Senior Audit Associate

Manulife; Philippines; Hybrid; PHP 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Manulife's Audit and Advisory Services in the Philippines invites an experienced auditor to join a dynamic team driving risk control and governance improvements. You will work on SOX and risk-based audits, collaborate with management, and leverage data analytics to enhance audit outcomes.

The role emphasizes professional development and a global, multicultural environment. Ideal candidates hold a university degree, 5+ years in audit or related fields, and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• 5 years+ in internal/external audit, risk management, compliance or SOX in financial services.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and listen to others.
• Ability to work with colleagues across diverse cultures and levels.

Responsibilities

• Support and execute SOX testing and risk-based audits following IIA standards.
• Document walkthroughs and test design for SOX controls.
• Lead simple audit sections with guidance where applicable.
• Ensure timely, high-quality audit work aligned with methodology.
• Apply data analytics to improve audit effectiveness and efficiency.
• Assist in issue follow-up and closure within deadlines.

Skills

Audit experience

English fluency

Communication skills

Multi-cultural collaboration

Education

University degree

Tools

GRC tool

Python

Data analytics

Job description

About the Audit Group

Join Manulife's Audit and Advisory Services team, where we partner with management to enhance risk control and organizational resilience. We deliver insightful reports to senior management and the Board, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and accountability. Our energetic and collaborative team offers exposure to new business areas and influences business management through diverse projects. We prioritize professional development and innovation, offering opportunities like data analytics training to advance your career.

About our Audit team:

Join our dynamic Audit and Advisory Services team and play a vital role in supporting and enhancing governance and risk management across Manulife Group in different segment and countries (including MBPS, global functions, Asia and GWAM segments). You’ll have the unique opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from over 10 locations across Asia, gaining exposure to a rich variety of cultures and perspectives. This is your chance to help shape the future of our audit function - all while developing your own skills and career in a collaborative, supportive and truly multicultural environment.

Learning Opportunities:

Our Audit and Advisory Services team provide rich learning opportunities, offering exposure to diverse audit strategies and specialized training across insurance and asset management. These experiences will enhance your technical and soft skills, preparing you for advancement and new roles within the company. As an audit professional at Manulife, you'll also have opportunity to use advanced tools like a centralized GRC tool, business analytics, machine learning, and Python to drive impactful audit outcomes.

Position Responsibilities

• Support and execute SOX testing and/or risk-based audits (key risk audits, key risk reviews, defined procedures) in accordance with the Manulife’s audit methodology and IIA Standards.
• For SOX testing, support walkthrough and documentation, and perform design and operating effectiveness testing independently for assigned controls.
• For risk-based audits, executes audit work independently with minimal supervision. Able to lead simple defined procedures or specific audit sections with guidance.
• Completes audit testing assigned accurately and timely, with reliable work quality. Ensure quality of work completed and in accordance with the Manulife’s audit methodology and IIA Standards.
• Learn and applies Manulife’s audit methodology with guidance on complex areas.
• Identifies issues and root causes with guidance for complex areas. Communicates audit issues/observations/findings to Audit Lead or Country Head effectively and participate in stakeholder interactions with guidance. Support issue articulation.
• Utilize data analytics techniques to improve effectiveness and efficiency of audit process.
• Assist in issue follow-up and performing issue closure validation within the assigned timeline.
• Actively participates in departmental initiatives.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager, as and when necessary, that are in line with skill set capacity or for career development.

Required Qualifications

• A university degree is required and minimum of 5 years or above of relevant experience in internal or external audit, risk management, compliance, SOX compliance or equivalent business experience in Financial Services industry. For IT Auditors, experience in IT controls and testing is a must.
• Good written and oral communication skills, ability to effectively communicate ideas and recommendations, and to listen and consider the ideas of others. Fluent in spoken and written English is a must.
• Good relationship skills and the ability to collaborate with different business units and team members in a multi-cultural environment are crucial, along with the ability to resolve conflicts and deal effectively with staff at all levels up to Senior Manager or equivalent.
• Ability to quickly understand business processes and risks, identify key controls, and make practical recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• A recognized accounting (CPA, CA, ACCA) or auditing (CIA, CISA) designation is preferable, but not essential, for candidates with good financial services industry experience.
• Knowledge of life insurance, asset management, audit methodologies, control frameworks and risk management practices, and SOX requirements is an asset.
• An understanding of the Financial Services industry, applicable regulations, and risks is preferred.
• Knowledge of the data analysis tools is preferred.
• People management skills and experience is an advantage.
• Fluent in Chinese, Malay and Indonesian languages are an asset.

When You Join Our Team

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife And John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact [e-mail].

Working Arrangement

Hybrid