracy, and efficiency for our assumed and ceded reinsurance and insurance business.
• Identify and implement new technologies and solutions to enhance payment operations.
• Create and manage effective collections strategies to minimize outstanding receivables.
• Ensure compliance with local and international laws and regulations related to payments and collections. Identify potential payment and collections risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Work closely with Finance (AP), Reinsurance Accounting, Claims, Retro Finance, IT, and Legal teams to streamline processes and align objectives.
• Implement and maintain fraud prevention measures to protect company and customer information.
• Analyse payment data and collection metrics to provide insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Establish performance metrics and KPIs to assess collections efficiency and effectiveness.
• Prepare regular reports for executive and senior management on payments and collection performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Economics, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in payments, collections, reinsurance accounting or financial operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead global teams and drive strategic initiatives.
• Strong analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills required.
• Project and process management skills considered key.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. French language skills are a plus but not mandatory.
• Experience with digital transformation and automation preferred.
• System experience namely, SICS, eMessaging and B2B solutions would be an asset. Other reinsurance systems will be given strong consideration.

Additional Information

PartnerRe provides a working environment in which diversity is valued, where all employees feel welcome, respected, and empowered to perform at their best. We invite you to learn more about D&I at PartnerRe.

Thank you,

PartnerRe Hiring Team