Senior Specialist, Controls & Governance – Investment Operations

In today's dynamic global environment, effective risk management and robust controls are essential for maintaining the integrity and success of our asset management operations. As part of GWAM Operations, our team plays a pivotal role in this mission. Join us to help drive excellence and innovation in risk management practices across our global operations.

The Senior Specialist, Controls & Governance – Investment Operations is responsible for overseeing the adherence to risk and control frameworks of middle office investment operations teams, ensuring governance and compliance, as well as supporting strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will have an in-depth background and expertise in the asset management industry, in addition to significant experience with internal controls and /or the management of operational risks. A keen ability to build relationships with the impacted stakeholders. Strong analytical skills and the ability to think outside the box offering multiple options for solutions. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Work on Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSAs) across multiple middle office operations teams (Trade Operations and Settlements, Portfolio Onboarding, Cash Management, Reconciliations, etc.).

• Identify Key Controls and support the development of a Control Testing framework for middle office operations.

• Prepare and maintain Monthly Operational Risk materials, metrics, and dashboards.

• Manage risk attestations in Manulife’s Governance, Risk & Compliance system (Archer)

• Coordinate Business Continuity Planning (BCP) reviews and participate in tabletop and simulation exercises. 

• Performing detailed analysis of current processes and controls against required improvements, including using data analytics to identify gaps/issues/trends that should be remediated to strengthen the governance of operations risk.

• Participate in ad-hoc projects related to operational system implementations, and process automation.

 
Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Risk Management, or related field.

• 3+ years of experience in investment operations, internal/external audit or control governance. 

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.

• Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset. If the successful candidate is in Québec, proficiency in both languages will be required to support clients from various provinces outside of Quebec.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification is an asset (e.g., FRM, CPA, CIA, CRMA).

• Strong knowledge of operational risk frameworks (RCSA, SOX, Operations Resilience, Control Testing).

• Advanced Excel and data visualization skills; experience with automation tools like Power Apps, Power BI, is 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.

#LI-WAM

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 [email protected].

Referenced Salary Location

Salary range is expected to be between

Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [email protected] for the salary range for your location.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact [email protected] for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.