Regional Assistant Financial Controller

VML South Africa; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a detail-oriented Regional Assistant Financial Controller to enhance APAC financial operations. This role focuses on financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across the region. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical accounting expertise and managerial skills to lead a team effectively. With opportunities for regional travel and involvement in finance transformation initiatives, this role promises a dynamic work environment. Join a company that values diversity and fosters an inclusive atmosphere, where your contributions will drive meaningful experiences and impactful results.

Benefits

Inclusive Work Environment

Professional Development Opportunities

Regional Travel

Impactful Community Initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accountancy or Finance required; CPA/ACCA/CA preferred.
• Strong experience in financial reporting and compliance in APAC.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end closing activities ensuring accurate reporting.
• Ensure compliance with SOX regulations and internal controls.
• Monitor regional working capital and provide cash flow guidance.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Accounting

Compliance Regulations (SOX)

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy

CPA/ACCA/CA Qualification

Tools

Maconomy ERP System

Cartesis Consolidation Tool

Excel

Job description

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

About the Role:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Regional Assistant Financial Controller to support our APAC financial operations. Reporting to the Regional Financial Controller, this role will focus on financial reporting, accounting, compliance, and internal controls, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to regulatory requirements across the region.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical accounting expertise, a deep understanding of internal controls, compliance regulations (including SOX), and financial reporting standards, as well as the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders.

This role also requires strong managerial skills as the successful candidate will be responsible for leading and mentoring a small team of finance staff, ensuring high performance, professional development, and effective teamwork.

Additionally, the role requires regional travel, primarily to Singapore, to work closely with finance teams and ensure operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and review month-end closing activities across APAC, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Ensure timely quarterly forecasting submissions from markets, and ensure technical checks on market submissions are performed.
• Support country finance teams in resolving accounting and reporting issues.
• Prepare and review management reports, providing key financial insights for decision-making.

Compliance & Internal Controls:

• Ensure compliance with SOX regulations, internal controls, and company financial policies across the APAC region.
• Collaborate with the Risk and Controls Team to drive SOX and internal audit compliance.
• Maintain adherence to local tax regulations and oversee audit schedules for the Singapore Regional Office.
• Coordinate and prepare transfer pricing documentation to ensure regulatory compliance.

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management:

• Monitor regional working capital, ensuring alignment with company policies and best practices.
• Provide guidance to country finance teams on cash flow management and accounting treatment.
• Work with the Treasury team to monitor and optimize cash flow movement for key projects.

Process Improvement & Efficiency:

• Opportunity for involvement in VML finance transformation, automation and AI initiatives to improve financial reporting, forecasting, and internal controls processes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy, Finance, or equivalent. CPA, ACCA, or CA qualification preferred.
• Prior experience in auditing (Big 4 experience is a plus).
• Strong regional experience in APAC in financial reporting and compliance.
• Proficiency in Maconomy ERP system and Cartesis consolidation tool is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent financial reporting, business writing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong knowledge of Excel and financial modeling.
• Experience in the advertising, media, or marketing industry is a plus. MNC experience preferred.
• Must be willing to travel regionally, primarily to Singapore.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial insights clearly.

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.