Head of Manila Tax Services

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Role Purpose

Responsible for leading APAC Tax Operations and Client Servicing activities within the Global Tax Capability in Manila. Accountable for the efficient delivery of tax documentation processing, withholding tax rate management, tax relief and reclaim services, and client servicing activities. Leads managers and teams to ensure service excellence, risk management, operational effectiveness, and achievement of business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of APAC Tax Operations and Tax Client Servicing activities.

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of tax documentation, withholding tax setup, tax relief applications, and withholding tax reclaims.

• Monitor performance against established KRIs, KPIs, service standards, and operational objectives.

• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate controls and remediation plans.

• Drive process improvements, efficiency initiatives, and service quality enhancements.

People Leadership

• Manage and develop managers and team leaders responsible for tax operations activities.

• Support talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement across the function.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and client focus.

• Provide coaching and guidance to leaders to ensure strong performance and development outcomes.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with Tax Practice leaders, operational teams, and business partners to support client and business objectives.

• Maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, sub-custodian networks, and service partners.

• Escalate capacity, service, or risk concerns through data-driven recommendations.

Risk and Governance

• Maintain a strong control environment and ensure compliance with regulatory, policy, and operational requirements.

• Support implementation of risk management and governance initiatives within the Tax Practice.

• Ensure appropriate oversight of operational incidents, client issues, and audit-related activities.

Culture and Leadership

• Model Northern Trust's values of Service, Integrity, and Expertise.

• Promote ethical behavior, inclusion, and a positive employee experience.

• Drive a culture focused on client outcomes, operational excellence, and continuous development.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of global tax operations, including withholding tax, tax relief, and reclaim processing.

• Strong operational and people leadership capabilities.

• Proven ability to manage managers and large operational teams.

• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Ability to analyze operational challenges and implement practical solutions.

• Strong risk awareness and control mindset.

• Data-driven decision-making and resource planning capabilities.

• Flexible, adaptable, and able to lead through change.

• High degree of accountability, professionalism, and collaboration.

Experience

• Extensive experience in tax operations, custody, fund services, or financial services operations.

• Demonstrated experience leading managers and multiple operational teams.

• Proven track record delivering operational performance, risk management, and client service outcomes.

• Experience driving transformation, process improvement, or operational efficiency initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [email protected], or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.

About Our Manila Office

The Northern Trust Manila office celebrated a decade of excellence in 2024. Through agility, resiliency, innovation, and excellence, they have evolved into a dynamic hub with diverse capabilities and a thriving workforce of over 1,200 - driving meaningful impact and sustainable growth. Learn more.