Freelance Financial Controller (Interim)

Wunderman Thompson; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global agency in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Financial Controller for a 3-month freelance engagement with the potential for full-time conversion. You will lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes, ensure compliance with internal controls, and support management with analytical insights. The ideal candidate has over 4 years of experience in financial controlling and a strong command of Excel. This role requires an immediate start and offers an opportunity to be part of a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years in financial controlling, reporting, or data analytics.
• Strong command of Excel, familiarity with Power BI is an advantage.
• Minimum 2 years team management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and business planning processes.
• Conduct variance analyses and identify key financial trends.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and oversee SOX documentation.
• Prepare and present financial reports for stakeholders.
• Support management with financial modeling and scenario analysis.

Skills

Team management

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Budgeting

Variance analysis

Excel

Financial modeling

Education

Higher education in finance, economics, accounting

Tools

Power BI

Job description

Overview

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, with a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Please note: This is an on-site role based at our office in Plaza EQ. It is a 3-month freelance engagement with the potential to convert into a full-time position. We are looking for someone who is available to start immediately.

SUMMARY As a Financial Controller, you will play an important role in supporting the organization’s financial planning and performance monitoring. You’ll independently prepare financial reports and analysis, lead budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensure compliance with internal financial controls (SOX). You will collaborate closely with the Accounting, Payroll, and HQ finance teams (XXX), while also supporting management with data-driven insights and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the end-to-end budgeting, forecasting, and business planning processes in close collaboration with department heads and senior leadership.
• Conduct in-depth variance analyses (budget vs. actuals) and identify key financial trends, risks, and opportunities, providing actionable insights to management.
• Ensure the rigorous implementation, execution, and continuous improvement of internal controls, specifically overseeing SOX compliance and related documentation.
• Prepare and present accurate and timely monthly and quarterly financial reports, dashboards, and management reviews for key stakeholders.
• Support the Controlling & SOX Manager with complex financial modeling, scenario analysis, and the continuous enhancement of controlling tools and processes.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a two-person team of junior controllers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring high-quality output.
• Act as a key finance partner to various business functions, providing expert insights and guidance on cost control, resource allocation, and financial performance.
• Collaborate effectively with Accounting, Payroll, and HQ finance teams to ensure seamless financial operations, accurate data flow, and timely reporting.
• Drive initiatives for process optimization and efficiency within the finance function.

Qualifications

• Higher education in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive professional experience in financial controlling, reporting, auditing, or data analytics, preferably within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with reporting in accordance with IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 is a strong plus.
• Minimum 2 years of proven experience in team management, including coaching and development.
• Strong command of Excel (pivot tables, advanced formulas, data modeling); familiarity with Power BI or Power Pivot is a significant advantage.
• Solid understanding of financial processes, internal controls, and reporting standards.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong habit of data verification and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with a pragmatic business mindset.
• Proactive, independent working style with a high degree of ownership and accountability for projects and outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.

Working arrangement and culture

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. We’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If additional accommodations or flexibility are required, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Equal opportunity and company information

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on social channels such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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