The successful candidate will contribute to Wawanesa’s success by directing, planning and implementing strategies and initiatives of the Quality Assurance – Personal Lines functions. This includes assessment of internal controls, the overall effectiveness of operations and to ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements in support of the organization’s strategic goals and initiatives.

The ideal candidate has a passion for people leadership and thrives in a role where they are leading, coaching and developing others in addition to bringing their technical expertise to the role and team.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the Independent Quality Assurance program consisting of Annual Risk Assessments, Independent Quality Assurance Review and Regional File Review programs for Canadian Regions – to achieve the organization’s strategic objectives and risk profile
• Coordinate audit planning and scheduling of Quality Assurance activities including special reviews requested by the senior management and executive team members, as required
• Provide quarterly updates to the Director, Underwriting Excellence – Personal Lines, of internal control recommendations, emerging trends and sufficiency of quality assurance resources
• Provide consulting and advisory services in governance, risk management and controls to assist Underwriting Personal Lines teams meet its operational and strategic objectives
• Manage inquiries, responses and collaboration with Internal and External Risk stakeholders for Canadian Underwriting Personal Lines
• Management and oversight of software implementation for the quality assurance program, training and usage
• Stay abreast of insurance industry, regulatory and company changes and trends, collaborate with external risk and control organizations and conducts research on operational and financial issues and provides direction to staff as required
• Maintain strong working relationships with Senior Management to ensure that the Department continues to meet the needs of its key stakeholders and assess implementation and benefit realization of strategic objectives
• Build department talent by attracting, developing and retaining quality assessment, underwriting, data analytics and audit professionals with sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to fulfill the requirements of the organization’s strategic goals
• Oversee, coach and provides leadership to staff to ensure work environment is respectful, challenging and rewarding
• Participate and contribute to the annual budget including staff forecasting and succession planning
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Ten years of internal audit or quality assurance experience with three years in a leadership role would be preferred
• Certified CA, CGA, CMA, CPA or equivalent designation is considered an asset
• Certified CIP, FCIP, CIA, CFE and/or CISA designation is considered an asset
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to influence and gain respect, credibility and confidence from others
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage and execute multiple complex projects within required timelines and expectations
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports with an appropriate tone and style
• Ability to make excellent and well justified decisions in complex and high-pressured situations
• Strong negotiation skills by presenting information or arguments in a convincing manner and by focusing on what is important.
• Strong business acumen with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize and identify critical issues
• Strong MS Office skills and experience with an electronic audit working paper system and or quality assurance system
• Ability and willingness to travel.