IT Finance Manager

As an IT Finance Manager at Sun Life, your primary responsibilities include overseeing the finance strategy for the Digital, Business, and Technology Solutions (DBTS) teams. You will manage financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting cycles while identifying financial risks and opportunities to support successful decision-making. Additionally, you will lead cost optimization initiatives and mentor a team of financial analysts, ensuring the financial tracking and analysis processes are streamlined and efficient.

To apply for the IT Finance Manager position at Sun Life, candidates should have 5 to 7 years of experience in Financial Planning and Analysis (FPA), along with an accounting designation like CPA. Strong experience in financial modeling, reporting, and data analytics is crucial. Proficiency in tools like Hyperion and Excel is essential for success in this role, as well as a proven track record of influencing business units to drive results.

The IT Finance Manager plays a pivotal role in the success of Sun Life's IT department by strategically guiding financial decisions that align with the organization’s goals. By leading initiatives in budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization, you will provide valuable insights that drive operational efficiency and financial soundness. Collaborating closely with both IT delivery teams and business units, you will help ensure that financial strategies are effectively implemented and that stakeholders are informed about the financial health of various projects.

At Sun Life, IT Finance Managers can take advantage of a variety of career advancement opportunities. The organization encourages professionals to explore different paths, whether that be moving into higher finance roles, transitioning to related departments, or even taking on leadership positions. With access to a Global Learning Centre available 24/7 and a culture that prioritizes professional development, employees are supported in their career growth and can build extensive networks that open new doors.

IT Finance Managers at Sun Life enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, including a hybrid work environment, 20 vacation days per year, and flexible benefits that cater to individual and family needs. They also have access to pension, stock, and savings programs aimed at enhancing future financial security. Additionally, the supportive wellness programs promote mental, physical, and financial health, reflecting the company's commitment to employee well-being.

When explaining your experience with financial modeling during an interview for the IT Finance Manager role, highlight specific projects where you've successfully built models to inform budgeting or strategic decisions. Discuss the tools you used, such as Excel or Hyperion, and the impact your modeling had on financial outcomes. Make sure to show how your skills can support Sun Life's financial strategy and decision-making processes.

When discussing how to prioritize financial tasks, emphasize your ability to balance urgent deadlines with ongoing financial monitoring. Provide examples of how you've used project management techniques to organize tasks according to their importance and urgency. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to financial oversight, which is crucial for the IT Finance Manager role.

In your answer, describe a specific instance where you spotted a financial risk during a budgeting or forecasting process. Explain how you communicated this risk to stakeholders and the steps you took to mitigate it. Showcasing your analytical skills and proactive communication demonstrates your value as a strategic partner within an IT context.

Discuss your communication and collaboration strategies for partnering with IT delivery teams and business units. Mention examples of cross-functional meetings, shared reporting tools, and how you ensure alignment between financial and project objectives. Highlighting your ability to build relationships will resonate with interviewers at Sun Life.

In your response, outline the methodologies you employ, such as top-down, bottom-up, or zero-based budgeting. Discuss how you adapt these methodologies based on the organization’s financial landscape and specific projects within the IT department. Emphasizing your strategic approach will strengthen your candidacy for the IT Finance Manager position at Sun Life.

Mention your proficiency with financial reporting tools, particularly Hyperion and Excel. Give examples of how you’ve used these tools to generate reports and perform data analysis, and discuss any other software that you believe can support the finance strategy at Sun Life. Show that you are tech-savvy and capable of utilizing modern tools to enhance financial visibility.

When addressing this question, focus on your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing active listening and transparent communication. Provide an example of a past disagreement and how you navigated that situation by aligning financial goals with business objectives. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and your capability to maintain positive working relationships.

Explain your understanding of chargeback processes and their significance in managing IT costs effectively. Discuss how you have implemented or improved chargeback models in previous roles, ensuring that departments are accountable for their financial decisions. This demonstrates your familiarity with financial operations pertinent to IT finance management.

In your answer, share specific examples of how you’ve provided guidance and support to financial analysts, including training, coaching, or implementing team projects. Discuss the positive outcomes of your mentorship efforts, such as improved team performance or professional development of individual analysts, reflecting your leadership abilities.

When answering why you're attracted to the IT Finance Manager position at Sun Life, emphasize the company's values, collaborative culture, and commitment to professional development. Discuss how you believe your skills align with the company's mission and how you're excited about the potential to impact financial strategy within a forward-thinking IT department.