Financial Controller

Confidential; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial management firm in Johor Bahru is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee financial operations for multiple entities. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience and a strong foundation in Malaysian financial regulations. The role involves strategic planning, compliance, and leading a local finance team. This position requires a professional qualification and expertise in financial reporting and analysis.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles.
• At least 3–5 years in a similar Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager role.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian financial regulations, tax laws, and accounting standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage all financial and accounting functions across three entities.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance

Professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics)

Advanced Excel skills

Job description

Position Overview:

The Financial Controller will act as a strategic partner and financial steward for the Malaysian operations, overseeing all financial and accounting functions across three legal entities operating under a shared services model. This position is equivalent to a mini CFO role, playing a critical role in financial planning, analysis, compliance, internal controls, and strategic decision-making to support business objectives and ensure financial integrity. The industry knowledge should be from Real Estate, Logistics and Manufacturing services.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Manage end-to-end finance and accounting operations for the three entities.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports (internal and statutory).
• Ensure compliance with local accounting standards (e.g., MFRS), tax regulations, and corporate policies.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes; monitor budget performance and variances.
• Manage the monthly closing process and provide financial insights to management.
• Prepare consolidated financial statements when required.

Cash Flow, Treasury & Banking

• Monitor and manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity across the group.
• Maintain banking relationships, oversee bank reconciliations, and manage funding requirements.
• Ensure appropriate treasury controls and optimize cash management practices.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Liaise with external auditors, tax agents, and regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance.
• Oversee tax planning and tax submissions (corporate income tax, GST/SST, withholding tax, etc.).
• Ensure timely completion of audits and implementation of audit recommendations.

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal controls and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support enterprise risk management processes in coordination with HQ.

Business & Strategic Support

• Act as a finance business partner to the Country Head in Malaysia and other local leaders.
• Provide commercial and financial analysis to support strategic decisions and operational performance.
• Review and support pricing, contracts, and business case development.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the local finance team, ensuring high performance and continuous development.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and succession planning within the finance function.

System & Process Improvement

• Drive automation and digitization initiatives in finance processes and systems.
• Collaborate with HQ to implement group-wide finance policies and systems.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) is mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles, with at least 3–5 years in a similar Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager role.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian financial regulations, tax laws, and accounting standards.
• Proven experience in managing multi-entity financial operations and reporting.
• Experience in working in shared services and multinational/group structures is a plus.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics) and advanced Excel skills.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• Proactive, hands-on, and business-oriented mindset.
• Strong sense of integrity, ethics, and accountability.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Reports To:

• Operationally: Country Head – Malaysia
• Functionally: Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – HQ

Working Conditions:

• Based full-time in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
• Occasional travel within Malaysia or to HQ may be required.