SEA Finance Manager

PERSOL; Penang; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational finance company in Penang, Malaysia, is seeking an experienced Senior Finance Manager. The role involves overseeing closing processes, managing regional cash flow, and acting as a key financial business partner to the SEA leadership team. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and over 10 years of experience in senior finance roles, particularly in manufacturing. Strong knowledge of US GAAP and the ability to lead teams are essential. Excellent communication skills are also required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience (10+ years) in a senior finance or accounting role in manufacturing companies.
• At least 5 years managing teams with at least 5 direct reports.
• In-depth knowledge of US GAAP / IFRS and local SEA accounting and tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes.
• Act as a key financial business partner to the SEA leadership team.
• Manage regional cash flow and treasury activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the zone finance team.

Skills

Good command of English in reading, writing & speaking

Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving and decision-making skills

Strong sense of commercial awareness

Results driven

Proactive and influential business partner

Good team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, MIA)

Tools

Major ERP system (e.g., SAP)

Financial reporting and analysis systems (Hyperion, OneStream, etc.)

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes for all SEA entities to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting under US GAAP and local GAAP.
• Ensure full compliance with local tax regulations, working closely with local team and external consultants on tax returns/filings.
• Manage all local statutory audit processes and liaise with internal and external auditors.
• Implement and monitor financial controls and policies to ensure compliance with Corporate Internal Control requirements.

Business Partner & FP&A

Act as a key financial business partner to the SEA leadership team to drive strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and profitable growth.

Lead the financial planning and analysis process, including budgeting and forecasting, and provide deep‑dive variance analysis and actionable insights to management, influencing business decisions.

Partner with functional teams to evaluate, model, and execute significant capital expenditure projects and other strategic initiatives, ensuring financial objectives are met.

Proactively identify and communicate financial risks and opportunities, developing mitigation and realization plans in collaboration with relevant business owners.

Treasury & Cash Management

Manage regional cash flow, working capital, and treasury activities to ensure optimal liquidity for operations and investments.

Collaborate with the Corporate Treasury team and local bankers.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, and develop the zone finance team, fostering a culture of high performance, accuracy, results‑driven and business partnership.

Manage the recruitment and onboarding of new finance talent.

Drive continuous improvement in finance processes and systems.

Requisite Criteria

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, MIA) is a strong advantage.
• Experience: Proven experience (10+ years) in a senior finance or accounting role in manufacturing companies, with at least 5 years of demonstrated track record of managing teams comprising at least 5 direct reports, preferably within a US Multinational Company (MNC).
• Technical Skills: In‑depth knowledge of US GAAP / IFRS and local SEA accounting and tax regulations especially for Singapore and Malaysia. Demonstrated experience with a major ERP system (e.g., SAP) is essential. Experience with financial reporting and analysis systems (Hyperion, OneStream, etc.) is preferred.

Skills

• Good command of English in reading, writing & speaking.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking, problem solving and decision‑making skills.
• Strong sense of commercial awareness, very customer oriented, results driven.
• Must be a proactive and influential business partner with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Good team player among internal and cross‑functional team.
• Energizing, self‑motivated and independent.