The Head, Accounting & Finance is responsible for overseeing the overall accounting and financial management of the Company, ensuring its financial health, sustainability and compliance. The role encompasses financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, project cost management, financial reporting, taxation, audit, statutory compliance, cash flow management, internal controls and risk management.
The position plays a key role in providing strategic financial insights and recommendations to Management to support business growth, operational efficiency and the successful financial management of construction projects. The role requires strong financial and commercial acumen, sound knowledge of construction accounting and project costing, and the ability to work effectively with Senior Management, project teams and external stakeholders.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, manage and monitor annual budgets and financial forecasts in alignment with the Company’s business objectives and construction project requirements.
- Conduct financial and performance analysis to assess the Company’s financial position, identify trends, variances and areas for improvement.
- Provide financial insights, projections and recommendations to Management to support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Monitor actual financial performance against budgets and forecasts, investigate significant variances and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
2. Project Cost Management
- Oversee the financial aspects of construction projects, including project budgeting, cost tracking, committed costs, actual expenditure and variance analysis.
- Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Contract, Quantity Surveying, Procurement and other relevant teams to ensure accurate project costing and profitability analysis.
- Monitor project cash flows and ensure adequate funding and liquidity are available to support project requirements.
- Monitor project costs, Work-in-Progress (WIP), progress billings/claims, retention sums, subcontractor payments, project margins and profitability.
- Identify potential cost overruns, margin erosion and financial risks at an early stage and recommend appropriate corrective measures to Management.
3. Accounting & Compliance
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with applicable accounting standards, statutory requirements, regulatory requirements and Company policies.
- Oversee the full spectrum of accounting functions, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, fixed assets, reconciliations and month-end/year-end closing.
- Ensure proper accounting treatment and financial reporting of construction-related transactions, including project costs, WIP, progress billings, retention sums, accruals and project revenue recognition.
- Ensure proper maintenance of accounting records, supporting documents and financial schedules.
- Establish and maintain effective accounting procedures and controls to ensure the accuracy, completeness and integrity of financial information.
- Prepare and review monthly management accounts, quarterly reports, annual financial statements and other financial reports within the required timelines.
- Present financial performance, cash flow, project profitability and other key financial information to Senior Management, stakeholders and Board members, where required.
- Develop financial models, projections and forecasts to support business planning and Management decision-making.
- Highlight significant financial issues, project cost overruns, cash flow concerns and other financial risks requiring Management’s attention.
5. Taxation, Audit & Statutory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with applicable tax, statutory and regulatory requirements, including corporate tax, SST and other relevant statutory submissions.
- Coordinate and manage annual external audits, tax matters and other statutory reporting requirements.
- Liaise with external auditors, tax agents, bankers, the Company Secretary and relevant authorities on accounting, financial and compliance matters.
- Ensure all statutory submissions and financial obligations are completed accurately and within stipulated deadlines.
- Keep abreast of changes in accounting standards, taxation requirements and relevant regulations that may impact the Company and its operations.
- Identify, assess and mitigate financial and commercial risks associated with construction projects and business operations.
- Implement, maintain and continuously improve robust internal controls, financial procedures and approval processes to safeguard Company assets.
- Monitor financial risks relating to project costs, cash flow, collections, contractual commitments and other financial exposures.
- Oversee insurance, bonding, bank guarantees, performance bonds and other financial requirements relating to construction projects, where applicable.
- Ensure proper segregation of duties, financial authorisation and supporting documentation for financial transactions.
- Lead, manage and mentor the Accounting & Finance team, ensuring effective allocation of responsibilities and timely completion of deliverables.
- Provide coaching, training and development opportunities to strengthen the team’s technical competencies and overall capabilities.
- Establish clear KPIs, performance expectations and reporting timelines for the Accounting & Finance team.
- Monitor team performance and ensure accounting transactions, reconciliations, financial reporting and statutory requirements are completed accurately and within the required timelines.
- Promote effective collaboration between Accounting & Finance and other departments, particularly Project, Contract, Quantity Surveying, Procurement and HR.
- Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, accuracy and continuous improvement within the Accounting & Finance team.
- Review and manage the financial and commercial aspects of contracts with suppliers, subcontractors and service providers.
- Monitor payments to suppliers, subcontractors and service providers to ensure compliance with contractual terms and internal approval requirements.
- Manage vendor relationships and payment terms to support effective cash flow and working capital management.
- Work closely with relevant departments to address outstanding payments, contractual financial matters and vendor-related issues.
9. Other Responsibilities
- Support Management in evaluating new projects, tenders, investments and other business opportunities from a financial and commercial perspective.
- Drive continuous improvement and digitalisation of accounting processes, financial reporting and internal controls.
- Support the implementation and enhancement of accounting and financial systems to improve reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Undertake any other accounting, finance or management responsibilities assigned by Management from time to time.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Educational & Professional Qualifications
- A member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA).
- Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline.
- Professional accounting qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, ICAEW or equivalent would be an added advantage.
2. Experience & Technical Knowledge
- Minimum 5 years of progressive Accounting & Finance experience within the construction industry, with proven experience in a managerial or leadership capacity.
- Must possess strong hands‑on knowledge and experience in construction/project accounting, project costing, Work-in-Progress (WIP), progress billing/claims, retention sums, project cash flow, cost control and project profitability analysis.
- Strong knowledge of full-set accounts, financial and management reporting, budgeting and forecasting, taxation, audit, treasury, cash flow management and internal controls.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and IFCA accounting system; experience with other accounting or ERP systems would be an added advantage.
3. Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills with strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and effectively to Management and other stakeholders.
- Proven leadership capabilities with experience in leading, supervising, mentoring and developing an Accounting & Finance team.
- Ability to work effectively with Senior Management, Project Managers, Contract and Quantity Surveying teams, auditors, bankers, tax agents and other internal and external stakeholders.
4. Other Requirements
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities and meet tight reporting and statutory deadlines.
- Ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced and project‑driven construction environment.
- Demonstrates a positive attitude towards constructive feedback and a commitment to continuous professional and personal development.
- Possesses a high level of integrity, professionalism, accountability and ethical standards in financial management.
- Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Standard working hours apply. Additional hours may be required during peak periods, month-end and year-end closing, audits, budgeting exercises, project deadlines or other critical financial reporting periods.
- The position may require attendance at project sites, meetings or other Company locations as and when required.