Senior Finance Manager (Manufacturing)

Morgan Philips Group; Johor; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing business within a large conglomerate is seeking a Senior Finance Manager to lead its financial operations. This critical role involves managing finance functions, supporting strategic growth and ensuring financial governance during the startup phase. The ideal candidate will possess extensive finance experience and strong leadership capabilities, and will contribute to setting up financial processes and systems at the plant level.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–12 years finance experience, with 3–5 years in plant finance leadership.
• Strong experience in manufacturing cost accounting and operational finance.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all finance and accounting functions for the plant.
• Ensure timely month-end closings and financial reporting.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.

Skills

Financial modelling

Budgeting

Leadership

Communication

Business partnering

Education

Degree in Accounting

Professional qualification (ACCA, CPA, MIA)

Tools

ERP systems (SAP)

Job description

About the Company

This role is based in a newly revamped manufacturing business that operates under a large, diversified conglomerate. As part of a broader transformation strategy, the business has shown strong early momentum, posting a 18% revenue increase, and a 23% rise in pre-tax profit.

The growth is supported by robust performance in its industrial and financial services-related activities. A recent strategic acquisition is expected to further strengthen its production capabilities and position the company for continued expansion.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Senior Finance Manager to lead the finance function of a newly acquired manufacturing business under a large, diversified conglomerate. This is a critical leadership role responsible for setting up and managing all financial operations at plant level, supporting strategic growth, and ensuring strong financial governance during the start-up and scale-up phase.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full spectrum of finance and accounting functions for the plant.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end closings, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Develop and implement finance SOPs, internal controls, and reporting structures in line with group policies.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Provide in-depth analysis of plant performance, cost variances, and margin trends.
• Partner with operations to drive cost efficiency and improve profitability.
• Lead the setup or enhancement of financial systems and tools (e.g., ERP).
• Establish reporting templates, costing models, and dashboard reporting during the early stage of operations.
• Ensure compliance with local accounting standards, tax regulations, and group policies.
• Liaise with auditors, tax agents, and relevant authorities.
• Manage corporate tax, SST, transfer pricing, and other statutory matters.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the Plant GM and Group Finance on financial matters.
• Support capex evaluation, investment proposals, and project feasibility studies.
• Provide insights to drive informed decision-making during plant ramp-up and stabilization.

Requirements

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent; Professional qualification (ACCA, CPA, MIA) preferred.
• Minimum 8–12 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3–5 years in a plant finance leadership role.
• Strong experience in manufacturing cost accounting, operational finance, and system implementation.
• Proficient in financial modelling, budgeting, and ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and business partnering skills.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, hands-on environment typical of a new venture/start-up.