Tax Analyst

sunlife; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

15 vacation days

Flexible Benefits

Pension

Stock options

Job summary

Sun Life is seeking a Tax Analyst to perform tax payment, reporting, accounting, and compliance for Sun Life and its Canadian subsidiaries. You will manage indirect tax returns, premium tax accruals, and related reconciliations while identifying automation opportunities with Excel and SAP.

Ideal candidates have 2-3 years in corporate accounting or tax compliance, a relevant degree, and strong Excel skills. A CPA path is a plus. Hybrid work and strong growth potential are offered.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, or tax compliance.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with accounting and reporting systems. SAP experience is required.
• Strong Excel skills (Pivot Tables, X/V-lookups) and comfort with large datasets.
• Continuous-improvement mindset, documenting/testing changes, and learning new systems to reduce manual work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare GST/HST, QST, and provincial sales tax returns for Sun Life and subsidiaries.
• Prepare and remit weekly/monthly withholding tax payments.
• Calculate and process premium tax accruals and instalments, and prepare annual returns.
• Perform reconciliations of tax accounts and prepare supporting journal entries.
• Assist with indirect tax audits and respond to information requests.
• Research tax matters, monitor changes, and advise business partners.

Skills

GST/HST

QST

Excel

SAP

Analytical thinking

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Pivot Tables

VLOOKUP

Excel Macros

Job description

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you'll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do.

At Sun Life, we're driven by our Purpose: helping our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful.

When you join Sun Life, you'll work with passionate colleagues and empowering leaders who support your growth and celebrate your contributions, so you can make a meaningful difference in our Clients' lives.

Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

About the role:

The Tax Analyst performs tax payment, reporting, accounting, and compliance activities for Sunlife, its Canadian subsidiaries, and its investment funds. Reporting to the AVP, Indirect Tax, the Tax Analyst supports Canadian indirect tax and premium tax compliance, including returns, reconciliations, and accruals. A key component of the role is identifying practical opportunities to simplify and automate recurring processes, improve data quality, and strengthen controls. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who takes ownership of assigned work and is willing to learn indirect tax from the ground up.

What will you do?

• Prepare accurate and timely GST/HST, QST, and provincial sales tax returns for Sunlife and its Canadian subsidiaries.
• Prepare and remit weekly and monthly withholding tax payments to the appropriate tax authorities.
• Calculate and process premium tax accruals and instalments, and prepare annual premium tax returns.
• Perform reconciliations of premium tax, GST/HST, QST and provincial sales tax accounts
• Prepare supporting calculations and journal entry requests for tax accruals, payments and adjustments.
• Investigate variances, identify root causes and correct errors through the reconciliation process.
• Analyze Accounts Payable and expense report data to identify and resolve tax compliance and coding issues and recommend corrective or preventive improvements.
• Assist with federal and provincial indirect tax audits by gathering supporting documentation, preparing schedules and supporting responses to information requests.
• Research routine indirect tax matters, monitor relevant changes, and respond to business-partner questions, escalating complex or higher-risk matters as appropriate.
• Review recurring compliance processes and implement practical standardization and automation opportunities using Excel, SAP, and other available tools.
• Develop and maintain standardized documentation, test and monitor process changes, resolve exceptions, and communicate material outcomes.
• Maintain appropriate supporting documentation and controls, elevate exceptions, and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues and improve processes.

What do you need to succeed?

• 2-3 years of experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, or tax compliance.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with accounting and reporting systems. SAP experience is required.
• Strong Excel skills (proficient with Pivot Tables, X/V-lookups) and comfort working with large amounts of financial data.
• A continuous-improvement mindset and comfort assessing processes, proposing practical solutions, documenting and testing changes, and learning new systems that reduce manual work.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills, with initiative and sound judgment about when to seek guidance.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet time-sensitive filing deadlines.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with tax and non-tax stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• A CPA designation (completed or in progress) and/or completion of the CPA Canada In-Depth GST/HST Program would be considered a strong asset.
• Interest in developing expertise in Canadian indirect taxes, including GST/HST, QST, PST, and premium tax; previous indirect tax experience is an asset but not required.
• A strong background in accounting is preferred.

What's in it for you?

• Hybrid work environment
• A friendly, collaborative, and inclusive culture
• 15 vacation days per year
• Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family
• Pension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial security
• The opportunity to move along a variety of career paths with amazing networking potential
• Access to our Global Learning Centre, available 24/7 for