Business Analyst (Senior Manager)

Boustead Estates Agency Sdn Bhd; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An agro-business firm in Kuala Lumpur seeks a financial planner to support the CFO in enhancing financial outcomes through analysis and strategic planning. Required qualifications include a degree in relevant fields and 3-5 years of experience in agriculture or commodities. Proficiency in advanced Excel and analytical tools is essential. This role involves working cross-functionally and requires excellent communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years working experience in plantation or agro-based industries.
• Familiarity with plantation management systems (PMS) is an advantage.
• Understanding of cost structures in oil palm operations.

Responsibilities

• Support the CFO in financial planning and performance analysis.
• Analyse estate and mill productivity.
• Monitor budget vs. actual performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Quantitative skills

Problem-solving skills

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Finance or Data Analytics

Master’s Degree or relevant certifications

Tools

Microsoft Excel (advanced)

Power BI/Tableau

Job description

Supports the CFO in financial planning, performance analysis and strategic decision-making to enhance the company’s business and financial outcomes.

Key roles and responsibilities

Business & Financial Analysis

• Analyse estate and mill productivity (FFB yield, OER, cost/ha, cost/MT).
• Develop financial models and forecasts for agro business diversification projects.
• Monitor budget vs. actual performance and highlight cost variances.
• Conduct ROI / payback analysis for mechanisation, automation and replanting projects.
• Evaluate new investment proposals in agro-based products and downstream ventures.

Data & Performance Management

• Consolidate and interpret operational data from estates, mills and agro units.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly performance reports for management/NRC.

Strategic & Operational Support

• Conduct benchmarking (internal & external) against industry standards (MPOB data, RSPO, MSPO).
• Assist in business planning and annual operating budget formulation.
• Work with operations teams to identify process improvement opportunities.
• Provide decision-support analysis for new business models (contract farming, JV, sustainability-linked projects).

Agro Business Focus (Diversification Area)

• Perform feasibility and market studies for alternative crops (livestock integration, ginger, pineapple, stingless bees & etc).
• Assess value chain opportunities (processing, packaging, branding).
• Support grant/funding applications and impact assessments related to food security and ESG.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Finance or Data Analytics.
• Candidate that possess Master’s Degree in a relevant field or additional certifications (e.g., Data Analytics, Financial Modelling or Project Management) will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 3–5 years working experience in: plantation or agro-based industries, or consulting / financial analysis roles related to agriculture or commodities.
• Exposure to budgeting, business planning and performance analytics.
• Familiarity with plantation management systems (PMS) is an advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (advanced), Power BI/Tableau.
• Strong quantitative, analytical and presentation skills.
• Understanding of cost structures in oil palm operations (field upkeep, harvesting, milling, logistics).
• Basic knowledge of agro value chain and sustainability reporting.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Bahasa Malaysia and good report writing skills.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, finance and R&D teams.
• High integrity, accuracy and business acumen.
• A team player with a customer-oriented approach.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, proactively and resourcefully, with a pleasant personality.
• Able to work under pressure and capable to meet tight deadlines.
• Physically fit and in good health.
• Willingness to travel for work.
• Possess own transport.