General Ledger Accounting Expert

Merck Group; Taguig; On-site; PHP 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Group is seeking an experienced General Ledger Accounting Expert in Manila to lead the Month-End Close process, deliver high-quality financial reporting, and partner with cross-functional teams. You will mentor junior accountants and drive automation to optimize GL operations.

The role requires 8+ years in GL accounting, IFRS/GAAP proficiency, and hands-on Oracle/SAP experience, with flexibility for mid/night shifts in BGC, Taguig.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related field required.
• Minimum 8 years in General Ledger accounting operations.
• Strong IFRS/GAAP knowledge and familiarity with SOX/ICFR.
• Experience with Oracle and/or SAP ERP systems.
• Proficiency in process automation tools (e.g., VBA) and advanced MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead Month-End Close for complex entities with deadlines.
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements and management reports.
• Drive process improvements and automation to reduce MEC cycle times.

Skills

English fluency

Excel proficiency

ERP experience (Oracle/SAP)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting

Master’s or CPA preferred

Tools

Oracle

SAP

VBA

Job description

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

General Ledger Accounting Expert

Location: Manila Shared Service Center, BGC, Taguig

Your Role:

As a General Ledger Accounting Expert, you will drive financial integrity and operational excellence across a portfolio of complex assigned entities within a dynamic Shared Services environment. You will go beyond routine execution — owning sophisticated accounting treatments, orchestrating the full Month-End Close (MEC) cycle, and delivering high-quality financial reporting to both local entity finance teams and Group Accounting. Acting as a trusted business partner, you will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, serve as the primary escalation point for complex operational issues, and champion continuous process improvement. You will also play a meaningful role in developing junior accountants, building team capability, and shaping the future of GL operations through automation and technology-driven initiatives.

• Lead and orchestrate the Month-End Close process for complex assigned entities, ensuring all activities are completed accurately and within strict deadlines.
• Prepare, review, and analyze high-quality financial statements and management reports for local entity finance teams and Group Accounting.
• Conduct deep-dive process analyses, variance commentary, and balance sheet reviews to deliver actionable insights into financial health.

Complex Accounting & Master Data Governance

• Manage high-complexity GL activities, including specialized accruals, payroll and benefits accounting, and sensitive journal entries.
• Oversee and approve the reconciliation of critical, high-risk accounts, ensuring timely resolution of open items.
• Safeguard GL master data integrity, ensuring compliance with global charting and reporting standards.

Audit, Compliance & Risk Management

• Serve as the primary liaison for internal and external auditors; prepare comprehensive audit schedules, pre-audit analyses, and resolve complex audit queries.
• Ensure all processes adhere strictly to internal controls (SOX/ICFR), Group accounting policies, and local statutory regulations.

Process Optimization & Technology

• Identify, design, and implement process excellence initiatives — including automation, standardization, and workflow simplification — to reduce MEC cycle times.
• Lead User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and act as a Subject Matter Expert for ERP upgrades, migrations, and GL-related system implementations.
• Track, analyze, and report on team operational metrics and Key Performance Indicators.

Stakeholder Management & Escalation Resolution

• Act as the first point of escalation for complex operational issues, collaborating with local entity CFOs and Finance Directors to drive swift resolutions.
• Build strong, consultative partnerships with cross-functional teams — including Accounts Payable, Subledger, Treasury, and other finance functions — to ensure end-to-end process alignment.

Leadership & Capability Building

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical support to junior GL accountants, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures and training documentation to support team readiness and knowledge continuity.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree or CPA accreditation is highly preferred.
• At least 8 years of experience in General Ledger accounting operations, with demonstrated expertise in complex accounting environments.
• Strong command of IFRS, GAAP, and local tax regulations; experience within a Shared Services Center is an advantage.
• Hands-on experience with Oracle and/or SAP ERP systems.
• Proficiency in process automation tools (e.g., VBA or equivalent) and expert-level MS Excel skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Willingness to be based in BGC, Taguig, and flexibility to work varying mid or night shifts aligned with the MEC and non-MEC schedule. (7 days night shift+13 days mid shift)

What we offer:

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and believe that it drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!