Plant Accountant: Strategic Finance & Cost Optimization

Kerry Group; Butterworth; On-site; MYR 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Group in Malaysia is seeking a Plant Accountant to support the leadership team with financial analyses, forecasting and cost accounting across the plant. The role emphasizes change management and collaboration with operations to drive commercial growth.

You will partner with plant leadership, drive CAPEX governance, and deliver accurate financial insights while maintaining strong controls and compliance within Kerry's policies.

Qualifications

• Degree or professional certificate in Accountancy / Finance.
• 5 - 8 years of experience in accounting and/or financial analysis
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel is required; familiarity with data query/data management tools extremely helpful (Microsoft Word, Power Point, Access, SQL, Business Objects).
• Knowledge of ERP, ideally SAP and related data analysis tools are an added advantage.
• Exposure to manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management skills essential with broad understanding of functional workings of each department within a standalone business
• Self-starter who can manage fluctuating workloads and projects using a high degree of initiative
• Strong team player with a clear focus on stakeholder engagement and solution delivery
• Analytical and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to synthesize large quantities of complex data into actionable information
• Ability to work and effectively communicate with senior-level business partners
• Good communication and written of English.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good time management skills and the ability to prioritise
• Negotiation skills and the ability to influence others
• Proven ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Manage plant financials: production volume, conversion costs, material usage variance, standard costs.
• Provide accurate, actionable financial reporting, variance analysis, and commentary for IO performance.
• Lead the forecast and budget process with plant IO stakeholders and support S&OP-driven forecasting.
• Site Capital Gatekeeper; partner with Plant Manager & Engineering to ensure CAPEX compliance and data-driven decisions.
• Evaluate proposals, monitor spend and phasing to keep projects within budgets and timelines.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in financial performance and KPIs.
• Participate in Plant Performance Programs, scenario planning and KPI validation.
• Gatekeeper for inventory at site and 3PLs; coordinate with Supply Chain to minimize write-offs.
• Collaborate with Functional Leads to ensure EPM data reliability and KPI-driven insights.
• Deploy site Governance to ensure KCSA and policy compliance.
• Coordinate with GBS for Material Ledger close and accuracy.
• Ensure costing reflects yields, labour and overhead; resolve differences.
• Act as strategic financial partner to Plant Leadership Team.

Skills

Excel proficiency

SQL

Data analysis

SAP ERP

Manufacturing exposure

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Analytical skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Accounting degree

Tools

SQL

Business Objects

SAP

Job description

Kerry Group in Malaysia is seeking a Plant Accountant to support the leadership team with financial analyses, forecasting and cost accounting across the plant. The role emphasizes change management and collaboration with operations to drive commercial growth.

You will partner with plant leadership, drive CAPEX governance, and deliver accurate financial insights while maintaining strong controls and compliance within Kerry's policies.