Reporting to the AVP, Global Controls, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced SOX Project Management Director to lead and manage Manulife’s SOX efforts. This pivotal role requires a strategic problem solver with a strong background in finance, accounting and controls, as well as proven leadership. This person will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of the SOX program to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls over financial reporting.

This position will provide opportunities to build on proficiencies such as leadership, influencing, collaboration and coordination across business areas including Audit Services and external audit, project management and developing knowledge of Manulife/John Hancock group controls/processes.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship on a consistent basis to build a strong, engaged team.

• Lead the SOX/MAR (Model Audit Rule) compliance program through it’s various phases (planning, walk-throughs, testing and reporting)

• Lead effective relationships with the key Control CCOE leaders, business segment leaders, Audit Services, external auditors, and accounting shared service providers.

• Direct regular SOX/MAR Program dashboard reporting, activity manager set up and reporting, monitor delays and raise as needed

• Coordination of Entity Level Control and COSO documentation Coordination of Archer activities including quarterly SOX process and control owner attestations, archer upgrade testing and periodic access reviews

• Prepare annual SOX/MAR attestation reporting Assist in the assessment and review of adequacy of controls to mitigate risks for various areas

• Collaborate with CCOEs, IT SOX leads, Archer team, ORM Audit Services, and external audit to share best practices, trainings and increase efficient and effective strategies

• Present findings and recommendations to the business owners and key leaders using strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Design solutions to manage risk and provide insight into processes and controls

• Drive the continuous improvement of the business area/shared service’s controls framework, methodology, tools & reporting.

• Maintain a high level of responsiveness, ensuring adherence to professional standards

Required Qualifications:

• University degree in accounting or finance or equivalent work experience, CPA preferred

• Minimum of 7 – 10+ years accounting experience, public accounting experience a plus

• Working knowledge of SOX, MAR, and IFRS/NAIC accounting guidelines are a plus

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence management at various levels of the organization

• Detailed oriented with strong organization and project management skills.  Excellent customer focus and a dedication to quality while still meeting deadlines

• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and recommendations orally and in writing, while considering the viewpoint of others

• Strong analytical and inquiry skills to understand operational and valuation processes and controls

• Self-motivated, ability to work independently and with teams at the Boston & Toronto locations

• Strong digital literacy and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Archer, Coso are assets

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 recruitment@manulife.com.

Referenced Salary Location

Salary range is expected to be between

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact recruitment@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. 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. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

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 recruitment@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.