Investment Banking Division - Manager, Expense Management (Mumbai)

Travel & Expense (T&E) - Manager Company Profile: Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services.

The Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 43 countries.

As a market leader, the talent and passion of our people is critical to our success.

Together, we share a common set of values rooted in integrity, excellence and strong team ethics.

Morgan Stanley can provide a superior foundation for building a professional career - a place for people to learn, to achieve and grow.

A philosophy that balances personal lifestyles, perspectives and needs is an important part of our culture.

Division Profile Morgan Stanley is a worldwide leader in investment banking and is one of the top firms in mergers and acquisitions, underwriting equity and equity-related transactions, corporate debt issuance, and high-yield debt financing.

With professionals in 30 countries, we are consistently recognized for our performance in both traditional and innovative financing techniques, helping a wide range of clients around the world to make and execute decisions about their business strategy and financial structure.

Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Division and Global Capital Markets (IBD/GCM) Groups provide industry, regional and product expertise to corporations, institutions, and government clients in order to develop and execute innovative and customized solutions to the most challenging strategic and financing issues faced in the global marketplace.

The Investment Banking Group is comprised of a number of industry coverage groups which work closely with Global Capital Markets teams to provide product structuring and creativity, relevant market insight, and execution expertise to clients.

These solutions include initial public offerings; public and private equity and equity-linked financings; mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings; defense advisory assignments; strategic partnerships; public and private debt placements; share repurchases; and hedging, swaps and derivative transactions.

Team Profile Expense Hub Team within IBD/GCM Management supports IBD/GCM bankers globally with preparing expense reports, vendor onboarding, vendor invoice processing, Travel request review and approval.

Team works closely with respective core region, bankers and assistants to ensure expenses reported accurately in compliance with firm policy, Travel requests are reviewed to facilitate business requirements with regards to meetings and project executions across client locations.

Summary: Primary Role The Manager – Travel & Expense will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for travel approvals, leading a team responsible for reviewing and approving travel requisitions across APAC and EMEA regions.

The role requires sound judgment, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to make timely decisions while ensuring compliance with firm travel policies.

The individual will provide guidance to the team, manage escalations, maintain process documentation, and partner with stakeholders to ensure seamless travel operations.

Requirements Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. 5–7+ years of experience in Travel & Expense (T&E) operations.

Prior experience managing or supervising a team in the current or previous role.

Strong knowledge of travel approval processes, travel policies, and expense management (Concur experience preferred).

Good understanding of global geography and international travel itineraries.

Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to ask relevant questions and interact professionally with stakeholders.

High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy and quality.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment while managing multiple priorities.

Flexible to work in rotational shifts: APAC: 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM EMEA: 3:30 PM – 12:30 AM Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and documentation management.

Use AI tools to re-define existing process and create efficiencies Willing to carry and respond to Firm-issued mobile device emails and voicemails as required.

Primary Responsibilities Travel Review & Approval Review and approve travel requisitions for APAC and EMEA bankers within defined service levels.

Validate travel itineraries, including flight and hotel bookings, ensuring compliance with company travel policies.

Assess business justification for travel, identify cost exceptions, and determine the appropriateness of requests.

Evaluate incomplete or ambiguous requests by asking relevant and precise questions to obtain required information before making decisions.

Exercise sound judgment to approve, reject, or return travel requests based on policy and business requirements.

Demonstrate a strong understanding of global geography to accurately assess travel destinations and itineraries.

Handle time-sensitive travel approvals with accuracy while maintaining composure under pressure.

Team Leadership & SME Responsibilities Act as the Travel Approval SME for the team and provide guidance on complex travel-related queries and policy interpretations.

Support and coach team members on travel approval processes, decision-making, and quality standards.

Handle escalations, complex travel scenarios, and priority requests with confidence and professionalism.

Drive consistency, quality, and compliance across all travel approval activities.

Ensure all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and knowledge repositories are maintained and kept up to date.

Stakeholder Management Respond promptly to multiple stakeholder queries, travel-related requests, and PNR (Passenger Name Record) inquiries.

Build effective relationships with bankers, travel coordinators, and internal stakeholders thro