Our student and new graduate programs offer a chance to explore Sun Life from the inside. You’ll make a difference in the lives of our customers and communities, while building the skills and experience that allow you to grow in a meaningful and rewarding way.
Job Description:
Earn your CPA. Accelerate your career. Shape the future of finance.
Ready to build a CPA career that goes beyond traditional accounting?
At Sun Life, we're developing the next generation of finance leaders. Through our CPA Leadership Program (CLP), you'll earn your CPA designation while gaining diverse experiences across Finance, building leadership skills, and developing expertise in the emerging areas transforming the profession.
This year, we’re introducing a new 2+1 rotational model that combines a strong foundation in accounting and finance with exposure to strategic, future-focused areas such as transformation, analytics, automation, sustainability, and planning.
It's more than a CPA program. It's an opportunity to build a rewarding career with one of Canada's leading financial services organizations.
Why Join the CPA Leadership Program?
As a CLP participant, you will:
Complete three diverse one-year rotations across Accounting and Finance
Gain CPA Ontario approved practical experience through meaningful work
Receive financial support, study leave, and milestone incentives
Be paired with a senior CPA mentor (Director level or above)
Build relationships with Finance leaders, program alumni, and peers across Sun Life
Participate in career differentiating leadership development experiences
Gain exposure to emerging capabilities such as data analytics, automation, artificial intelligence, and finance transformation
Make meaningful business impact from day one
Your CPA journey
Our 2+1 rotational model is designed to accelerate your development and prepare you for a broad range of career opportunities across Accounting and Finance.
Years 1 & 2: Technical Excellence
Build a strong foundation in accounting, financial reporting, and business operations while gaining CPA-approved practical experience across Finance and Accounting teams
Year 3: The Future of Finance
Apply your technical foundation in strategic and innovative areas such as Finance Transformation, Data & Analytics, Automation, FP&A, Investor Relations, and Sustainability.
What do you need to succeed?
We're looking for curious, ambitious graduates who are eager to learn, challenge themselves, and grow into future finance leaders. We are looking for candidates who:
Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a growth mindset
Show leadership through academic, extracurricular, volunteer, or work experiences
Thrive in collaborative environments and communicate effectively
Apply strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Have a foundation in accounting principles and financial concepts
Embrace innovation, change and continuous learning
Bring experience with data analytics, automation, AI or other emerging technologies (considered an asset).
Preference will be given to candidates graduating from an accredited accounting, commerce, or business undergraduate program at a recognized post-secondary institution.
Eligibility:
Graduate between April 2026 and September 2027
Be available to begin full-time employment in August 2027 (or September 2027 if writing the September CFE)
Be eligible to enroll in the CPA Professional Program* before your start date, including:
A recognized degree or equivalent*
At least 120 credit hours or equivalent*
A minimum cumulative GPA of 70% on those 120 credit hours
Successful completion of CPA’s Knowledge Assessment or CPA Qualifying Courses
Be able to work in a hybrid environment from either our Toronto or Waterloo office
*Equivalency is assessed by CPA Ontario as part of the application process
How to Apply:
Resume & Academic Transcript
Motivation Letter (Maximum 250 words): Tell us why you want to join Sun Life's CPA Leadership Program with examples that demonstrate your leadership, initiative, problem-solving, accounting foundations, and commitment to Sun Life
Candidates selected for the final round must be available to attend an in-person interview in Toronto on September 9th, 2026.
Compensation Range: $68,000 - $76,000 annually
Starting compensation is based on your CPA journey at the time of hire.
As a full-time Sun Life employee, you'll receive a comprehensive benefits and Total Rewards package.
In addition to competitive compensation, participants receive:
CPA financial assistance
Paid study leave and funding for CPA study materials
Annual performance incentives
Eligible for salary increases as key CPA milestones are achieved throughout the program
Interested in learning more?
Join our LinkedIn community and register for one of our upcoming virtual sessions events to learn more about our CLP Program, and meet our current participants, alumni and program leaders!
Virtual Information Sessions:
Learn about the program and recruitment timelinesJuly 16, 1:00–1:45 pm
July 21, 6:00–6:45 pm
Sign up here: Sun Life CPA Leadership Program Info Session – Fill out form
Virtual Fireside Chats:
Connect with the program team and hear from our alumni on their personal experiences with the programJuly 28, 1:00–2:00 pm
July 28, 6:00-7:00 pm
July 30, 12:00-1:00 pm
Sign up here: Sun Life 2026 Virtual Fireside Chats – Fill out form
More information on these sessions will be posted on our LinkedIn Community
The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted for. The Base Pay which you will be considered for will vary depending on the Campus program you are selected for.
Eligible Sun Life employees for various Campus Graduate programs will also participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance
Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.
Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to [email protected].
We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you! Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.
We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, interview scheduling.
We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Category:
CLP - CPA Leadership ProgramPosting End Date:
09/08/2026Skills Required
- Eligible to enroll in the CPA Professional Program before start date (recognized degree or equivalent)
- At least 120 credit hours or equivalent
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 70% on those 120 credit hours
- Successful completion of CPA's Knowledge Assessment or CPA Qualifying Courses
- Graduate between April 2026 and September 2027
- Available to begin full-time employment in August 2027 or earlier
- Be able to work in a hybrid environment from either the Toronto or Waterloo office
- Foundation in accounting principles and financial concepts
- Demonstrated leadership, initiative, communication, analytical thinking, and growth mindset through academic, extracurricular, volunteer, or work experiences
- Resume, academic transcript, and motivation letter (max 250 words)
- Candidates selected for final round must be available for in-person interview on September 15, 2026 in Toronto
- Preference for graduates from an accredited accounting, commerce, or business undergraduate program
- Experience with data analytics, automation, or AI
What We Do
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing protection and wealth products, financial planning, and retirement solutions, helping clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.
