Manager, Business Finance

Scholastic Asia; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Scholastic Asia is seeking a Manager, Business Finance to oversee financial operations, ensure GAAP compliance, and support strategic planning. You will work with SSC and regional finance on reporting, budgeting and analysis, while driving process improvements across departments.

Ideal candidates hold an accounting degree or professional qualification with MIA membership, and have extensive experience (8+ years) including 3+ years in management, with strong leadership and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Qualified in accounting with ACCA/CPA or equivalent.
• MI A membership in Malaysia is preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience with 3 years in management.

Responsibilities

• Month-end closing and accurate financial reporting.
• Budgeting, forecasting and strategic financial planning.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and robust internal controls.
• Coordinate with SSC, auditors, tax agents and regulators.
• Provide data-driven insights to support decisions.
• Support system implementations and process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Business acumen

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

English

Mandarin (optional)

Education

Accounting degree / ACCA / CPA

MIA member

Tools

Hyperion

Oracle

SAP

NetSuite

Job description

The Manager, Business Finance overseeing financial operations in managing the company’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with standard accounting practices and statutory requirements. This role involves assisting in financial reporting, budgeting, and providing operational support to various departments to facilitate strategic planning and decision-making.

Responsibilities:

Month End closing activities:

• Systematically reviewing, reconciling, and finalizing all financial transactions for the month to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

Contract Management:

• Overseeing and administering financial agreements and contracts for supported legal entities. Working with legal, business and procurement in ensuring contracts comply with relevant laws and regulations and align with internal policies.

Margin Analysis:

• Calculating and assessing a business’s profit margins to understand financial performance and operational efficiency
• Identifying potential financial risks and implementing mitigation strategies.

Financial Reporting and Analysis:

• Review monthly financial statements and all relevant work prepared by Shared Service Centre (SSC) which includes revenue recognition, expenses, accruals, prepayments & amortization, provisions (bad debt, inventory obsolescence, etc.) and CAPEX & depreciation. Work closely with SSC and Regional Finance to ensure accurate financial reporting in accordance with US GAAP and International / Local FRS.
• Conduct financial analysis to support strategic decisions and facilitate decision-making.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Participate in developing annual budgets and quarterly forecasts.
• Partner with the business to develop annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and strategic plans.

Strategic Decision Support:

• Collaborating with Regional FPA in Providing data-driven insights to guide business planning and investment decisions.

Compliance and Internal Controls:

• Ensure adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and local statutory requirements.
• Assist in maintaining robust internal controls and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Review and bills & claims approval

Liaison and Coordination:

• Coordinate with auditors, tax agents, and regulatory bodies to facilitate audits and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with SSC and various departments to resolve financial issues and enhance operational efficiency.

Cash Flow and Treasury Management:

• Maintaining liquidity to meet operational needs and optimize investments.

Project Support:

• Contribute to ad-hoc projects, including system implementations and process improvement initiatives.

Additional Duties:

• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.
• Support in ad-hoc reporting request for analysis or management request.
• Provide information to management by assembling and summarizing data; preparing reports; making presentations of findings, analysis, and recommendations.

Qualifications:

• Possess Degree in Accounting or professional accounting qualifications (e.g. ACCA, CPA Australia, etc.).
• A member (Chartered Accountant) of Malaysia Institute of Accountants (M.I.A.).
• Minimum 8 years of working experience in related field, with minimum 3 years of managerial experience with progressive responsibility.

Skills and Competencies:

• Resourceful with strong leadership, interpersonal and analytical skill
• Good command in English; ability to read and converse in Mandarin is an added advantage
• Strong business acumen and able to partner with business and other supporting functions in driving or implementing projects to achieve business objectives.
• Detailed oriented, possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Robust knowledge of business processes and internal controls.
• Experienced working in an ERP (e.g. Hyperion, Oracle, SAP, NetSuite) environment.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a challenging fast paced environment.