Software Developer IT-SK-19-07

Software Developer

The Company

Headquartered in Saskatoon, Suncorp Valuations is a dynamic growth-oriented leader in the global valuation industry.  Through offices in Canada and the U.S.A, we offer a full range of valuation, consulting and costing services for land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and for intangible assets such as patents, copyrights and franchises.

Utilizing robust research methodologies, valuation consultants develop reports that provide an opinion of value for assessed property and other assets.  Clients utilize reports for a variety of requirements including regulatory compliance, financing, litigation support, mergers and acquisitions, purchase price allocation, insurance placement and claims settlement.

Risk Management Services assist clients by identifying and mitigating risks such as the potential for accidents, property damage and theft.  For further details please refer to our website at www.suncorpvaluations.com.  Suncorp provides employee benefits, transit allowance, along with Short Term Incentive and RRSP programs.

The Role

Reporting to the VP of Operations, the Software Developer is pivotal position in our IT Department.  The Software Developer will work with a small team of developers to enhance, maintain, and develop software that is critical to sustaining and streamlining business operations.  The role is interesting and provides the opportunity to participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle including determination of requirements, design, development, testing, deployment, maintenance, and support.  The incumbent works closely with stakeholders to identify requirements and with the development team to set priorities and deadlines.  Along with software development the Software Developer will be responsible for the maintenance and expansion of our reporting systems including both client facing and internal management reports.  Supporting the existing and new software post deployment is also a key part of this role.

The Ideal Candidate

Along with the required credentials and impressive technical skills, you are excited about joining a dedicated, passionate team that creates innovative software solutions.  You bring a solid understanding of developing software in a multi-tiered environment to the role.  Although you are able to work independently, you thrive in a team environment and are able to appropriately leverage the knowledge of coworkers to overcome difficult challenges.  You enjoy working in a small office, while collaborating with stakeholders in other offices.  You easily manage multiple priorities and are naturally focussed on providing internal stakeholders with high quality service.  You are forward thinking and resilient when faced with setbacks.  On a personal note you are interested in developing your career through on-going professional development.  

The Requirements

  • Post-secondary Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • 2-3 years of software design and development;
  • Experience with VB.NET, TSQL is preferred;
  • Familiarity with Crystal Reports, SSRS, or similar report writer;
  • Understanding of SQL, relational databases, and database administration;
  • Understanding of networking protocols and technologies;
  • Proficiency with Windows operating systems and domain environments.

The Competencies 

  • A genuine desire to go above and beyond to provide excellence in client service;
  • Proactive, with a desire to drive results and exceed goals;
  • Strong planning, organizational and time management skills;
  • Ability to balance competing and changing priorities between project and non-project work;
  • Strong problem solving skills with ability to analyze and understand data;
  • Detail oriented and organized with strong analytical skills;
  • Self-motivated with strong oral and written communication skills;
  • A strong team player that demonstrates integrity and ownership;
  • Proven experience working in a cross-functional team environment;
  • Capable of writing clear and complete technical and functional specifications.

We pride ourselves in offering flexible work arrangements that allow our employees to balance work and life commitments.

The Application Process
Please send an email to address below providing the following information:

  • Email: HR@suncorpvaluations.com
  • Subject: IT-SK-19-07
  • Deadline: April 1, 2019

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

 

Apply Now

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Agricultural Land Price Trends. Will Values Increase?

Agricultural land value trends are on the rise. As the graph below illustrates, the world population has increased dramatically since the Industrial Revolution, circa 1800. (1)

World Population Growth Chart

Will Farmland Price Values Increase Over Time?

The world population growth coincides with access to energy, which led to innovation in creating and managing food supply. As a full service appraisal firm with offices across North America and completing engagements worldwide, we are often called to assist firms with the valuation of facilities involved in food processing. As many of our clients have grown their facility footprint, we have seen dramatic jumps in the value of agricultural land that provide the inputs for their processing. Unlike new facilities, agricultural land cannot be created. Combine the population growth with the effects of climate change, and it is easy to see the trend for agricultural land values across the globe will continue to rise.

Agriculture Land Price Trends in Europe

Europe continues to lead the pace of growth in agricultural land values.

