Plant Finance & Cost Optimization Lead

Kerry Malaysia; Butterworth; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Malaysia is seeking a Plant Accountant to support the leadership team with financial analyses, forecasting, cost accounting, and insights on reporting packages for the Plant leadership teams. You will play a key change-agent role while aligning with Kerry’s commercial growth agenda and manufacturing excellence.

You will work autonomously with strong stakeholder engagement. Reporting to Finance Lead Malaysia, you will manage plant financials, lead planning and budgeting, and ensure

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 including production volume, conversion costs, material usage variance, and standard costs.
• Provide accurate, timely financial reporting, variance analysis, and commentary for IO performance.
• Lead the forecast and budget process with plant IO stakeholders.
• Partner with Plant Manager & Engineering Team on CAPEX approvals and business plans.
• Evaluate projects for capital expenditure, monitor spend, and ensure alignment with budgets.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in financial performance and processes.
• Contribute to Plant Performance Programs, scenario planning and KPI validation.
• Gatekeeper for inventory at site and 3PLs, align with Inventory Policy.
• Collaborate with functional leads to ensure reliable EPM data and metrics.
• Ensure site governance and compliance with KCSA and group policies.
• Coordinate Material Ledger timelines with GBS for accurate closing.
• Ensure accurate product costing including materials and direct overheads.
• Act as strategic business partner to Site Leadership Team.

Skills

Financial analysis

Advanced Excel

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accountancy/Finance

Tools

SAP ERP

SQL

Business Objects

Data query tools

Job description

Kerry Malaysia is seeking a Plant Accountant to support the leadership team with financial analyses, forecasting, cost accounting, and insights on reporting packages for the Plant leadership teams. You will play a key change-agent role while aligning with Kerry’s commercial growth agenda and manufacturing excellence.

You will work autonomously with strong stakeholder engagement. Reporting to Finance Lead Malaysia, you will manage plant financials, lead planning and budgeting, and ensure