Finance Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Finance Manager to join a leading education institution in Penang, where your expertise will be pivotal in shaping the financial health and strategic direction of a vibrant educational community.

This role offers you the chance to work closely with senior leaders and regional teams, providing high-quality financial analysis and commentary that directly influences key decisions. You will enjoy a culture built on engagement, trust, and recognition, where your contributions are valued and your professional growth is actively supported. The organisation is committed to employee well-being, offering access to best practice sharing across a global network, competitive remuneration, medical benefits, and fee discounts for children of employees. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in an environment that prioritises learning, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, this is the perfect next step in your career.

What you'll do:

As Finance Manager, you will play an integral role in supporting the institution’s mission by managing all aspects of its financial operations. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve close collaboration with campus principals and senior leadership teams to deliver insightful financial analysis that drives strategic decision-making. You will be responsible for preparing detailed reports that inform budgeting processes and capital expenditure planning while maintaining rigorous compliance with statutory audit requirements. By fostering effective partnerships across internal departments as well as external stakeholders such as auditors and regulators, you will help ensure the institution’s financial stability. Your ability to identify process improvements will contribute significantly to enhancing business workflows. Success in this role requires not only technical proficiency but also a genuine commitment to supporting the wider educational objectives through sound financial stewardship.

• Oversee the full spectrum of accounting functions including record-to-report, accounts payables and receivables, cash flow management, tax compliance, and finance business partnering activities.
• Deliver timely and accurate financial and management reporting in accordance with governing standards and group requirements.
• Prepare and analyse Profit & Loss statements and Balance Sheets, ensuring accuracy in deferred income accounts, accruals, provisions, reconciliations, revenue recognition, discretionary spending, and capital expenditure.
• Review all journal entry postings to maintain completeness and accuracy of General Ledger and Sub-Ledger accounts.
• Conduct month-end review analyses with campus leadership teams to highlight variances and facilitate action plans for performance improvement.
• Present comprehensive financial reports to campus principals, regional finance teams, and other stakeholders as required.
• Coordinate statutory audits by liaising with external auditors; ensure adherence to group policies and MFRS/IFRS requirements while responding promptly to audit queries.
• Collaborate with institution leadership to develop annual budgets aligned with educational goals and strategic plans; provide forecasts and analysis for budgetary control of OPEX and CAPEX.
• Monitor daily cash collection targets versus actuals; report monthly cash flow projections; ensure sufficient funds are available for operational needs.
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage for properties, staff, students, and visitors; oversee supplier payments with clear segregation of duties.

What you bring:

Your background as Finance Manager should reflect substantial experience in overseeing complex accounting functions within dynamic organisations. You bring not only technical expertise but also an inclusive approach that supports collaborative problem-solving across multiple teams. Your attention to detail ensures accuracy in reporting while your adaptability allows you to thrive amidst changing priorities. A deep understanding of regulatory frameworks enables you to navigate statutory audits confidently. Your interpersonal skills foster trust among colleagues—making you an approachable resource for both internal partners and external stakeholders. Above all else, your commitment to upholding safeguarding principles alongside promoting diversity ensures that every member of the institution community feels respected and supported.

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting coupled with CPA/ACCA/CIMA qualification or equivalent is essential for this position.
• A minimum of ten years’ experience in a similar finance management role within an education and training industries or comparable setting is required.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools—especially Excel—is necessary for effective data analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask efficiently while meeting deadlines independently or as part of a team is highly valued.
• Experience handling a full set of accounts provides a solid foundation for success in this role.
• Excellent time management skills combined with flexibility when dealing with multi-functional tasks are important attributes.
• Familiarity with NetSuite Oracle accounting system would be advantageous but is not mandatory.
• A proven track record of collaborating effectively with diverse teams at various organisational levels is desirable.
• Commitment to safeguarding principles as well as diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging aligns strongly with organisational values.
• Strong interpersonal skills including empathy, dependability, honesty, sensitivity towards others’ needs are crucial for building positive relationships.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive environment where every individual is recognised for their unique contributions. Staff members benefit from a culture rooted in engagement and trust—where open communication is encouraged at all levels. Professional development is not just offered but embedded into everyday practice through access to global expertise spanning more than 100 institutions worldwide. Employees enjoy generous workplace benefits such as medical insurance coverage and fee discounts for their children’s education. The commitment to well-being extends beyond physical health; it encompasses emotional support through policies designed around safety and care. Diversity is celebrated here—not only through hiring practices but also via ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening equity across gender identities, ethnicities, abilities, neurodivergence statuses, socio-economic backgrounds—and more. By joining this team you become part of a supportive network dedicated not just to academic excellence but also personal growth within a nurturing community.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact within an inspiring educational setting while advancing your career as Finance Manager—this opportunity awaits you!

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

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