Assistant Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis

Heriot-Watt University; Malaysia; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia seeks an Assistant Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis to lead financial planning, forecasting and performance analytics from the Putrajaya campus. You will coordinate budgets, produce management reports, and support strategic initiatives with robust data insights.

The role requires strong modelling, Excel expertise, and proficiency in Power BI with experience in ERP systems. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders and timely delivery are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree or professional certificate required.
• Desirable: Accounting/CPA/ACCA qualification.
• Minimum three years of relevant experience in financial planning/analysis.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate quarterly forecasting and annual budget preparation with guidance to budget holders.
• Analyse monthly actual vs forecast results and explain variances to drive performance.
• Interpret trends, perform root-cause analysis, and provide actionable insights.

Skills

Financial planning

Modelling

Business analysis

Excel

PowerPoint

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Degree or professional certificate

Accounting/CPA/ACCA

Tools

Power BI

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description

The Assistant Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis is responsible for the University’s financial analysis, financial planning, financial management and special projects.

The position reports to the Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis.

The role will be based at the University's campus in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

a. Coordinate quarterly forecasting and annual budget preparation. Provide financial planning guidance and support budget holders with analysis and advice.

• Collaborate with budget holders and facilitate financial discussions and guidance.
• Develop and refine presentation materials for management and stakeholder review.
• Validate and coordinate upload of approved budgets into ERP system.

b. Analyse monthly actual vs forecast results, interpret key variances and trends, and support engagement with budget holders by providing clear explanations and insights to drive financial performance and decision-making.

c. Interpret financial trends and variances, perform root-cause analysis, validate data accuracy, identify and upscale key performance issues that impact financial outcomes and operational efficiency, and provide actionable insights to stakeholders.

d. Design and develop financial models and scenario analyses to support strategic initiatives, and decision-making.

e. Conduct in-depth analysis and present findings with recommendations to Manager and Head of Finance.

f. Manage and coordinate the delivery of reports and ad-hoc reporting requests across stakeholders, departments and systems, ensuring accuracy, completeness, consistency and timely submission while working with greater autonomy and accountability.

g. Lead the design, development and enhancement of Power BI dashboards, automated reporting tools and management information systems, leveraging AI and automation to improve reporting efficiency, data accuracy, usability and business insights, while ensuring alignment with reporting requirements.

h. Lead and coordinate the preparation, validation, and enhancement of MRAC performance and operational reports, including offers, visa submissions, student recruitments analysis, programme analytics, applicant segmentation, and Power BI dashboards.

i. Identify, implement, and embed process improvements across finance reporting and systems, enhancing efficiency, data quality, and reporting effectiveness.

j. To undertake any other duties as assigned from time to time.

All HWUM staff endeavours will embody our shared values of: Inspire, Collaborate, Belong, and Celebrate.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Person Specification

This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of the role.

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or a professional certificate or equivalent

Desirable

• Accounting/CPA/ACCA qualification

Experience

Essential

• Minimum three (3) years of working experience in similar capacity

Desirable

• Experience working in the education industry
• Minimum five (5) years of working experience in similar capacity

Competencies, Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Strong financial planning, modelling and business analysis experience.
• Detail oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Self-motivated with high degree of commitment to meet deadlines and objectives.
• Well versed with Microsoft Office applications especially proficient in MS Excel, and MS Power Point.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work independently and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Knowledge in Oracle Fusion
• Able to communicate with all levels
• Well versed with Power BI tools

Special Factors (if applicable)

Desirable

• Willing to work in Putrajaya

Essential Criteria

— these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the short-listing stage.

Desirable Criteria

— these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold. When shortlisting, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.

Other Relevant Information

We aim to hold interviews at the Malaysia Campus in Putrajaya on the week of 26 October 2026.

For more information about Malaysia Campus, please visit http://www.hw.edu.my.

For information about Purpose-Driven Education, please see our website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/about/purpose-driven-education.htm

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.