Senior Finance Director

A leading global organisation is seeking a Senior Finance Director to shape the financial strategy and ensure the financial health of its Malaysia operations.

This role offers you the opportunity to work closely with both global and local senior leadership, fostering trust and alignment across a matrixed environment. You will be empowered to share insights proactively, drive critical decision-making processes, and champion continuous improvement initiatives. The position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative setting, values transparency, and enjoys coaching talented teams while delivering clarity and accountability. Flexible working opportunities, generous pension contributions, and extensive training programmes are available to support your professional growth.

• You will have the chance to influence strategic direction by partnering with global business leaders and local site executives, ensuring Finance is both an independent steward and integrated business partner.
• The organisation provides flexible working opportunities, generous pension contributions, and access to ongoing training programmes that foster personal and professional development.
• You will lead a multi-functional finance team within a supportive network, championing continuous improvement and driving financial system enhancements across a complex multinational environment.

What you'll do:

As Senior Finance Director, you will play an integral role in shaping the financial landscape of the Malaysia operations. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating with global leaders on strategic planning, overseeing comprehensive budgeting processes, providing scenario modelling for key investment decisions, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. You will manage relationships with government bodies to secure incentives while maintaining rigorous internal controls through audits. By directing a diverse finance team across FP&A, Accounting, and Tax functions, you will foster an environment of continuous improvement. Your ability to coach talent within this matrixed structure will be essential for success. Acting as a trusted advisor to executive teams, you will translate complex financial matters into clear recommendations that drive organisational impact.

• Lead the development and execution of the Malaysia site’s financial strategy in alignment with global objectives and international headquarters tax requirements, ensuring all activities support long-term organisational goals.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and planning for the site to guarantee accurate projections and operational discipline across all functions.
• Provide scenario modelling to support strategic decisions such as capital investments, government incentives, and transfer pricing impacts, offering data-driven insights to executive teams.
• Ensure the legal entity remains compliant with tax regulations and government incentive programmes by managing relationships with regulatory bodies such as MIDA.
• Manage compliance with all local and global regulations, statutory reporting requirements, and tax obligations to safeguard organisational integrity.
• Direct and develop the finance team by coordinating across FP&A, Accounting, and Tax functions to meet both local needs and global matrix requirements.
• Maintain a robust internal control environment through regular audits and risk assessments to protect company assets.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by leading financial system enhancement strategies that streamline processes and increase efficiency.
• Coach a multi-functional talent pool within Finance, nurturing high-impact teams in a complex matrix organisation.
• Act as a strategic thought partner to Finance executive teams and local site management by distilling complex financial issues into actionable recommendations.

What you bring:

To excel as Senior Finance Director, you bring extensive experience from manufacturing settings where you have modelled strategic scenarios for operational excellence. Your background includes significant leadership roles within large-scale multinational organisations operating under matrix structures. You possess deep expertise in statutory requirements—both local and international—and have successfully managed government relations for incentives compliance. Your communication skills are exceptional; you can simplify complex regulatory issues for executive audiences while fostering trustful partnerships across departments. You have consistently developed high-performing teams through coaching in challenging environments. Your proven track record includes maintaining robust internal controls via audits as well as spearheading continuous improvement projects that enhance financial systems. Interpersonal sensitivity allows you to nurture collaboration throughout the organisation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting is required; Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) is preferred for candidates seeking advanced leadership roles.
• At least 15 years’ experience in accounting and finance within a manufacturing setting related to business scenario modelling of strategic and operational options is essential.
• A minimum of 10 years in leadership roles within large-scale matrixed multinational environments demonstrates your capacity for managing complexity.
• Proven expertise navigating government relations—especially with bodies such as MIDA—to manage incentives and compliance effectively.
• Deep knowledge of local statutory requirements, IFRS standards, and international tax frameworks ensures regulatory adherence.
• Excellent communication skills paired with influencing abilities allow you to distil complex financial issues for global executive leadership teams.
• Demonstrated success in developing and coaching high-impact teams within complex matrix organisations highlights your commitment to talent development.
• Experience safeguarding company assets through robust internal controls and audit processes is highly valued.
• Ability to champion continuous improvement initiatives by leading financial system enhancement strategies that drive efficiency across departments.
• Strong interpersonal skills enable you to build trustful relationships across functions while supporting collaborative decision-making.

What sets this company apart:

This manufacturing and production organisation in Penang stands out for its commitment to fostering an inclusive culture where collaboration is at the heart of every decision. Employees benefit from flexible working opportunities that accommodate individual needs while promoting work-life balance. Generous pension contributions provide long-term security alongside access to comprehensive training programmes designed for ongoing professional growth. The company’s supportive leadership encourages open communication between global executives and local teams—ensuring everyone feels connected within its communal network. Continuous improvement is not just encouraged but actively championed through dedicated resources aimed at enhancing systems and processes. As part of this team-oriented environment, you will find yourself surrounded by knowledgeable colleagues who value empathy, trustworthiness, and shared success above all else.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the financial future of Malaysia operations within a globally respected organisation, this is your opportunity—apply now!

Apply today or email me at jack.moh@robertwalters.com.my to discuss this exciting opportunity further.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C