Cost Strategy & Efficiency Lead

CIMB; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The CIMB cost management team in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a seasoned finance professional to lead planning, monitoring and analysis of cost performance. You will partner with business units to deliver sustainable cost outcomes while upholding governance and controls.

Responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and driving cost optimisation initiatives. You will provide clear insights on fixed vs variable costs and support management reporting to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Finance/Engineering or equivalent.
• Professional Qualification and/or Regulatory, Licensing requirements.
• ACCA/ MICPA/ CPA/ ICAEW/ MIA (added advantage).
• Minimum 3 to 8 years of experience in large and established commercial or service-based organisation, financial institution or public accounting firm with strong focus in strategic cost management, budgeting, forecasting and financial analyses.
• Working knowledge of a broad spectrum of banking operations.
• Experience in project managing, deploying or participating in cost control initiatives for business or organisation.
• Ability to interpret and present business results and provide meaningful insights for improving cost efficiency strategically.
• Experience in using integrated models in the financial planning framework with well-structured analytics.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead of Cost Strategy & Management in cost budgeting and forecasting processes, including annual budget, rolling forecast, and outlook updates.
• Assist in developing cost plans aligned with strategic initiatives, productivity targets, and cost-to-income objectives.
• Support allocation of resources across business units and functions.
• Monitor actual costs versus budget, forecast, and prior periods.
• Perform variance and trend analysis across key cost categories (staff, IT, premises, marketing, professional fees, etc.).
• Identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Support design, tracking, and governance of cost optimisation and productivity initiatives.
• Track benefits realisation and savings delivery against approved targets.
• Provide insights on fixed vs variable cost structures and scalability.
• Act as a finance partner to business and support functions, providing cost transparency and constructive challenge.
• Review and assess cost proposals, investments, and headcount requests.
• Support prioritisation of spend in line with strategic and financial objectives.
• Prepare clear cost management reports and dashboards for senior management and committees.
• Highlight emerging cost pressures and recommend mitigating actions.

Skills

Financial Planning

Cost Management

Banking Ops

Financial Modelling

Analytics & Planning

Accounting Standards

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Finance/Engineering or equivalent

Professional Qualification & Regulatory requirements

ACCA/MICPA/CPA/ICAEW/MIA (advantage)

Job description

The CIMB cost management team in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a seasoned finance professional to lead planning, monitoring and analysis of cost performance. You will partner with business units to deliver sustainable cost outcomes while upholding governance and controls.

Responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and driving cost optimisation initiatives. You will provide clear insights on fixed vs variable costs and support management reporting to senior leadership.