Opportunity Overview

A leading education group in Malaysia is seeking a Regional Financial Controller to oversee comprehensive financial operations, reporting, and governance across their schools. This senior-level role involves ensuring the accuracy of financial data, enhancing month-end and quarterly reporting, and providing meaningful business insights. The position also requires a strong focus on statutory compliance, cashflow planning, and working capital management to support the organization’s strategic goals.

With a portfolio of schools across key regions in Malaysia, the organization provides an international and national curriculum to over 8,000 students. The Regional Financial Controller will collaborate closely with school leadership and regional teams to drive financial efficiency and maintain compliance with local and international standards.

What You Will Be Doing

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Provide guidance to school finance managers on month-end closing processes.
• Review and analyze profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and key accounts such as accruals, provisions, and revenue recognition.
• Ensure the accuracy of journal entries and compliance with group policies and IFRS.
• Prepare monthly flash reports and ad-hoc analyses as required.
• Develop and enhance financial policies, ensuring consistency across schools.

Statutory Audit and Tax Compliance

• Lead and manage annual statutory audits and tax filing processes.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS and local regulatory requirements.
• Analyze tax computations, manage withholding tax requirements, and oversee transfer pricing reporting.
• Propose tax planning strategies and implement compliance measures for global tax regimes.

Cashflow and Working Capital Management

• Develop cashflow reporting rhythms and forecast receivables and payables.
• Standardize billing communication and timelines across schools.
• Establish processes for identifying and managing potential bad debts.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for inter-company transactions and cashflow planning.

Treasury and Insurance

• Oversee banking mandates and adherence to treasury policies.
• Collaborate with school finance managers to review and renew insurance policies, including student coverage.

Finance Advisory

• Provide financial advisory support to school finance managers and regional leadership.
• Stay updated on developments in IFRS, GAAP, tax matters, and treasury regulations.
• Champion finance process improvements and best practices.

Your Background

Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior financial management role within a multi-site organization.
• Expertise in financial reporting, statutory compliance, and cashflow planning.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, tax regulations, and treasury management.
• Experience in the education sector or a related industry is advantageous.

Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage complex financial processes.