Associate Director, Group Benefits Expense Management

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

Location: We support US flexible working arrangements in the contiguous 48 states.   

At Sun Life, we look for optimistic people who want to make life brighter for our Clients. We understand the value of diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities, and want you to bring your full and authentic self to work. Every day, you’ll be empowered and challenged by working with dynamic colleagues to find new and innovative ways to make Sun Life the best benefits company in America.  

The opportunity:  

The Associate Director, Group Benefits Expense Management plays a critical role in providing expense management support for the Group Benefits business unit.  The position is responsible for understanding the existing expense infrastructure and working with the business to identify plans to achieve target growth and efficiencies.  The position will be a key contact for the Central Expense team and will execute on all expense management and reporting initiatives for Group Benefits. The position will also manage the annual budget review process and work closely with the business to develop budgets that align with their operating plans. The Associate Director role will manage 2 to 3 direct reports.

How you will contribute:  

• Staff management & development

  • Coaches, develops & motivates direct reports

  • Provides feedback, training, guidance & development of direct reports

  • Evaluates performance and provides feedback for growth

  • Defines objectives & development plans

• Manages expense management reporting & analysis

  • Delivers management reporting that provides variance analysis of headcount & expenses

  • Works with the Business to regularly communicate status of expense results and discuss drivers

  • Identifies opportunities for expense savings

  • Coordinates with Central Finance to provide explanations needed on actual vs. budget headcount & expenses

  • Drives annual budgeting process and development of expense forecasts

• Coordinates with the business to develop annual budgets

• Establishes timelines and reviews budgets with appropriate Senior Management

• Identifies opportunities for expense savings

• Leverages staffing models and business plan metrics in developing appropriate functional level budgets

• Responsible for managing the development of expense forecasts

• Coordinates with Central Finance on the budgeting/allocation process

• Manages the Group Benefits expense allocation process

• Oversees expense allocations to other business units and to product lines within Group Benefits

• Keeps a pulse on potential process improvements and automation opportunities

• Coordinates with Central Finance to understand Tier 1 allocations and any proposed changes

• Drives and supports business initiatives to identify and achieve expense improvements

What you will bring with you:  

• Strong analytical skills – ability to synthesize data, present findings & provide recommendations

• Strong organizational skills, accurate and detailed oriented- ability to develop internal timelines to ensure deadlines are met

• Strong management skills – ability to delegate and develop staff

• Strong collaboration skills – ability to work cross functionally

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to manage competing priorities, work effectively and independently within time constraints

• Business specific knowledge/experience a plus

• Advanced financial modeling, PowerPoint and presentation skills

• High level of integrity and confidentiality

• Sophisticated Excel and PowerPoint skills

• Proficiency in/exposure to Essbase, Hyperion Planning, Tableau, & SAP or comfortable learning new technology

• BA/BS in Accounting/Finance

• MBA preferred

• 5+ years of financial analysis

• Experienc