Senior Specialist, Internal Controls

Definity is the parent company to some of Canada’s most long-standing and innovative insurance brands, including Economical Insurance, Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance. Our ambition is to be one of Canada’s leading and most innovative property and casualty insurers. We can’t do that without our people, so we embrace and encourage a culture that’s collaborative, ambitious, rewarding, and empowering.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work experience where employees work from the office and virtually depending on the type of work they are doing and who they are working with. Bring your true self and be a part of our journey. It’s better here.

The Governance department is a Line 1B function supporting the Personal Insurance and Claims business units’ Three Lines of Defense. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Internal Controls, the Senior Specialist, Internal Controls is responsible for leading control validation (operational audits) and advisory engagements for Personal Insurance and Claims processes. 

This includes: 

• Understanding the overall risk and control environment
• Scoping and testing of insurance processes and controls
• Identifying and evaluating process and control deficiencies
• Providing guidance on the design and operating effectiveness of processes and controls
• Working directly with Senior Management on the design and implementation of key controls
• Coordinating the business’ response to internal, external, and regulatory audits
• Quarterly reporting to Senior Management on control validation progress and insights

What can you expect in this role?

The Senior Specialist, Internal Controls will be responsible for the following:

• Independently execute control validation and advisory engagements end to end, including scoping, design of testing procedures, control testing, and audit reporting 
• Work closely with Management within the Personal Lines and Claims business units to identify and assess top and emerging operational risks 
• Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of business processes and controls
• Recommend process and control enhancements that are practical and effectively address root causes of identified deficiencies
• Constructively challenge Management’s mitigating action plans as needed and provide ongoing monitoring over their completion
• Contribute to the development and implementation of governance frameworks within the business, including the design of operational processes and controls
• Coordinate with business stakeholders and auditors for internal, external, and regulatory audits of business processes and controls

What do you bring to the role?

• Relevant professional designation(s) such as CPA, CIA, or equivalent
• 3+ years of relevant work experience within the financial services industry with significant exposure to internal/external audit, risk management, and/or regulatory compliance activities
• Insurance industry experience, especially in property and casualty operations, would be an asset 
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to build strong relationships and influence people
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to resourcefully gather information, analyze critically, and cut through complexity to arrive at workable solutions
• Proficient in MS Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Ability and willingness to travel between offices as needed 

Please note that this role can be based out of our Toronto, Mississauga, or Waterloo offices. The role is hybrid but some flexibility to travel between offices as needed is required.

Salary range: $66,300 - $122,100

Interested in this role, but don't meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply! We know from experience that a candidate doesn't need 100% of the qualifications listed to bring incredible value to our team. We're actively seeking diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help us make insurance better. At Definity, inclusion, diversity, and equity aren't just "nice to have" — they're essential to our success.

What's in it for you?

• Hybrid work schedule for most roles
• Company share ownership program
• Pension and savings programs, with company-matched RRSP contributions
• Paid volunteer days and company matching on charitable donations
• Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid time off to study for exams
• Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC counsellors, access to programs for working parents
• Wellness and recognition programs
• Discounts on products and services

Actual salary for the role may vary depending on work location of the successful candidate and other factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, working conditions and the local labour market.  In addition to base pay, eligible employees may participate in various incentive plans which are paid out at the discretion of the company and subject to individual and company performance.

Go ahead and expect a lot — you deserve it.
It's better here — but don't take our word for it. Definity was named by Great Place to Work® as one of the Best Workplaces™ in Canada for women, for youth, and for inclusion.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

Background checks
This role requires successful clearance of background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).

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