Chief Accountant

Sarens; Subang Jaya; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarens in Malaysia seeks a Chief Accountant to own the Malaysia Business Unit's accounting function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with MFRS and tax rules, and partnering with regional teams.

You will lead month-end closing, prepare statements, drive cash flow management, and support budgeting and strategic decision-making with FP&A. This is a senior, hands-on role requiring strong technical and commercial acumen.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Professional accounting qualification (MIA/ACCA/CPA/CA) or equivalent.
• 8–12+ years in accounting and finance roles.

Responsibilities

• Own and oversee all day-to-day accounting activities for the Malaysia Business Unit.
• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual financial closing activities in line with Group requirements.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports and reporting schedules.
• Ensure compliance with Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS), tax regulations and Group policies.
• Manage statutory audits, tax compliance, regulatory reporting and relationships with external auditors and advisors.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital and treasury activities to support business performance.
• Partner with FP&A teams on budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Support project costing, profitability analysis and commercial decision-making.
• Maintain strong internal controls and promote financial discipline across the organisation.
• Drive process improvements, automation and finance transformation initiatives.
• Act as the key finance contact between the Malaysia Business Unit and Regional Finance functions.
• Report directly to the Regional Director and collaborate closely with Regional Finance, FP&A, Tax and Treasury teams.

Skills

Technical accounting

Commercial mindset

English communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Professional accounting qualification (MIA/ACCA/CPA/CA)

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics AX

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

Accurate - Analytical - Business-minded Based in Malaysia, you'll be the financial anchor of the business unit, ensuring accurate reporting, strong compliance and clear financial insight. As Chief Accountant, you'll own the accounting function while supporting strategic business decisions through financial analysis and commercial partnership. This is a senior hands‑on role where technical expertise meets operational impact. Working closely with regional stakeholders, you'll help strengthen governance, drive performance and support the continued growth of the business.

Join the force behind #NOTHING TOO HEAVY, NOTHING TOO HIGH

Your job in a nutshell:

• Own and oversee all day-to-day accounting activities for the Malaysia Business Unit.
• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual financial closing activities in line with Group requirements.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports and reporting schedules.
• Ensure compliance with Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS), tax regulations and Group policies.
• Manage statutory audits, tax compliance, regulatory reporting and relationships with external auditors and advisors.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital and treasury activities to support business performance.
• Partner with FP&A teams on budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Support project costing, profitability analysis and commercial decision‑making.
• Maintain strong internal controls and promote financial discipline across the organisation.
• Drive process improvements, automation and finance transformation initiatives.
• Act as the key finance contact between the Malaysia Business Unit and Regional Finance functions.
• Report directly to the Regional Director and collaborate closely with Regional Finance, FP&A, Tax and Treasury teams.

ABOUT YOU

You are a finance professional who combines strong technical accounting expertise with a commercial mindset. You enjoy taking ownership, working independently and partnering with stakeholders across the business. With a proactive approach and excellent attention to detail, you confidently manage both operational accounting responsibilities and wider business finance challenges. You thrive in an environment where autonomy, accountability and continuous improvement go hand in hand.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.
• Professional accounting qualification such as MIA, ACCA, CPA, CA or equivalent.
• 8 to 12+ years of relevant accounting and finance experience.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian accounting standards, taxation and statutory requirements.
• Proven experience in month-end closing, financial reporting, audit and tax compliance.
• Experience dealing with LHDN/IRBM, SSM, SST and external auditors.
• Strong understanding of working capital, cash flow management and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics AX and/or D365.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Good English communication skills and ability to work with international stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and deadlines.
• Proactive, self-driven and comfortable working in an individual contributor environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience within a multinational organisation.
• Background in a project-based, engineering, industrial, construction or service environment.
• Experience working with regional finance teams.
• Knowledge of Power BI or similar analytical tools.
• Experience supporting finance transformation and process improvement initiatives.

At Sarens, you'll join a family‑owned global leader in heavy lifting and engineered transport, active in more than 65 countries and supported by over 6,000 colleagues worldwide.

In return, we offer:

• Market‑conform salary according to the seniority of the position.
• Performance‑driven and autonomous working environment.
• Exposure to regional and international finance operations.
• Opportunities to broaden your expertise across accounting, FP&A, treasury and commercial finance.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• A collaborative global network where expertise and teamwork are valued.
• The chance to make a tangible impact on business performance and decision‑making.