AVP Global Accounting Policy

Job Description

Permanent Full Time

Reporting to the VP, Global Accounting Policy, External Reporting & Control, the AVP, Global Accounting Policy will be responsible for the following:

Technical Accounting Advisory
Provide strategic thought leadership and technical accounting guidance on significant, complex, and strategically important transactions, from structuring through execution
Evaluate and document accounting conclusions related to business combination, consolidation, investment transactions, hedging, structured products, and other complex arrangements
Collaborating with technical accountants and other business units globally to advise business leaders on appropriate accounting treatments to ensure alignment with economic objectives and IFRS
Policy Development and Governance
Develop, maintain, and refresh global accounting policies, ensuring consistency with existing and emerging IFRS standards and pronouncements
Draft and oversee high‑quality technical accounting memos, position papers, and policy documentation suitable for external audit review
Lead accounting policy compliance initiatives and promote policy adoption across business units and regions
Regulatory & Standard‑Setting Engagement
Monitor new accounting guidance, perform horizon‑scanning, and assess implementation impacts for IFRS
Support the Company in discussions with industry groups and external auditors
Cross‑Functional Leadership
Lead and mentor a global team of accounting policy specialists, providing guidance and overseeing development
Partner with Tax, Investments, Deal Teams, Risk and other functions to enable accurate reporting and timely financial close processes
Collaborate on major implementation initiatives, including new accounting standards and large‑scale transactions
Stakeholder & Audit Management
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for internal and external auditors
Communicate complex accounting conclusions clearly and concisely to senior management
Proactively identify judgmental areas and ensure alignment across stakeholders
What you will bring:

CPA designation is required
Deep understanding and extensive experience with IFRS
Proven expertise in technical accounting research
Strong organizational and project management skills to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Excellent stakeholder management skills
Adequate knowledge of internal controls over financial reporting
Experience with coaching and leading teams

Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in the following head office locations: Toronto, Winnipeg, London.

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Be your best at Great-West Lifeco and Canada Life - Apply today

Great-West Lifeco Inc is a Canadian headquarter, international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses. We operate in Canada, the United States, and Europe under the brands: Canada Life, Empower and Irish Life.

At the end of 2023, our companies had over 33,500 employees, 232,000 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners – serving approximately 42 million customer relationships.

Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies.

Being a part of our organization means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.

You can be your best here. You are part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You'll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.

We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact

We would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.