Willis Towers Watson Looking for Head of Finance – Canada at Toronto, ON Full Time

The Finance function at WTW serves both internal and external customers: colleagues within our company, client organizations, shareholders, financial institutions, vendors, and regulatory agencies around the world. The Canada Finance lead will report into the North America Head of Finance and be a member of the Canadian Business and North America Finance leadership teams.

The individual filling this role will be responsible for providing holistic financial, operational, and analytical support to the Canadian leadership team along with driving strong coordination across North America Finance. Canada is an important growth market for WTW with a growing presence in both segments Health, Wealth & Career as well as Risk & Broking. The Canada Finance leader will own financial performance management processing (month end / quarterly close, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, etc.), ad hoc reporting and analysis, controls compliance, policy implementation and interpretation as well as partner with business leaders on growth and operational improvement programs.

The Role

Act as a valued strategic finance business partner to the Canadian leadership team through thoughtful analysis of financial information and trends that drives actionable decisions to deliver superior financial performance

Work with the Canadian leadership team to proactively identify and help solve performance issues. Regarded as a key contributor to the geography leadership team in shaping the long-term business strategy to drive superior performance in revenue growth, expense and working capital management

Drive strong coordination with the North America FP&A leads and Finance Business Partners in the execution of financial performance management processes (month end / quarterly close, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, etc.) to meet all key internal stakeholder objectives and deadlines

Analyze geography and segment monthly results; conducting a detailed review of monthly P&Ls for the Risk and Broking business and propose financial adjustments to reflect proper position as needed

Command strong understanding of ASC 606 / Deferral Accounting and drive critical financial interpretation to support business leadership in the understanding of financial results

Prepare (financial) materials for Board of Directors and other relevant leadership meetings on a timely basis with pertinent commentary on key issues and trends

Execute a strong internal control environment and close process within the segment/geography; key areas include controls over revenue recognition, sales accounting, contract management, partner relations and financial reporting processes

Strong understanding of SOX and internal controls and how they relate to the WTW financial processes. Accountable for ensuring all controls are being properly followed and identifying areas where controls may not be effective. Work with auditors during SOX and other audits and develop remediation plans, which may be presented to the Audit Committee

Serve and represent Canada Business and WTW Finance on local boards and committees

Work seamlessly with the North America and Corporate FP&A group in serving the segment financial reporting and analytic needs in the most efficient and effective way for the company. Collaborate with North America and Corporate FP&A in the ongoing management and execution of FP&A processes and act as a key contributor to identify continuous improvement opportunities for FP&A

Serves as the Finance leader in all strategic initiatives that impact Canada such as M&A, investment opportunities, and enterprise operational initiatives

The Requirements

6+ years related experience in financial analysis, accounting, or business operations

Financial and Business acumen as evidenced by having roles with progressively broader financial responsibilities

Exposure and/or ability to understand different commercial models as well as deep understanding of the financial services or risk & broking industry to drive sound financial support, reporting and analysis

Demonstrated ability to think critically and analytically

Proactive approach to problem solving and a customer centric mindset

Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey financial messages to senior leadership in a succinct and credible manner

Ability to build and maintain relationships across all levels of the organization and with outside personnel; diplomacy, leadership, and confidence are important

Must be a hands-on, self-starter with the ability to handle shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Must be able to work within a matrix organization to collaborate with others across segments and geographies

Attention to accuracy and detail with the ability to understand materiality

Systems / data knowledge to be able to direct colleagues in the accumulation and synthesis of data into operational recommendations

Ability to interpret and analyze financial data

Ability to resolve exceptions and disputes as well as manage client expectations

Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines

WTW Values & Behaviors will underpin all roles and will guide performance criteria. This includes a commitment to inclusion and diversity

Equal Opportunity Employer