Director, Information Systems

The Director/Senior Director Technology Audit and Advisory Services is accountable for the delivery of high quality, professional, cost-effective, value-added, and risk-based internal audit services over Technology functions, across North America (Canada and US Segment), Global Wealth & Asset Management, Group Functions, and the Global Data Technology Office. The role reports to the AVP of North America Segment Technology, Audit Services.
Position Responsibilities:
Audit Delivery – Delivery of North America Segment Technology, Infrastructure and Cybersecurity (steady state/key risk, program and project, business integrated, issue assessments).
Technology SOX – Delivery of application and infrastructure technology SOX audit work and to drive our approach and processes for this work forward through use of automation, data analytics, and shared services.
Reporting and Planning – Execution and continuous improvement of reporting processes in support of the larger technology audit organization, as well as annual audit planning, resource management, and other process improvements for the immediate North America segment technology audit team.
Other – Audit initiatives, engagements, and process improvements as assigned.
Strategic Leadership
Understand the company’s strategy, operations, and regulatory environment to proactively identify areas of emerging and heightened risk related to technology that affects the company
Support the development of an audit strategy that aligns to business, technology, and Audit Services strategies, provides sufficient coverage for key risks while meeting regulatory expectations
Develop internal procedures and tools to drive consistency across all engagements and drive audit planning
Help improve Technology SOX delivery and quality to improve efficiencies through increased use of data analytics, automation and shared services and other innovations
Develop and produce meaningful reports for Senior Technology Management that identify trends and enable continuous improvement of risks and controls
Contribute to the development of Audit Services procedures, strategy, and direction; continually improve audit and supporting processes leveraging technology to the fullest
Audit Delivery and Oversight
Plan and direct audits and special audit projects to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of key controls and adequacy of risk management practices; collaborating with management to obtain a consensus on establishing the problem, risks exposure; produce meaningful audit reports that clearly articulate the position on risks and related issues, while meeting Audit Services operational targets related to budget, timeline and quality of execution
Delivery of annual Technology Application and Infrastructure ITGC SOX work, in collaboration with Technology Management, SOX PMO, and external audit
Perform integrated/cross-functional audits in partnership with groups across Audit Services to provide comprehensive reporting on risks that could prevent the achievement of Management’s objectives
Support the development of an annual audit plan using risk management processes, in collaboration with Management and Audit Services leadership
Drive innovation and incorporate and develop industry best practices into forward thinking audit approach; manage Audit Services’ resources efficiently, economically, and effectively
Provide management with timely recommendations that reduce risk, help them run their business better, make strategic and operational decisions, and oversee management of risks and controls
Monitoring progress in implementing control recommendations and reporting thereon; assist with preparation of Audit Committee and senior leadership reports
Leadership & People Development
Lead and develop a high-caliber audit team, attract, and retain top talent and provide appropriate development, coaching and training
Foster creative culture that strives for continuous improvement and welcomes and offers feedback—enabling best-in-class audit practices
Challenge, coach and enable the team members to develop to their fullest and maximize their contribution to the team
Drive team skills development and engagement; manage talent across the team for development and succession and rotate change expertise
Stakeholder Management
Managing Management’s expectations regarding assurance and advisory work deadlines and deliverables
Providing relevant stakeholders with an overview of audit work and commentary on the control environment, including trends and emerging issues that could impact the Company
Collaborate effectively with divisional and global stakeholders in Technology and Information Risk Management
Establishing a high level of credibility and building professional relationships with key stakeholders responsible for technology and information risk across the Company
Required Qualifications:
Exceptional communications judgement and the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly to effectively deliver key messages verbally and in writing and to listen and consider various perspectives; confident presentation and facilitation skills and strong interpersonal and leadership skills to facilitate working with senior management at all levels
Ability to quickly understand business processes and risks, identify key controls, analyze complex situations, reach appropriate conclusions, make value-added and practical recommendations and influence management to take appropriate actions on recommendations
In-depth knowledge of audit methodologies, project management and system development methodologies (including Agile), control frameworks and risk management practices, and regulatory requirements; Exceptional understanding of how technology supports business strategies, the latest technology and cyber security trends, best practices, and industry standards; excellent working knowledge of risks affecting financial institutions and insurance industry
Experience working with external auditors (Statutory Audit, SOX, SOC 1 and 2 engagements) effectively and helping technology management understand the impacts
Previous people management experience preferred, with the ability to lead and motivate a team of professionals in a new and rapidly changing environment to deliver with timeliness and quality
Results oriented with a keen focus on quality and delivering value; ability to balance multiple priorities and projects; strong attention to detail while retaining focus on the “big picture” and top risks; flexible and organized with the ability to oversee multiple projects concurrently
Excellent influencing, relationship building and negotiation skills; professional presence, ability to navigate a matrix environment and influence across different areas and levels of management both in Audit Services and Technology
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in diverse environments and cultures, over multiple office locations
Ability to identify opportunities to utilize data analytics for enhanced depth and breadth of audit coverage
Relevant post-secondary education or equivalent experience, plus a recognized auditing (e.g., CA, CPA, CISA) or security (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CEH) designation/certification or equivalent experience, with experience typically gained from 6-8+ years in relevant roles
Highest level of integrity, accompanied by strong ethical principles
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-Hybrid
The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.
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