Financial Controller

Confidential Company; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Company in Malaysia seeks a commercially minded Financial Controller to partner with Group Business Controller and leaders across South East Asia. You will analyse margins, drive cost discipline and provide actionable insights to support decisions.

The role offers exposure to regional operations, with potential mobility to Indonesia, China or other countries as business needs dictate; mentoring from senior finance leadership and a clear path toward regional finance leadership.

Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline.
• Professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) completed or in progress.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in audit, commercial finance or FP&A.
• Exposure to multi-entity or regional operations is an advantage.
• Experience in operational or resource-based industries preferred.
• Strong commercial mindset with ability to link numbers to business drivers.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English; Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia.
• Demonstrates mobility and flexibility, with willingness to travel regionally and relocate.

Responsibilities

• Analyses revenue, margins and cost structures to identify performance gaps and opportunities.
• Support business unit leaders with financial analysis and scenario modelling.
• Assist in pricing, cost optimisation and profitability initiatives.
• Review major contracts, tenders and CAPEX proposals.
• Support annual budgets and rolling forecasts.
• Perform detailed variance analysis with explanations for management.
• Prepare management reports with actionable financial insights.
• Track key financial and operational KPIs.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital performance.
• Improve receivables, inventory management and payables discipline.
• Ensure adherence to internal control policies and assist audit requirements.
• Contribute to process automation and reporting efficiency; participate in cross-functional projects.

Skills

Commercial mindset

Financial modelling

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

ACCA/CIMA qualification

Job description

The Financial Controller supports the Group Business Controller in driving financial performance, cost discipline and commercial insight across the Business Group in South East Asia.

This role goes beyond reporting. The incumbent will work closely with operations and business unit leaders to understand key performance drivers, analyses margins, and support decision-making.

It is designed for a commercially minded finance professional who aspires to grow into a regional finance leadership role.

Reporting Line

• Reports to: Group Business Controller
• Works closely with: Business Unit Heads, Operations and Commercial Teams

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Performance Support

• Analyses revenue, margins and cost structures to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Support business unit leaders with financial analysis and scenario modelling.
• Assist in evaluating pricing, cost optimisation and profitability initiatives.
• Participate in reviewing major contracts, tenders and CAPEX proposals.
• Support the preparation of annual budgets and rolling forecasts.
• Perform detailed variance analysis and provide clear explanations to management.
• Prepare management reports with actionable financial insights.
• Track key financial and operational KPIs.

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Assist in monitoring cash flow and working capital performance.
• Support initiatives to improve receivables, inventory management and payables discipline.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to internal control policies and procedures.
• Support statutory, tax and audit requirements.
• Assist in strengthening financial processes and reporting systems.
• Contribute to process automation and reporting efficiency improvements.
• Participate in cross-functional projects to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Direct exposure to commercial decision-making and operational finance.
• Mentorship from senior finance leadership.
• Involvement in regional projects across South East Asia.
• Clear pathway towards Financial Controller and regional finance roles based on performance.
• Potential regional mobility (Indonesia, China or other countries).

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline.
• Professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) completed or in progress.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in audit, commercial finance or FP&A.
• Exposure to multi-entity or regional operations is an advantage.
• Experience in operational or resource-based industries preferred.
• Strong commercial mindset with ability to link numbers to business drivers.
• Good financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Confident communicator with ability to engage business stakeholders.
• Proactive, hands‑on and solutions‑oriented.
• High integrity and attention to detail.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English; Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia.
• Demonstrates mobility and flexibility, with a willingness to travel regionally as business needs dictate and relocate in the near future.