Jubail Dayao is fast approaching his nine-year anniversary with Northern Trust, and he is showing no signs of slowing down as his personal and professional development keeps expanding. He leads two important teams within our Finance department and they both act as financial record-keepers for Northern Trust where every purchase and transaction are recorded accurately and on time. He speaks highly of the Manila team and the Manila office which he describes as a truly vibrant and positive environment.

Describe your role at Northern Trust

Think of Northern Trust as a big company that handles money and investments for others. I lead two important teams in Manila within our Finance department: the Accounting Operations team and the Reconciliation Control team.

My teams are like the financial record-keepers, making sure every money-related transaction – from buying company laptops to settling accounts between different parts of the company, and even managing office leases – is recorded accurately and on time. 

At the end of each month, we double-check all our balances to ensure everything is correct and complete. As the team manager, my role is to ensure everything runs smoothly day-to-day.

I'm constantly connecting with my team and other colleagues to make sure we're all on the same page and always looking for ways to improve how we work. It's about building a strong foundation of trust and accuracy in our financial dealings.

Take us through how you ended up at Northern Trust?

My journey to Northern Trust felt like a fortunate discovery! 

I initially applied to a company with a similar-sounding name, "Northern Star." While researching, I stumbled upon Northern Trust and was immediately drawn to its strong reputation, especially its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

I started my career here as an Associate Accountant and have been fortunate to grow steadily into my current role. 

As I approach my 9th anniversary with the company, I can honestly say that Northern Trust has been instrumental in my professional and personal development. 

Looking ahead, I'm passionate about contributing to broader company-wide improvements by optimizing our processes and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. 

I aspire to take on more strategic initiatives where I can build upon my experience to drive even greater efficiency and impact across the organization.

What are you most proud of in your career at Northern Trust so far?

There are truly many moments I cherish, but two stand out. 

Firstly, achieving my Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, which was fully supported by Northern Trust and my leaders. This accomplishment empowered me to lead significant process improvements within my team, resulting in tangible efficiency gains. 

Secondly, my short-term assignment in Luxembourg was an incredibly enriching experience. Immersing myself in a related process broadened my understanding of the bigger picture of our Finance activities. 

Beyond the professional growth, I had the privilege of connecting with inspiring colleagues in our Luxembourg office and exploring some of the breathtaking beauty of Europe. These experiences have not only shaped my skills but also expanded my perspective, reinforcing the global impact of our work at Northern Trust.

What’s a typical “day-in-the-life” at Northern Trust look like for you?

My day often begins with a quick check of our Microsoft Teams communication system for any urgent messages and a review of my calendar to set my intentions for the day. Once I'm at my desk, I prioritize my inbox, responding to critical emails and ensuring I'm aware of any immediate needs.

A significant part of my day involves connecting with my team leaders. These conversations, whether face-to-face or through Teams, are vital for aligning on both immediate tasks and long-term goals. We actively brainstorm and exchange ideas because valuing diverse perspectives is key to our team's success. 

Additionally, in my role as a productivity chair, I keep a pulse on our process improvement initiatives, supporting my colleagues to stay on track and drive positive change. My ideal workday is one where these connections are seamless, ideas flow freely, and we collectively make meaningful progress towards our objectives, knowing that our contributions are valued and impactful.

When did you realize that Northern Trust was a good fit for your career? 

My realization that Northern Trust was the right place for me came early on, during our New Employee Orientation. The introduction to the "Own My Growth" philosophy truly resonated with me. 

While the concept of owning your career isn't entirely new, I deeply appreciate how Northern Trust empowers us with this mindset and constantly reminds us to believe in our potential for continuous learning and advancement. Beyond this empowering culture, I truly value the people and the overall environment. 

The respect and importance given to every individual fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique talents. It's inspiring to be part of a workplace where collaboration is not just encouraged, but a fundamental aspect of how we operate.

What technology/technologies have you been excited to work with here at Northern Trust?

Without a doubt, I'm most excited about Northern Trust University (NTU). I am a huge advocate for continuous learning, and NTU offers an incredible range of training and courses that cater to various learning styles – self-paced, instructor-led, virtual, or in-person. 

These resources have been invaluable in helping me enhance crucial skills in areas like communication, technology, change management, and interpersonal interactions. 

NTU embodies Northern Trust's commitment to investing in its people, and I'm grateful for the opportunities it provides to continuously evolve and grow professionally.

How has Northern Trust supported your career objectives / development?

Northern Trust has been a true partner in my professional growth. In 2018, they generously sponsored my external Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training through the Educational Assistance Program (EAP).

This investment significantly enhanced my project management and process improvement skills – areas I had specifically discussed wanting to develop with my manager. I am incredibly grateful for the company's commitment, through both EAP and the Career Development Plan, to supporting the continuous growth of its people. It truly demonstrates their belief in nurturing talent.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Northern Trust? 

When Northern Trust states, "we value our partners (we call our employees partners here at Northern Trust)," these aren't just words – it's a lived reality. 

Here, every individual is empowered to contribute their voice, actively participate, and collaborate meaningfully.

There's a genuine culture of mutual support, where the company and its people are invested in helping each other reach their highest potential. If you're looking for a place where your contributions matter and your growth is prioritized, Northern Trust is a compelling choice.

What advice would you give to people beginning their career at Northern Trust?

My top advice would be threefold. Firstly, proactively connect with your manager and be transparent about your career aspirations. Regularly seek feedback to identify areas for development – this continuous dialogue is invaluable. 

Secondly, actively engage with and get to know your colleagues. The connections you make today could be the key to unlocking future collaborations and opportunities. 

Lastly, cultivate a constant curiosity about our processes and the broader operations of Northern Trust. Don't hesitate to ask questions; understanding the bigger picture will empower you to contribute more effectively.

Do you have any other career tips you would give to candidates interested in working for Northern Trust?

Invest in your most valuable asset: yourself. Embrace continuous learning, drawing insights from both your experiences and the wisdom of your colleagues. 

Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and say "yes" to unfamiliar assignments. It's often in those moments where you push your perceived limits that the most significant growth occurs. For me, preparation is fundamental. 

Thorough preparation builds familiarity, familiarity fosters confidence, and ultimately, confidence paves the way for success.

What’s your favorite thing about working in our Manila office?

There's so much to love about working in our Manila office! 

But if I had to choose one thing, it would be the incredible energy of our partners here. Numerous visitors from other locations consistently remark on how contagious our enthusiasm is and how engaged and genuinely happy our team is to collaborate. 

It's a truly vibrant and positive environment to be a part of.

Fast Facts

Name: Jubail Dayao

Role: Manager, Vice President

Business Unit: Finance

Geographic Location: APAC

Education: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

Any additional certifications: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Hometown / where are you living now – I am originally from Negros Oriental, but I live in Makati City now

What are you reading / podcast recommendation – I highly recommend two books: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo.

Best advice you’ve received – “Always believe in your ability to learn and do more” from our very own International Chief Financial Officer, John Davie

Describe Northern Trust in one word: Belonging

Careers at Northern Trust

Come find your greater at Northern Trust. Review our open roles here.