Finance Manager

ABOUT THIS ROLE

We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Finance Manager to assume full leadership and control of our finance and accounting operations.

This critical role demands a strategic thinker who will not only ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all financial records but also serve as a key business partner to the leadership team. You will be responsible for driving proactive financial planning, optimizing cash flow and working capital, and transforming complex financial data into actionable insights that directly inform strategic decision-making and support the company's growth objectives. As the Finance leader, you will lead the upgrading and implementation of the companies new ERP and related systems, you will work closely with outside consultants and the parent company finance staff, to develop, recommend and implement new financial reporting processes to improve financial operations through automation. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 Change Management / Implementation (system migration)

• Lead finance-related change management initiatives arising from the company’s recent acquisition, including process redesign, reporting enhancements, control improvements, and system implementation.
• Act as the finance lead for system migration and implementation projects, including finance process mapping, data migration, user acceptance testing, go-live readiness, and post-implementation stabilization.
• Review current finance workflows and identify gaps, inefficiencies, manual processes, and control weaknesses; recommend and implement scalable improvements.
• Develop and document finance SOPs, approval workflows, month-end close procedures, reporting templates, and internal control processes to support a more structured post-acquisition operating environment.
• Support user training and adoption of new finance tools, processes, and reporting requirements, ensuring smooth transition with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.
• Monitor implementation progress, highlight risks and dependencies, and provide practical solutions to ensure timelines, data accuracy, and business continuity are maintained.

 Budgeting, Forecasting and Cash Flow Management

 Strategic Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Lead the creation and management of the company's annual operating budget and long-term financial forecasts, ensuring they align with the business's strategic goals and growth plans.
• Participate in periodic financial presentations to the parent company regarding financial performance, and forecasts. Work closely with parent company CFO [or Global Controller] and finance staff on financial forecasting and new initiatives 
• Collaborate closely with all department heads to collect, review, and challenge budget submissions, driving accountability and fiscal responsibility across the organization.
• Conduct in-depth variance analysis (comparing actual results to the budget/forecast) monthly and quarterly, providing clear, actionable insights to management on performance drivers and risks.

Proactive Cash Flow & Working Capital Management 

• Take charge of monthly cash flow forecasting, accurately predicting future cash inflows and outflows to maintain optimal liquidity.
• Actively manage and optimize the company's working capital (receivables, payables) to maximize cash availability and improve the cash conversion cycle.
• Identify potential cash flow risks or shortfalls early and develop immediate mitigation strategies and funding plans to ensure business continuity.

 Financial Operations, Control & Compliance

• Lead and direct daily accounting operations, ensuring all financial reporting is accurate, timely, and fully compliant with Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS) and statutory regulations (e.g., Tax Laws, Companies Act).
• Oversee and validate the execution of core accounting processes, including journal entries, timely reconciliations (e.g., bank, intercompany), and the preparation of periodic financial statements (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annual) for executive review.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to strengthen the internal control framework, significantly mitigate financial risk (e.g., fraud, errors), and ensure consistency of all financial statements.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by actively evaluating, implementing, and optimizing departmental controls, financial systems, and procedures to maximize accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Proactively identify and resolve process gaps with decisive corrective actions.

 Taxation, Audit & Governance 

• Ensure full tax compliance by overseeing the planning, review, and execution of direct and indirect tax returns, provisions, and optimizing tax strategies.
• Monitor changes in relevant tax laws and accounting standards, assessing the impact on the organization and developing necessary action plans.
• Manage the annual audit with external auditors, ensuring a correct and timely year-end closing and reporting process.
• Liaise with external parties including Auditors, Company Secretary, Tax Agents, and regulatory bodies on all related matters.

 Leadership & Development 

• Lead, supervise, coach, and mentor the accounting team, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-accountability work environment.
• Identify training and development needs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the finance staff.

Others

•  Take on additional responsibilities as assigned by superiors, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.

REQUIREMENTS

• Prior experience in change management, ERP implementation, system migration, or post-acquisition integration is required.
• Prior experience with Oracle NetSuite is required, and Sales Force is highly preferred;
• Experience working in a private equity-backed company, multinational group, or investor-reporting environment is advantageous.
• Minimum 6 - 8 years’ experience in an accounting role, with excellent knowledge and proven experience in financial reporting, financial management and accounting principles and procedures
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in Malaysian taxation (tax compliance, indirect taxes, custom regulation)
• Possession of a recognized professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA) is a strong advantage.
• Highly proficient in English.
• Analytical, high attention to detail, good time management, and mature 
• Ability to work both in a team and independently, responsible, and accountable.
• Self-starter, proactive