Operational Specialist, Controls and Governance

The Specialist in the Operations, Controls and Governance team is responsible to provide risk and control guidance and support to the Operational teams within Manulife Retail.

The Specialist participates in the review and documentation of the key risks and controls in the Risk and Control Inventory. As part of its responsibilities, the Specialist identifies control gaps and proposes corrective action plans to solve for the issues. He/She ensures that appropriate control monitoring and testing is performed. The Specialist will work with the Global Wealth Asset Management (GWAM) Operations Risk Management team to ensure all issues are reviewed and remediated accordingly.

The successful candidate will have a background in the asset management industry, in addition to expertise in control testing using data analytics, 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:

• Perform periodical testing of controls in accordance with the defined testing plan, report findings to management, propose remediation plans and support the implementation with the Operational Team

• Identify problems and inefficiencies through review of control design/data analysis and propose solutions for resolution or optimization

• Assist with the establishment and review of Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA) of operational business lines

• Evaluate and recommend new controls where gaps have been identified

• Work with Operational Teams to implement new controls and perform regular testing

• Collect, review and manage internal risk incidents/loss events, ensure they are logged in timely and that corrective action plans (CAPs) are developed and implemented within the given deadlines

• Work with the Operational Leaders to review and respond to audit findings and recommendations, and ensure audit points are closed within the expected timeframe

• Oversee the implementation of internal control process improvements based on audit points

• Research and investigate independently new issues and innovations to maintain currency of technical expertise

• Collaborate with key partners such as Operational Leaders, GWAM Risk Management team and Internal/External auditors

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Data Analytics, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience working in a client-facing, matrix, project-based organization is preferred; typically gained through prior audit, advisory, consulting, professional services firm, or other large organizations.

• Knowledge of audit methodologies, control frameworks and risk management practices

• Experience with using audit procedures to discover and analyze patterns, identify anomalies, and obtain other useful information from data populations

• Proficiency in data analysis tools like Power Query and familiarity with workflow automation, data exchange, and communication between systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Canadian and US Asset Management industry (Mutual Funds, Separately Managed Accounts, etc.) considered as an asset

• Understanding of risks related to data feeds, data integration, and data security

• Ability to quickly understand business processes and their risk implications, analyze complex situations, reach appropriate conclusions, and make value-added and practical recommendations

• Ability to interpret data and communicate clearly and concisely to effectively deliver key messages verbally and in writing, and to listen and consider various perspectives

• Results oriented with a focus on quality, delivering value, and strong attention to detail

• Ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Good organizational and planning skills

Bilingual (French & English) is required - The successful candidate will be required to communicate in English and French to support clients from various jurisdictions outside of Quebec.

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.

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.