Executive Assistant

Role Overview

Canada Life is looking for a highly organized Executive Assistant to support senior leaders in the Great West Internal Audit team in Toronto. This is a permanent full-time role focused on keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly, helping leaders stay on top of priorities and deadlines, and bringing structure to complex workstreams.

The ideal person will be proactive, detail-focused, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities. This position calls for someone who can operate as a dependable business partner, improve team efficiency through practical systems, and use digital tools confidently to simplify work and strengthen collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will support executive and team operations, manage communications and coordination, and help maintain a polished, well-organized working environment for senior leadership.

Executive and Team Support

• Handle daily support for senior leaders, including calendar coordination, meeting scheduling, and balancing competing priorities.
• Serve as a coordination point for internal and external contacts to ensure a smooth, professional experience.
• Assist with meeting planning and logistics, including preparation of materials for Board and senior leadership sessions.

Operational Support

• Maintain Internal Audit operating documents and reports with a focus on accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with record-retention expectations.
• Arrange travel, manage expenses, and support general office operations such as catering, events, and meetings in both in-person and virtual formats.
• Help manage workflow tied to quarter-end deadlines and deliverables using the global GRC platform MetricStream.
• Use Microsoft 365 applications such as SharePoint, Co-Pilot, Teams, Excel, Planner/Lists, and PowerPoint to organize information, manage documents, improve visibility, and support collaboration.

Document and Presentation Preparation

• Create, format, and edit reports, presentations, and supporting materials for senior leadership and Board-level audiences.
• Ensure all materials are accurate, professionally presented, and aligned with executive expectations.

Financial and Invoicing Support

• Assist with routine accounting tasks, including simple calculations, payment requests, and tracking activities.
• Support the preparation of regulatory documentation.
• Work with internal partners to collect, structure, and organize financial information when needed.

Technology and Coordination

• Use Microsoft 365 tools, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, and Co-Pilot, to improve workflow efficiency and team productivity.
• Provide basic troubleshooting support and coordinate with internal technology teams when issues arise.

What You Should Bring

This position requires a seasoned administrative professional who can work independently, handle sensitive information responsibly, and stay several steps ahead of leadership needs. Strong judgment, service orientation, and the ability to bring order to high-volume work are essential.

• At least 7 years of experience supporting senior leaders, preferably in a finance, accounting, or tax-related setting.
• Strong organizational ability with excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment.
• Advanced skill with Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word, along with a process-improvement mindset.
• Clear communication skills and confidence when working with senior stakeholders.
• Strong discretion, professionalism, and good judgment.
• Comfort working with numbers and handling basic financial tasks.
• A proactive approach with the ability to anticipate needs and solve problems before they escalate.
• Good relationship-building skills and a collaborative, service-focused style.
• The ability to bring clarity and structure to complex, high-volume workflows.

Compensation

The annual base salary for this position is between $59,800 and $99,700. This figure reflects base pay only and does not include variable compensation such as bonuses or commissions. Additional details about total rewards can be discussed during the recruitment process.

Additional Information

Applications for this opportunity will remain open for at least 5 business days from the posting date, though the closing date may change depending on hiring activity. All applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

About Great-West Lifeco

Great-West Lifeco Inc. is a Canadian-headquartered international financial services company with businesses in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance. The company operates in Canada, the United States, and Europe through the brands Canada Life, Empower, and Irish Life. As of the end of 2024, the organization had more than 32,250 employees, 106,000 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners, serving about 40 million customer relationships. Great-West Lifeco is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol GWO and is part of the Power Corporation group of companies.

Benefits and Workplace Support

As a permanent full-time or part-time team member, you can expect career development opportunities, access to learning programs, and up to $2,000 per year toward education reimbursement. The company also offers flexible health and dental coverage, a $5,000 mental health benefit, regular vacation and personal days, a volunteer day, a company-matching pension plan, a share ownership program, additional investment options, employee recognition programs, milestone celebrations, employee discounts, employee resource groups, mentorship programs, social clubs, and events.

Accommodation

The organization is committed to removing barriers and providing equal access to employment. Candidates who need accommodation during the hiring process can contact [email protected]. All information shared will be managed according to applicable laws and company policies.