SEA Finance Manager

PERSOL; Penang; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading finance company in Malaysia seeks a Senior Finance Manager to oversee financial reporting and compliance across SEA. Ideal candidates must have over 10 years of experience in finance roles within manufacturing, with a strong grasp of US GAAP and local regulations. Responsibilities include managing audits, financial planning, and leading a team. This role demands strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to make informed business decisions, alongside proficiency in financial reporting systems.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a senior finance or accounting role in manufacturing.
• Experience managing teams with at least 5 direct reports in a US MNC.
• In-depth knowledge of US GAAP/IFRS and SEA accounting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes for SEA entities.
• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations and manage audits.
• Drive financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Commercial awareness

Results driven

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, MIA)

Tools

SAP

Financial reporting systems (Hyperion, OneStream)

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
• 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
• Manage regional cash flow, working capital, and treasury activities to ensure optimal liquidity for operations and investments
• Lead, mentor, and develop the zone finance team, fostering a culture of high performance, accuracy, results-driven and business partnership
• 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
• 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