2016 National and Regional Prices of Arable Land

In 2016, the exchange rate for Euros to US Dollars was 1 to 1.24; accordingly 63,000 Euros (the benchmark price per hectare in the Netherlands) converted to $78,031 US Dollars. Converting hectares to acres at 1 to 2.5 meant that the land agricultural land value in the Netherlands was $31,200 US Dollars per acre. (2)

Agriculture Land Price Trends in North America

In the United States and Canada, we see the escalation in agricultural land values as well. For 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture shows the benchmark value across the country at $3,080 per acre, up from $3,010 per acre in 2016. (3)

US Chart for Average Farm real Estate Value Trends

In Canada, percentage growth rates for agricultural land continues to grow, taking the province of Saskatchewan as an example, you see the benchmark prices per acre trending up-wards. (4)

Percent Change In Farmland Values

Measuring The Risk of Farmland Ownership

Given the trend of rising agricultural values, it is interesting to measure the risk of land ownership. This graph illustrates the security of owning land in various countries as developed by Savills Research. They leveraged various reports and data sources to the lay the foundations of the matrix. Savills Research from 2002 to 2016 highlighted the strong and steady rise in the value of farmland globally. (5)

Farmland Risk & Value Scores

Agricultural Land Price Values Will Continue To Rise

We assert that world agricultural land values will continue to rise in the next 3 to 5 years, in particular in those countries where an adequate risk/benefit score can be achieved, such as shown by the above graph.

 

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Gorgeous Farmland

 

REFERENCES:

Gail Tverberg (2012). How Energy Shapes the Economy. The Energy Collective Group

Sara Schafer (2018). Which European Countries Have the Most Expensive Farmland?

USDA (2017). Land Values 2017 Summary

Farm Credit Canada (2017). 2017 FCC Farmland Values Report

Savills World Research (2016). Global Farmland Index

Marketing Assistant BD-SK-19-06

Marketing Assistant

1 Part Time Temporary Position – Up to 1 Year (30 hours per week)

Saskatoon, Office

Competition Number:  BD-SK-19-06

Headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Suncorp Valuations is a dynamic growth-oriented leader in the valuation industry, providing full service appraisal and valuation consulting services. Through offices in Canada and the U.S.A., we offer a range of valuation and costing services for land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and for intangible assets such as patents, copyrights and franchises.  Utilizing robust research methodologies, valuation consultants develop reports that provide an opinion of value for assessed property and other assets. Clients utilize reports for a variety of needs including regulatory compliance, financing, litigation support, mergers and acquisitions, purchase price allocation, insurance placement and claims settlement. Our risk management department assists clients by identifying and mitigating risks such as the potential for accidents, property damage and theft.  For further details please refer to our website at www.suncorpvaluations.com.

THE ROLE

The position is located in Saskatoon and reports to the Manager, Business Development. The incumbent performs a variety of marketing administrative duties and data entry functions that assist the Business Development department in generating new proposals and issuing re-appraisal proposals on a scheduled basis.  The individual in this role is involved in all aspects of the client proposal development process including the drafting of proposals, updating client information and follow-up with clients via telephone and email.  A central activity is leveraging stakeholder support and managing internal communication to ensure that client deadlines are met. Assist the VP and Manager of Business Development  in coordinating client events, e-blasts, mail outs, blogs, travel, scheduling, and other related administrative tasks.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Along with the required credentials, you are friendly and enjoy communicating on the phone. You excel at time management, are able to balance conflicting priorities, problem solving, manage a high workload, meet deadlines, and be a strong team player. You are naturally focused on providing high levels of client service and ensure accuracy of your work through inquiry and well-honed proofreading skills. You are able to work independently and communicate openly with business partners to ensure work is completed to required standards and within given timelines. You are flexible and adapt easily to new procedures. You have strong technical skills, enjoy finding efficiencies within systems, and learning new skills. You are innovative, curious, and eager to identify new business opportunities.

THE REQUIREMENTS

  • Diploma, Certificate or Degree from a recognized institution in Marketing, Administration or a related field;
  • Minimum of three years progressive experience in a marketing and client focused position;
  • Experience utilizing a Client Relationship Management system will be considered an asset;
  • Expertise with MS Office, particularly with Word and Excel;
  • Minimum keyboarding speed of 50 wpm;
  • Tech and social media savvy.

