Financial Accountant

This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital – a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance.  We stand apart for our outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and superior risk adjusted returns for our shareholders. We also proudly maintain an entrepreneurial, disciplined and ethical corporate culture.  As a member of AXIS, you join a team that is among the best in the industry.

At AXIS, we believe that we are only as strong as our people. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where employees of all backgrounds and from all walks of life feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves. This means that we bring our whole selves to work. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any basis prohibited by the laws that govern its operations.

Job Description: Financial Accountant

About the Team

The Halifax Finance Shared Services team provides multi-function finance support across finance operations, reporting, analysis and control. The team works closely with colleagues and service partners across Finance, Treasury, Reporting, Audit and other business areas.

The Halifax team operates in a changing environment. Team members are expected to communicate clearly, adapt quickly, work collaboratively and support the priorities that matter most to the business. The team also provides opportunities to broaden finance knowledge and contribute to process improvement, automation and stronger controls.

How does this role contribute to our collective success?

The Financial Accountant supports the accuracy, completeness and timely delivery of core finance operations within the Halifax Finance Shared Services team. 

The role provides oversight and review of day-to-day activities completed by service partners, with an initial focus on cashbook entries, bank reconciliations, outstanding items and related cash activities. By coordinating follow-up, resolving issues and maintaining effective controls, the Financial Accountant helps strengthen operational resilience and create capacity across the Halifax team. 

The role also contributes to process improvement, cross-training and responsible use of automation and artificial intelligence. Reporting, project or technical accounting exposure may be added over time where it supports business needs and the employee’s development or professional qualification requirements. 

What will you be doing in this role?

• Review cashbook entries prepared by service partners, confirming accuracy, completeness and timely processing. 

• Review and support bank reconciliation processes, working with internal teams and service partners to obtain required information and resolve differences. 

• Coordinate follow-up and resolution of outstanding reconciliation items, including more complex accounts, and escalate issues where appropriate. 

• Oversee incoming check deposit reconciliation and coordinate required follow-up with service partners and internal stakeholders. 

• Coordinate responses to cash booking inquiries and maintain clear, timely communication between service partners and internal stakeholders. 

• Monitor recurring finance operations, assigned balances and open items, communicating status, risks and unresolved issues to the appropriate team members. 

• Maintain process documentation and supporting information for audit queries, cross-training and operational continuity. 

• Identify recurring issues, control gaps and practical process improvements, and work with finance leaders and service partners to implement solutions. 

• Contribute to responsible automation and artificial intelligence initiatives by documenting processes, identifying suitable use cases, supporting testing and maintaining appropriate human review and controls. 

• Participate in cross-functional processes, reporting activities and special projects that support the wider Finance organization and provide flexible operational coverage as priorities change. 

You may also be required to take on additional duties, responsibilities and activities appropriate to the nature of this role. 

About you:

You are analytical, organized and comfortable working across teams to resolve issues and keep important finance activities moving. You communicate clearly, follow through on commitments and balance process efficiency with accuracy, controls and stakeholder needs. You are willing to learn new processes, ask effective questions and contribute wherever the team needs support. 

What you need to have: 

• A Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management or similar degree, ideally with a concentration or major in Accounting or Finance. 

• Relevant experience in finance, accounting, reconciliations or financial operations. 

• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with close attention to detail. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain issues clearly and work with stakeholders at different levels. 

• Strong organization, consistent follow-through and the ability to meet deadlines while adapting to changing priorities. 

• Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook. 

• A collaborative and practical approach, with accountability, sound judgement, integrity and professionalism. 

What we prefer you to have: 

• Progress toward a recognized accounting qualification, including CPA. 

• Experience reviewing cashbook, bank reconciliation or related cash management activities. 

• Experience working with shared services or external service partners. 

• Experience with financial systems such as Oracle or Hyperion. 

• Insurance or reinsurance knowledge. 

• Interest in process improvement, automation and responsible use of artificial intelligence. 

Role factors:

In this role, you will typically be required to:

• Work from the Halifax, Nova Scotia office in accordance with applicable company working arrangements. 
• Collaborate with colleagues and service partners across locations and time zones. 
• Manage changing priorities and support key finance deadlines, including month-end and quarter-end activities. 
• Be in the office 3 days per week

What we offer:

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of $55,000 to 75,000 CAD. Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including your specific experience and work location. 

In addition, you will be offered competitive target incentive compensation, with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance. On top of this, you will be eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for you and your family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more.  

This posting is for an existing vacancy.