Accountant

SmartHire by SEEK; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SmartHire by SEEK is seeking an experienced Accountant to take full ownership of a broad finance function in Malaysia, including statutory compliance, management reporting, budgeting, and team leadership. Occasional travel to the Sandakan plantation site is required to support on-site audits and closing activities.

The role demands a degree in accounting or professional qualification (ACCA/CIMA/CPA/MIA) with 7–10 years of experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in UBS Accounting

Qualifications

• A Degree in Accounting or recognised professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or MIA membership.
• 7–10 years of working experience in accounting or related field.
• Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving skills with sound financial judgement.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with ability to guide and develop a team of accounting staff.
• Good command of English and Mandarin; Hokkien is an added advantage.
• Working knowledge of UBS Accounting Software, Microsoft Office and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Take end-to-end responsibility for accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and monitoring of outstanding items.
• Drive timely month-end and year-end closings with supporting schedules and financial statements.
• Lead cash flow management, costing and financial analysis, budgeting, and management reporting.
• Oversee statutory audits and taxation compliance with regulators and auditors.
• Coordinate with internal departments, auditors, tax agents and regulatory bodies on accounting matters.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to the accounting team.
• Travel to Sandakan plantation site for on-site accounting audits and closing activities.
• Contribute to special projects as required.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Financial judgement

English

Mandarin

Education

Accounting degree

ACCA/CIMA/CPA/MIA

Tools

UBS Accounting Software

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Our client is seeking an Accountant to join their team!

This is a strong opportunity for a seasoned accounting professional ready to take full ownership of a broad and impactful finance function. Based in Malaysia, with occasional travel to a plantation site in Sandakan, this role places you at the heart of the organisation's financial operations — from full-spectrum accounting and statutory compliance through to management reporting, budgeting, and team leadership. If you are a technically sound, commercially aware accountant who enjoys both the detail and the bigger picture, and you are ready to lead a capable team in a structured and stable environment, this role is well worth your consideration.

What you'll be doing?

• Managing full-spectrum accounting: Take end-to-end responsibility for accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and the monitoring of outstanding items across all accounts with precision and diligence.
• Ensuring timely account closing: Drive punctual month-end and year-end closing processes, including the preparation of financial statements, supporting schedules, and all related reporting requirements.
• Overseeing cash flow and financial analysis: Manage cash flow effectively while leading costing and financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and the timely submission of management reports to support strategic decision-making.
• Handling statutory compliance: Oversee statutory audits and taxation matters, ensuring full compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and maintaining the organisation's financial integrity.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders: Coordinate with internal departments and external parties — including auditors, tax agents, and regulatory bodies — on accounting and financial matters as and when required.
• Leading and supporting the accounting team: Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to the accounting team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative finance function.
• Conducting plantation site visits: Travel to the Sandakan plantation site periodically to support on-site accounting audit and closing activities, ensuring financial accuracy across all business locations.
• Taking on ad-hoc projects: Contribute to special projects and ad-hoc assignments as directed, bringing a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to every task.

Who are they looking for?

• Educational and professional qualifications: A Degree in Accounting or a recognised professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or MIA membership is required to demonstrate the technical depth this role demands.
• Extensive relevant experience: A minimum of 7 to 10 years of working experience in accounting or a related field is essential, reflecting the seniority and breadth of responsibility involved in this position.
• Analytical and financial judgement: Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills with sound financial judgement are critical to managing the full scope of this role effectively.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills: Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to guide and develop a team of accounting staff, paired with strong communication and interpersonal skills that foster collaboration across all levels.
• Language proficiency: A good command of both written and spoken English and Mandarin is required to communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders across the business. The ability to speak Hokkien is a valued added advantage that supports broader communication within the local business community.
• Software proficiency: Working knowledge of UBS Accounting Software, Microsoft Office, and Excel is essential for managing accounting processes, financial reporting, and data analysis efficiently.
• Work ethic and attitude: A proactive, team-oriented individual with a positive attitude who is capable of working independently, managing priorities effectively, and delivering results within a structured Monday to Friday work week.
• Mobility: A willingness to travel to Sandakan for plantation accounting audit and closing activities is required as part of this role.