Finance Director / Finance Controller – Malaysia (Semiconductor Industry)
Location: Malaysia (with experiences in Project Transfer from China operations)
Department: Finance & Accounting
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Finance Director / Controller to lead and manage financial operations in Malaysia for our semiconductor business. The ideal candidate will be a strategic financial leader with deep experience in manufacturing finance, cross-border operations, and regulatory compliance. This role will oversee plant-level finance functions, drive operational efficiency, and ensure robust financial governance in line with both local and global standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Regional Financial Leadership — Oversee the financial performance of manufacturing operations in Malaysia, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives; drive regional budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning; partner with regional and corporate leadership to optimize cost structures and improve profitability across sites.
- Manufacturing Finance & Cost Control — Lead product costing, BOM analysis, inventory valuation, and cost variance tracking for both Malaysia and China operations; work closely with supply chain, engineering, and operations to manage cost drivers including yield, scrap, cycle time, and equipment utilization; monitor and report key plant KPIs, supporting initiatives to improve productivity and reduce waste; ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with local GAAP, IFRS, and internal policies.
- Compliance & Regulatory — Ensure compliance with Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and other regulatory requirements; manage statutory audits and tax filings in both jurisdictions, coordinating with external auditors and local authorities; ensure compliance with China tax regulations, Malaysia SST, transfer pricing, and cross-border transaction reporting; establish, monitor, and improve internal controls, ensuring compliance with SOX (if applicable) and group audit requirements.
- Risk & Treasury — Mitigate financial and operational risks, including FX exposure, credit risks, and supply disruptions; implement and monitor treasury functions including cash flow management, banking, and repatriation planning.
- Business Partnering — Provide financial guidance to regional operations, R&D, and commercial teams; evaluate capital investments (e.g., fab expansions, equipment upgrades) with ROI and NPV analysis; support commercial teams on customer pricing models, rebate structures, and contract evaluations.
- Team Management & Development — Lead and develop finance teams in Malaysia, ensuring high performance, compliance, and alignment with global finance strategies; foster a culture of continuous improvement, digital transformation, and operational excellence.
- Investor Relations & Stakeholder Engagement — Serve as the primary point of contact for JV partners and present financial results in JV board meetings.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or Master’s preferred).
- CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional qualification.
- 10+ years of finance experience in manufacturing or high-tech industries, with at least 3–5 years in a controller or senior finance leadership role.
- Proven track record managing cross-border operations, preferably in the semiconductor industry.
- Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, CAPEX controls, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
- In-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks in both China and Malaysia (taxation, audits, statutory reporting, FX control).
Preferred Skills & Attributes
- Experience in wafer fabrication, OSAT, or fabless semiconductor models.
- Fluent in English and Mandarin (spoken and written); Bahasa Malaysia is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence stakeholders across cultures.
- Ability to travel between Malaysia and China sites as needed.
Unlock job insights
Salary match • Number of applicants • Skills match
Your application will include the following questions:
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Malaysia?
- What's your expected monthly basic salary?
- Which of the following types of qualifications do you have?
- How many years' experience do you have as a financial controller?
- How many years' experience do you have as a manager / team lead?
- Which of the following languages are you fluent in?
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What can I earn as a Financial Controller