  THE ROLE COMPETENCIES: 

  • Provide high levels of internal and external customer service that aligns with our Brand Promise – On Time, Credible, Professional;
  • Strong team player who collaborates well with others;
  • High attention to detail;
  • Active listening, verbal and written communication skills;
  • Outstanding organizational and time management skills;
  • Able to multi task with constant interruptions;
  • Can work competently with minimum supervision;
  • Proactive, with a desire to drive results and exceed goals;
  • Determined and hardworking;
  • High personal and professional standards.

We pride ourselves in offering flexible work arrangements that allow our employees to balance work and life commitments.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS: 

  • Send your resume and cover letter to HR@suncorpvaluations.com
·         Deadline: March 4, 2019

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

 

Apply Now

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Marketing Assistant BD-ON-19-05

Marketing Assistant

1 Full Time Permanent Position

Toronto, Ontario Office

Competition Number:  BD-ON-19-05

Headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Suncorp Valuations is a dynamic growth-oriented leader in the valuation industry, providing full service appraisal and valuation consulting services. Through offices in Canada and the U.S.A., we offer a range of valuation and costing services for land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and for intangible assets such as patents, copyrights and franchises.  Utilizing robust research methodologies, valuation consultants develop reports that provide an opinion of value for assessed property and other assets. Clients utilize reports for a variety of needs including regulatory compliance, financing, litigation support, mergers and acquisitions, purchase price allocation, insurance placement and claims settlement. Our risk management department assists clients by identifying and mitigating risks such as the potential for accidents, property damage and theft.  For further details please refer to our website at www.suncorpvaluations.com.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Manager, Business Development in our Toronto office, the incumbent performs a variety of marketing administrative duties and data entry functions that assist the Business Development department in generating new proposals and issuing re-appraisal proposals on a scheduled basis.  The individual in this role is involved in all aspects of the client proposal development process including the drafting of proposals, updating client information and follow-up with clients via telephone and email.  A central activity is leveraging stakeholder support and managing internal communication to ensure that client deadlines are met. Additionally, the individual will assist the Business Development Manager in coordinating client events, e-blasts, and blogs.   Collaborate with the VP of Operations on Occupational Health and Safety and provide administrative support the Toronto office.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Along with the required credentials, you are friendly and enjoy communicating on the phone. You excel at time management, are able to balance conflicting priorities, problem solving, manage a high workload, meet deadlines, and be a strong team player. You are naturally focused on providing high levels of client service and ensure accuracy of your work through inquiry and well-honed proofreading skills. You are able to work independently and communicate openly with business partners to ensure work is completed to required standards and within given timelines. You are flexible and adapt easily to new procedures. You have strong technical skills, enjoy finding efficiencies within systems, and learning new skills. You are innovative, curious, and eager to identify new business opportunities and want to grow your career in Business Development.

THE REQUIREMENTS

  • Diploma, Certificate or Degree from a recognized institution in Marketing, Administration or a related field;
  • Minimum of three years progressive experience in a marketing and client focused position;
  • Expertise with MS Office, particularly with Word and Excel;
  • Experience using a Client Relationship Management system will be considered an asset;
  • Minimum keyboarding speed of 40 wpm;
  • Tech and social media savvy;
  • Strong computer and Internet research skills, flexibility, excellent interpersonal skills.

  THE ROLE COMPETENCIES: 

  • Provide high levels of internal and external customer service that aligns with our Brand Promise – On Time, Credible, Professional;
  • Strong team player who collaborates well with others;
  • High attention to detail;
  • Active listening, verbal and written communication skills;
  • Outstanding organizational and time management skills;
  • Able to multi task with constant interruptions;
  • Can work competently with minimum supervision;
  • Proactive, with a desire to drive results and exceed goals;
  • Determined and hardworking;
  • High personal and professional standards.

We pride ourselves in offering flexible work arrangements that allow our employees to balance work and life commitments.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS: 

  • Send your resume and cover letter to HR@suncorpvaluations.com
·         Deadline: February 25, 2019

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

 

Apply Now

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Field Inspector FI-BC-19-02

Field Inspector – Private Sector Group

Full Time Permanent Position

Kelowna, BC

FI-BC-19-02

Suncorp Valuations is a full service appraisal and valuation consulting firm.  From offices in Canada and the U.S.A. we provide global valuation services for land, buildings, machinery and equipment, that is used for financing, litigation support, mergers and acquisitions, and insurance placement purposes.  For more information on our services please visit our website at www.suncorpvaluations.com.

