AVP Controller & Treasurer, Hong Kong

General Description:

Manulife International Limited (MIL) was incorporated in 1984 as a subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation. We provide a broad range of protection and wealth products and services to approximately 2.6 million customers in Hong Kong and Macau. Our portfolio includes individual and group life and health insurance, MPF products, ORSO schemes, and comprehensive wealth management solutions.

The Controller function aspires to be a world‑class finance organization by delivering high‑qualit y financial insights and acting as a trusted business partner to support the achievement of our strategic priorities.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller & Treasurer is responsible for the leadership, management, and development of the Controller function. The role works closely with local business partners as well as regional, group, and shared services teams.

This position is accountable for ensuring accurate, complete, and timely financial reporting and analysis setting prudent expense budgets and financial targets overseeing cash management and treasury activities and maintaining robust financial controls. As a member of the Hong Kong Finance Management (HKFM) leadership team, the role also ensures full transparency of business performance and the timely escalation of issues and risks.

Responsibilities:

1. Leadership

• Contribute to the leadership and strategic direction of the function at the local, regional, and Group levels.
• Lead the development and engagement of the Controller team to support current and future business objectives.
• Drive transformation on Controller activities by working with Finance function at Group and Asia levels, leveraging data-driven insights and using new technology and AI tools.

2. Financial Reporting

• Establish and maintain an efficient external reporting framework to ensure all required information is delivered accurately and on a timely basis.
• Ensure a robust Management Information System is in place to provide high‑quality, timely, and accurate internal reporting that supports strategic decision‑making and delivers key financial insights and advisory support across the business.

3. Financial Analysis

• Develop comprehensive financial analyses that provide management with deep insight into the financial performance and dynamics of the business.
• Identify material issues and provide clear analysis of their root causes, impacts, and potential solutions.

4. Performance Measurement

• Partner with business leaders to develop effective performance metrics that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, supported by a thorough understanding of business drivers across all operational areas.

5. Strategic Planning

• Direct and coordinate the preparation of financial forecasts and projections as part of the annual planning cycle, supporting performance monitoring and the determination of future objectives and strategic direction.
• Present financial information clearly and promptly, with the ability to perform sensitivity analyses on short notice and provide insightful, well‑informed advice on key business issues.
• Act as the gate keeper on financials for approving company's projects and real estate initiatives with commercial acumen.

6. Budgeting and Expense Control

• Lead the preparation of annual expense budgets in collaboration with cost center owners to ensure expenses are appropriately authorized and tightly controlled.
• Monitor and manage expenses through effective control mechanisms to ensure alignment with approved product and business allowances.
• Partner with business units to drive cost efficiency and expense optimization initiatives.

7. Financial and Operational Controls

• Interpret, develop, implement, and monitor policies, processes, and standards to ensure compliance with Group and Divisional requirements, professional accounting standards, and applicable regulatory obligations.
• Continuously enhance the internal control environment to mitigate operational, financial, and compliance risks.
• Oversee internal and external audits related to financial reporting, including ongoing compliance with SOX processes and controls.

8. Accounting Systems

• Assess and oversee the development and implementation of financial systems to ensure they meet business needs while maintaining strong governance and control standards.
• Manage changes to core financial systems, including the general ledger, administration systems, unit valuation, and investment reporting platforms, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
• Direct and coordinate auditable reviews of key business processes to maintain a strong control environment and prevent material audit issues.

9. Treasury

• Oversee all treasury activities, including daily cash monitoring and reconciliation, cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and proactive identification of funding risks.
• Manage banking relationships to ensure effective support of business operations.

10. Special Projects

• Lead or support special projects requiring f inancial expertise, complex analysis, or advanced financial modelling to deliver meaningful insights and informed decision‑making.

Accountabilities (Individual / Shared):

Individual Accountabilities:

• Overall accountability for MIL's Controller and Treasury functions, including financial results, management reporting, financial planning and analysis, and the annual incentive plan framework and performance metrics.
• Provide strong leadership to the finance organization, ensuring a robust control environment while driving talent development and effective succession planning.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of all external Group‑level financial reporting and related disclosures.
• Maintain the integrity and effectiveness of accounting processes, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing compliance with local and Group accounting policies and standards.
• Own and manage relationships with external auditors for all MIL legal entities.
• Partner with the business to support and enable MIL's growth initiatives through sound financial stewardship and strategic insight.

Key Shared Accountabilities:

• Earnings analysis and goodwill impairment assessments.
• End‑to‑end financial planning and forecasting processes.
• Preparation and delivery of external financial disclosures.
• Talent development and capability building within the finance function.
• Building a cohesive, collaborative, and high‑performing finance community.
• Design, governance, and ongoing refinement of the annual incentive plan framework and metrics.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies/Education:

• University degree with a minimum of 15 years relevant finance experience within the life insurance industry.
• Professionally qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Demonstrated financial leadership within a large multinational financial services organization, with a proven track record of leading, developing, and retaining high‑performing teams.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Chinese, with the ability to convey complex financial matters effectively.
• Proven ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, including senior management, Group and Regional teams, and local business partners, on complex financial and strategic issues.
• Solid experience with the relevant accounting standards, including HK FRS, Macau FRS and Canadian FRS.
• Established track record of driving process improvements and enhancing efficiency, control, and quality across finance operations.

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 .

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 .