Regional Senior Manager, Finance

Armstrong Asia; Sungai Buloh; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Malaysia seeks a Finance Manager to lead its finance team. The role involves overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving financial performance. Candidates should have extensive experience in the manufacturing sector and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years' experience in accounting in the manufacturing sector.
• At least 10 years in a managerial capacity.
• Strong cost accounting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting and budgeting processes.
• Manage taxation and compliance with financial regulations.
• Oversee cash flow management and financial analysis.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

You will lead Malaysia’s finance team and oversee all financial operations within Malaysia. The Malaysian entities’ finance managers will report to you. This role requires a deep understanding of financial management, regulatory compliance and business acumen. You will collaborate closely with the Country’s senior management team to drive financial performance, mitigate risks and ensure the Malaysian entities’ fiscal health and compliance with local and international financial regulations.

You will also lead the finance team in Kuala Lumpur and oversee the financial activities of the Kuala Lumpur and Penang entities, including financial reporting, taxation, cash flow management, audit, budgeting and forecasting and cost management.

Reporting to the Group Chief Financial Officer, you will play an important role in the leadership of the finance function of Malaysia. This position requires a combination of financial expertise and leadership skills to drive financial success.

Responsibilities include:

Financial Reporting

• Implement financial strategies determined by Group finance, as well as align plans and policies with the Group’s goals and objectives
• Conduct financial analysis, forecasting, and budgeting to guide business decisions
• Lead the finance team to evaluate financial performance by comparing and analysing actual results with plans and forecasts
• Review regular financial reports for senior management and Group
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records and reports
• Manage and supervise the Kuala Lumpur finance team on day-to-day activities such as General Ledger, Accounts Receivables, Accounts Payables, Fixed Assets, Inventory and Costing functions

Taxation

• Liaise with tax agent for annual tax submission, tax estimation, utilisation of tax incentives etc
• Optimisation of tax
• Maintain transfer pricing documentation
• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations

Cash Flow Management

• Review cash flow positions, related borrowing needs and available funds for investment
• Optimise working capital and liquidity management strategies
• Monitor and manage accounts payable and accounts receivable processes

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Develop Country’s budgets and forecasts
• Collaborate with department heads to develop departmental budgets and forecasts
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, and costs, providing variance analysis and recommending corrective actions as necessary
• Work closely with the finance managers and department heads to track and control expenses within budgetary limits
• Provide insights and recommendations to the senior management team
• Develop cost-saving strategies

Financial Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process improvements in financial operations
• Implement efficient financial procedures and systems to enhance accuracy and productivity
• Streamline financial reporting processes
• Lead the finance team and collaborate with other departments in the integration of ERP systems, financial software and data analytics tools for streamlined financial processes

Compliance with Financial Regulations

• Ensure compliance with local and international financial reporting standards, and local laws and regulations on financial related areas
• Manage internal controls and financial procedures to maintain compliance and mitigate risks
• Liaise with auditors and regulatory authorities during financial audits
• Stay updated with changes in financial regulations and modify strategies and policies accordingly
• Work closely with legal and compliance teams to address any regulatory issues

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks to the Malaysian entities
• Implement internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting
• Implement risk management frameworks and policies as determined by Group Finance & Risk Management
• Review contracts from a financial angle

Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate financial information effectively to non-finance stakeholders
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, such as banks, vendors tax agents and auditors
• Negotiate financial agreements and contracts with external partners

Team Leadership

• Provide strong leadership to the Country finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and high performance
• Mentor and develop finance staff, ensuring their professional growth within the Group

To be successful in this role, you should possess:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• Minimum 15 years' experience in accounting in the manufacturing sector, with at least 10 years in a managerial capacity
• Strong cost accounting knowledge and several years of working closely with the operations team in a factory is essential
• Extensive experience in financial management, with a proven track record of supporting strategic financial leadership
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• High proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis and presentations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders
• High proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis and presentations
• Able to lead the finance team and work with other departments to implement applications and/or improve processes
• Strong command of English and Mandarin is a must as this role requires close working relations with our China counterparts.

Technical competencies:

• Accounting (IFRS)
• Internal Controls
• Manufacturing Costing
• Management Reporting, Analysis, Budgeting
• Governance
• Taxation