JULIE JOHNSON
London,Canada
Summary
Senior manager with expertise in product and policyholder taxation, skilled in evaluating regulatory impacts on product strategies. Utilized tax insights to inform product development and enhance compliance. Led a team to optimize processes, achieving operational excellence across the organization.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager Product Taxation and Initiatives
Empire Life Insurance Company
07.2024 - Current
- Acted as the primary subject matter expert on product and policyholder taxation for all insurance and investment offerings.
- Guided product development by providing tax insights, aligning offerings with regulatory requirements and market needs.
- Developed impact assessments on new legislation to support informed business planning.
- Maintained industry insight through peer networks and competitor strategy analysis to inform product positioning.
- Managed a team of 10+ employees by setting goals, delegating tasks, and monitoring performance.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration to execute projects on time and within budget, enhancing overall project efficiency.
- Mentored junior managers, fostering leadership skills and professional growth.
- Collaborated with marketing to develop branding and promotional strategies.
Manager, Market Conduct Risk and Compliance
Canada Life Assurance Company
London, Canada
01.2024 - 07.2024
- Oversaw market conduct risk and compliance across the product lifecycle, helping ensure products, marketing, sales, claims, and after-sales practices aligned with regulatory expectations and fair customer outcomes.
- Liaised between business teams, sales intermediaries, and regulators to translate compliance requirements into actionable guidance for frontline and product stakeholders.
- Monitored sales practices of internal agents and Managing General Agencies, identifying and mitigating risks of misrepresentation, tied selling, and unsuitable recommendations.
- Collaborated with actuarial and marketing teams on new life insurance and wealth products to ensure fair value delivery for target customers.
Director, Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
London, Canada
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Provided expertise in product administration and policyholder tax implications.
- Facilitated compliance for product administration teams, ensuring adherence to federal income tax act.
- Provided specialized support to business operations regarding product and tax considerations.
- Advised on CRA and regulatory risks to enhance insurance sales strategies for high net worth clients.
- Developed policies to improve operational efficiency across departments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to promote company-wide projects and initiatives.
- Mentored junior staff to enhance professional growth and skill development.
- Monitored industry trends to uncover opportunities for expansion and drive innovation.
Manager, Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
London, Canada
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Interpreted complex tax guidelines, establishing appropriate treatments for novel business situations and ensuring compliance.
- Applied tax principles to ambiguous issues, mitigating potential risks amid legislative uncertainties.
- Researched intricate tax scenarios and product innovations, providing clarity on alignment with Canadian tax legislation.
- Analyzed findings and summarized insights for senior management, facilitating informed decision-making on tax-sensitive matters.
Associate Manager, Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
London, Canada
11.2016 - 01.2020
- Delivered tax guidance to enhance product development and align with key business initiatives.
- Collaborated with internal teams to evaluate tax implications of proposed changes to Canadian tax law, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.
- Integrated specialized taxation expertise into development and decision-making processes.
- Facilitated regulatory alignment for initiatives through targeted tax direction, supporting streamlined decision-making.
- Led team initiatives to enhance operational strategies and customer service.
- Managed daily workflow of team members to meet organizational goals.
- Monitored customer complaints and provided timely solutions to improve customer experience.
Consultant, Compliance/Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
London, Canada
10.2013 - 11.2016
- Supported new product development by translating tax regulation changes into operational requirements.
- Reviewed and approved sales materials and product guides for accuracy of tax disclosures, supporting compliance with regulatory standards.
- Facilitated adaptation of administrative processes, enhancing compliance with new legislation.
- Drafted requirements for system and administrative updates to align with 2014 life insurance taxation changes, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Specialist, Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
London, Canada
08.2011 - 11.2013
- Coordinated with stakeholders in product pricing, legal risk, compliance, and tax reporting to enhance visibility into key initiatives.
- Informed product team of strategic developments affecting taxation considerations and priorities.
- Cultivated product and taxation expertise through strategic partnerships with business partners and internal tax teams.
Staff Accountant
Ernst & Young LLP
London, Canada
05.2010 - 08.2011
- Developed financial reporting frameworks for investment holding companies and private owner-managed businesses, enhancing accuracy and compliance.
- Prepared year-end compilations, review engagements, financial statements, and corporate tax returns for private owner-managed businesses, investment holding companies, and healthcare professionals.
- Supported clients in accounting and tax reporting, ensuring compliance with financial reporting standards and corporate tax regulations.
Education
Honors Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) - Accounting and Finance
Fanshawe College
London04-2011
Skills
- Tax compliance
- Tax strategy development
- Tax product analysis
- Risk management
- Policy evaluation
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Collaboration
- Problem resolution
- Effective communication
Timeline
Senior Manager Product Taxation and Initiatives
Empire Life Insurance Company
07.2024 - Current
Manager, Market Conduct Risk and Compliance
Canada Life Assurance Company
01.2024 - 07.2024
Director, Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
01.2023 - 01.2024
Manager, Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
01.2020 - 01.2023
Associate Manager, Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
11.2016 - 01.2020
Consultant, Compliance/Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
10.2013 - 11.2016
Specialist, Product Taxation
Canada Life Assurance Company
08.2011 - 11.2013
Staff Accountant
Ernst & Young LLP
05.2010 - 08.2011
Honors Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) - Accounting and Finance
Fanshawe College