Internal Controller Asia

Systra; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Systra is seeking an Internal Controller to strengthen the internal control framework for its Asia Business Unit, covering subsidiaries, branches and project offices. The role includes financial and operational controls, procurement, payroll, IT and compliance, with regular travel across Asia.

The candidate will review processes, identify risks, implement standardized procedures and monitor corrective actions while promoting accountability and transparent governance across the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in internal control, audit, risk management, finance or related field.
• 3–5 years in internal control, internal audit, risk management or compliance.
• Experience in multinational engineering or project-based environments preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, reporting tools and data analysis concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Asia BU internal control framework and risk mapping.
• Review financial and operational controls across entities and projects.
• Coordinate with Legal, IT and Compliance on policy adherence.
• Prepare internal control dashboards and reports for management.
• Provide training and guidance to local teams on controls and governance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Investigative skills

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Integrity & judgement

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Internal Control/Audit/Finance or related

Tools

ERP systems

Reporting tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Context

The Internal Controller is responsible for strengthening and coordinating the internal control framework across SYSTRA’s Asia Business Unit, covering subsidiaries, branches and project offices.

The role covers both financial and operational activities, including project governance, procurement, payments, payroll, banking, IT, ethics and compliance. The Internal Controller will review existing processes, identify risks and control weaknesses, support the implementation of standardized procedures and monitor corrective actions across the region.

Working closely with Finance, Operations, Project Management, HR, Procurement, IT, Legal and local Entity Directors, the Internal Controller will contribute to protecting company assets, preventing fraud, improving data reliability and ensuring compliance with Group policies.

Missions/Main Duties

• Internal Control & Risk Management
  • Develop and maintain the Asia BU internal control framework, risk mapping and control plans.
  • Review financial and operational controls across entities and project offices, identify weaknesses and recommend practical mitigation measures.
  • Support the standardization of procedures while considering local operational and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct risk-based reviews, on-site assessments and targeted investigations where necessary.
• Project & Operational Controls
  • Review the governance and monitoring of entities, project offices and key projects.
  • Support standardized monthly operations and project review processes.
  • Monitor project risks, delays, contractual issues, cash exposure, workload, progress, costs, billing, work in progress, receivables and forecast margins.
  • Review project setup, bid-to-project handover, project mandates, management plans and project closure.
  • Ensure key operational decisions, exceptional arrangements and project documentation are appropriately approved, documented and maintained.
• Finance, Administrative & Compliance Controls
  • Review key processes including procure-to-pay, treasury, payroll, expenses, accounting and financial reporting.
  • Verify segregation of duties, procurement approvals, supplier controls, banking and payment authorities, and identify unusual or unsupported transactions.
  • Review payroll workflows, employee data changes, expense claims, employee advances, company assets, offices, leases and administrative contracts.
  • Coordinate with Legal and Compliance on third-party due diligence, conflicts of interest and Group policy requirements.
  • Coordinate with IT on user access, cybersecurity, data protection, business continuity, legacy systems and manual data processing risks.
• Reviews, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
  • Document findings, root causes, risks and agreed recommendations, and maintain a centralized register of internal control and audit actions.
  • Monitor corrective actions, implementation deadlines and the effectiveness of completed actions, escalating significant or recurring issues where required.
  • Coordinate with Group Internal Control, Internal Audit and external auditors when needed.
  • Prepare internal control dashboards and reports for Asia BU management.
  • Provide training and practical guidance to local teams and promote accountability, compliance, transparency and timely risk escalation.
  • Share lessons learned and good practices across the different entities.

This job will need regular travel across Asia.

Profile/Skills

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Internal Control, Audit, Risk Management, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in internal control, internal audit, risk management or compliance.
• Experience within a multinational, engineering, consulting, construction or project-based organization is preferred.
• Good understanding of financial and operational processes, audit methodology and segregation-of-duties principles.
• Experience with ERP systems, reporting tools, data analysis and digital workflows.
• Professional certification such as CIA, ACCA, CPA or CISA would be an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to understand and challenge both financial and operational processes.
• High level of integrity, independence and professional judgement.
• Clear communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work with multicultural and cross-functional teams.
• Practical and solution-oriented approach to internal control.
• Fluent English and willingness to travel regularly within Asia.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.

Workplace Type

On-site