The Role.

At the direction of the Managing Director, Private Sector, the incumbent will conduct property inspections and collect field data consisting primarily of building component details and measurements.  The field data will be recorded on forms and transferred electronically to appraisal staff for completion of the report.  Some review of reports may also be required to confirm property details.  The incumbent will also assist with local cost data research and some client management. This position is also key in developing strong client relationships, being a brand ambassador, and able to sell our services while at client sites.

The Ideal Candidate.

Along with the required credentials, you will enjoy building strong client relationships in the Kelowna market and deliver exceptional client service when performing inspections.  You gather accurate and detailed information in order for Valuation Consultants to complete the costing process. The key expectations of this position are to meet our Brand Promise of On Time, Credible, Professional and need to work efficiently and collaboratively with internal stakeholders. You need to manage your time effectively in order to meet deadlines and maximize profitability on each assignments.

The Requirements

  • Completion of a Diploma, Certificate or Degree from a recognized institution in building sciences, or an equivalent working knowledge of building systems, components, and structural costing methodologies;
  • 1+ years of relevant experience;
  • Marketing and sales experience will be considered a strong asset;
  • High level of proficiency with MS Office, particularly with Word and Excel.

The Competencies

  • Strong interpersonal skills;
  • Proactive, with a desire to drive results and exceed goals;
  • Strong planning, organizational and time management skills;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with acute attention to detail;
  • Able to collaborate, share knowledge and leverage expertise as needed;
  • Self-directed with the desire and ability to work independently.

The Application Process 

Please send your resume via email and include in the subject line the competition number, followed by your first and last name.

Email: HR@suncorpvaluations.com
Comp # FI-BC-19-02
Deadline: February 18, 2019

This position requires frequent travel within the Kelowna region and may be called upon to cover other territory in BC to accomplish the duties of this position.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.  Please note that we do not accept phone or email inquiries in regards to open positions.

 

Apply Now

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This Is NOT The Time To Appraise Your Tangible Assets

Picture This Scenario

A fire breaks out at your property and within minutes a major portion of the building and its contents are lost. The fire department responds promptly, but many of the assets not lost to fire are lost to smoke and water damage. Your initial reaction would be to contact your insurance broker. When they report the claim to the insurance company, an adjuster is appointed to handle the claim. The adjuster will ask questions such as; How much is the property worth now in terms of current construction? Without an up-to-date appraisal, you could be scrambling to try to establish replacement costs for your assets and possibly find yourself under insured.

You Are Responsible

In the event of any loss where an insurance claim needs to be processed, the onus is always on you, the insured party, to provide “proof of loss”. An appraisal provides that proof accurately and immediately, when kept up-to-date.

Fire-and-Home-Insurance

Do You Know The Current Value Of Your Assets?

If you are under-insured and suffer a major loss, this could result in dire consequences. Many property policies contain a co-insurance penalty. Alternatively, if you are over-insured, you are paying for extra insurance you cannot claim. An accredited appraiser can determine the replacement cost of your building and content assets, in accordance with your insurance policy.

 

Asset values are changing continuously

 Inflation can increase the replacement cost of your building;
 Certain building systems become obsolete;
 Buildings are expanded and renovated;
 Imported components (such as HVAC equipment) are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations;
 Machinery and other equipment are replaced, sold off, retired, or become obsolete (particularly with Information Technology).

READ: Cost Appraisals vs Value Appraisals – What Are The Main Differences?

What are the Benefits of an Insurance Appraisal Program?

 Up-to-date appraisal reports allow for quick loss settlements;
 Insurance premiums are based on investigated, not arbitrary, values;
 A reputable appraisal company backs what it says with professional liability insurance;
 An appraisal avoids any under-insurance penalties.

fire-damage-home-insurance

Did you know?

• Suncorp Valuations has been providing insurance valuations to its clients across the globe since 1960;
• We are the insurance appraisers of choice for some of the largest insurance companies in the world;
• We have expanded our service line to include value added professional services in the areas of loss prevention, including but not limited to playground audits, fleet surveys, custom premises liability and crime surveys.

 

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