To provide leadership to a diverse team in the Manila Center, managing various financial operations and support processes that service 74 offices across 45 countries. These services include Billing and Collections, Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, Month-End Closing, Procure-to-Pay processes, and more.

• Responsible for the operational performance and service excellence of the various finance teams in the Manila Center, using key performance metrics agreed upon with global functional leaders.
• Collaborate effectively with Finance Service Owners, Global Process Owners, RCFOs, and the Process & Quality teams to support their strategic initiatives and tactical priorities in achieving the Firm’s financial goals. This includes aligning initiatives within the Manila Center with these key stakeholders.
• Collaborate extensively with other Center FDs to ensure service processes, expectations, and efficiencies remain consistent across all Centers.
• Develop relationships across the Firm to foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, high performance, and service excellence.
• Responsible for building and sustaining a strong One Team ethos within the Manila Center Finance Team and contributing to the overall culture of the Manila Center.
• Provide guidance to meet the Manila Center’s financial plans and targets through a collaborative approach with the responsible CLT members.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements of the Manila Center, including those of the parent company.
• Participate in other activities as required to address financial, engagement, client-related, or other strategic initiatives for the Firm.
• Explore new methods and technologies that can be adapted and introduced to simplify and achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness for stakeholders, ensuring proper discussions and alignment with SOs, GPOs, RCFOs, and P&Q.
• Implement a culture of continuous improvement aimed at achieving incremental improvements across all areas.

Technical Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Financial Management, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (preferred for local statutory reporting requirements).
• Certification in a specific area of finance (e.g., Certified Management Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor) is an advantage.
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration is an advantage.
• Significant experience as a Finance Executive managing a large team within the finance function of a global business organization, especially in professional or business services.
• Established reputation as a Finance Executive leader with an inspiring presence, able to navigate a complex and, at times, ambiguous business landscape to help teams, stakeholders, and clients from different cultural backgrounds succeed.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and networking skills that promote collaboration, empower people, and advocate for the Firm’s Culture of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity.
• Proven effectiveness and expertise in building and nurturing a team culture that aligns with the Firm’s values and inspires engagement.
• Expertise in service operations management, internal business controls, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma) that ensure service excellence and positive stakeholder and client experiences.
• Technical expertise in financial management and business operations to assess risks and make decisive, appropriate actions, especially in exception cases.
• Flexible and agile leadership style, with the ability to engage effectively with key stakeholders across the Firm, recognizing their cultural, social, and academic diversity to bring about the best ideas and practices.
• Strong technical expertise in local statutory and business regulatory requirements, as well as in business financial management, to ensure compliance and a strong risk management and control posture.
• Proficiency in MS Office and other productivity tools.

Personal Qualities:

These qualities represent the shared characteristics of high performers across Baker McKenzie, regardless of job level and location:

Know-How:

• Ability to identify real issues, anticipate requirements, and consider potential consequences.
• Capacity to develop knowledge, think holistically about business, and address diverse audiences.

Dedication:

• Driven by a strong personal sense of integrity and commitment to high-quality standards.
• Prepares thoroughly, takes responsibility, uses initiative, and is self-reliant.
• Hardworking and diligent, with a keen understanding of client demands.
• Demonstrates composure in difficult situations.

Personal Impact:

• Uses complex, coordinated influencing and negotiation strategies tailored to people, organizations, and situations.
• Leverages direct reports to facilitate increased collaboration across the organization.
• Builds partnerships that acknowledge individual differences while creating a common ground.
• Creates a positive impression at all times; develops relationships through collaboration and reciprocity.
• Negotiates for mutually satisfactory outcomes; shows good judgment on when to stand firm and when to compromise.
• Invests in, nurtures, and builds a network of productive relationships.

Humanity:

• Respectful to others, regardless of their position, and earns respect by being transparent.
• Shows genuine care and concern for others and treats them as individuals.
• Handles delicate or confidential issues with discretion.