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At a glance
Deliberating whether to move overseas for career advancement is both exciting and daunting. On one hand, it promises professional growth, cultural exposure and the chance to step outside your comfort zone. On the other, it demands sacrifices including distance from loved ones and navigating unfamiliar systems.
What is at stake is more than a job — it is a lifestyle, identity and career trajectory.
Could Manila be the next stop on your career journey? Here is a snapshot of what it can offer.
This article is part of a spotlight series featuring information for accounting and finance professionals looking to expand their career by working in popular APAC destinations.
Spotlight on Manila
Population: 15.5 million
Land area: 42.9 km2
Time zone: GMT+8
Currency: Philippine peso
Official language: Filipino and English
The powerhouse of the Philippines’ US$37 billion (A$55.4 billion) business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, Manila is the capital of one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
On track to attain upper middle income status by 2028, the Philippines’ GDP grew by 5.7 per cent in 2024, placing it among the top performers in the region for growth.
The principal city of the Philippines for four centuries, Manila’s economy has undergone remarkable transformation in recent decades, evolving from a domestic-focused commercial centre into a regional hub for BPO, finance and technology.
Manila’s skilled English-speaking workforce, competitive labour costs and strategic coastal location have strengthened trade, logistics and international connection, making the city a magnet for expats seeking career opportunities.
What industries are thriving in Manila?
The services sector accounts for more than 60 per cent of the Philippines’ GDP. While tourism, financial services, information technology and retail are key elements of this sector in the Philippines, BPO is widely regarded as the pillar.
In 2024, BPO employed approximately 1.7 million full-time employees and has expanded to include IT support, healthcare outsourcing, animation and legal services.
The country’s finance centre, Manila is also home to major banks and multinational companies, including tech giants like Google, Microsoft and IBM, as well as leading financial services firms like JP Morgan, Standard Chartered, AXA and Citibank.
The Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which focuses on expanding and upgrading infrastructure like transport, digital connection and social services, is also expected to improve Manila’s capacity for growth, ease traffic burdens, support urbanisation and attract more investment.
The country’s CREATE MORE law, implemented in 2025, also aims to foster a more business-friendly environment by streamlining tax administration, implementing value-added tax reforms and enhancing taxpayer incentives.
What skills are in demand in Manila?
While BPO continues to fuel much of the Philippine economy, services such as software development, data analytics and cybersecurity are gaining ground.
The digital economy in the Philippines is expected to reach US$150 billion (A$224.4 billion) in the next decade, and widespread digital transformation initiatives across industries are also calling for professionals with technology skills.
A shortage of accountants in the country is also fuelling demand for finance skills, with accounting the most in-demand job specialisation in the Philippines in the first half of 2025.
A report from Jobstreet shows employers are also seeking candidates with soft skills such as problem solving, adaptability and communication.
What roles are in demand in Manila?
Increased investment in digitisation and critical infrastructure is expected to sustain Manila’s economic growth, which is good news for finance professionals seeking opportunities in the city.
A Robert Walters report notes key in-demand roles include:
- financial controllers
- commercial finance partners
- project managers.
What are the salary expectations for accountants in Manila?
While salaries vary depending on experience and role type, data from Indeed puts the average base salary for accountants in Manila at PHP 481,000 (A$12,100) per year. However, expats with desirable skills or experience could expect higher salaries.
Expats staying in the Philippines for 180 days or fewer are required to pay a flat 25 per cent tax on income earned in the country. If you stay longer, your Philippine-sourced income is taxed at progressive rates up to 35 per cent.
The Philippines also has Double Taxation Agreements with countries like Australia, China, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. This ensures residents of these countries are not taxed twice.
What might life look like living in Manila?
One of the most densely populated locations in the world, Manila is a city of contrasts. Spanish colonial structures co-exist with sleek skyscrapers. Dining choices range from Michelin-star restaurants to small carinderias (casual Filipino eateries) and local traditions blend with global modernity.
Rental homes are readily available for expats and data from the 2023 Expat Insider survey from InterNations shows 61 per cent of expats find accommodation in Manila more affordable than in many global cities.
Modern condominiums in the Makati financial hub cost an average of PHP 45,000–70,000 (A$1130–$1760) per month. Apartments are more affordable but usually lack the condo amenities of a pool or a gym. Family houses can be rented in various areas of the city for prices starting around PHP 40,000 (A$1000) a month.
While Manila has frequent traffic jams, its Light Rail Transit Line-1 offers an efficient way to traverse the city and five new stations were recently add to the network in 2024. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, and the iconic Jeepneys — colourful US-military jeeps converted into buses — are even cheaper, but expect a tight squeeze during rush hour.
English is widely spoken, making communication easy. Manila is one of the easiest cities for expats to settle into, according to the InterNations survey, with 84 per cent of expats finding it easy to connect with locals and 80 per cent feeling at home shortly after arrival.
Work culture tends to be hierarchical, with deep respect expressed for senior colleagues who are usually addressed as “sir” or “ma’am”. Business practices thrive on strong relationships.
While traffic congestion and a hot, tropical climate can present challenges, expats benefit from Manila’s modern healthcare, relatively safe neighbourhoods and a strong expat community.
The city’s modern amenities and proximity to award-winning beaches are among its key expat attractions. The Philippines is an archipelagic country comprising more than 7600 islands, so there’s much to explore beyond the capital.
One expat’s advice
Rufus Pinto CPA, head of enterprise enablement and innovation at BDO UniBank, moved from Mumbai to Manila at the start of 2025. He shares his thoughts on making the move.
“I relocated to Manila from Mumbai at the end of February 2025. My family and I lived here during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we enjoyed the city, culture and the warmth of the people. When the opportunity arose to return, it felt like a natural continuation of our journey.
“There is a strong sense of community, generosity and mutual support in Manila. Colleagues look out for one another, and there is a shared commitment to doing the right thing.
“Filipinos take immense pride in their work, and the professionalism and warmth they bring creates a unique work culture. There is also a deep respect for relationships, which underpins how business is conducted.
“Manila offers an excellent career platform for professionals who thrive in diverse, multicultural environments. The market is increasingly sophisticated, and global standards are rapidly converging.
“The absence of heavy language barriers makes integration faster, and there is strong representation from multinational companies, which provides opportunities to operate at scale.
“On a personal front, Manila is a warm and welcoming city. The environment is family oriented, safe and supportive, and Filipinos show remarkable resilience and positivity even in challenging times.”
