Head of Finance (Manufacturing)

A leading manufacturing organisation is seeking a Head of Finance to spearhead the financial operations for its new plant in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape the finance function from the ground up, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place as the facility prepares for operational launch. You will be instrumental in developing financial strategies that support both immediate plant setup and long-term business growth, while collaborating closely with regional stakeholders across Asia. The organisation values your expertise in manufacturing finance, your ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin, and your commitment to building a dependable team. Flexible working opportunities and generous training support are available to help you thrive in this inclusive environment.

What you'll do:

As Head of Finance for this new manufacturing plant in Iskandar Puteri, you will be at the forefront of establishing a world-class finance function. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve designing robust accounting procedures and internal controls that lay the foundation for operational success. You will collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams—operations, supply chain, regional finance—to deliver insightful analysis that drives strategic decisions. By overseeing product costing methods and inventory valuation processes unique to manufacturing environments, you will ensure accurate performance reporting. Your role also includes managing capital expenditure during plant setup phases while maintaining compliance with local accounting standards. Building a dependable team is key; you will nurture talent through training opportunities so everyone can contribute effectively. Regular engagement with regional stakeholders—including communication in Mandarin—will be essential as you share business performance insights. Ultimately, your efforts will prepare the plant for operational launch while supporting sustainable growth.

• Lead the establishment of the plant's finance function by designing accounting procedures, financial reporting frameworks, internal controls, and finance policies tailored to a new manufacturing environment.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and financial models that support both the initial plant setup and ongoing operational readiness.
• Oversee all aspects of manufacturing finance including product costing, standard costing methodologies, inventory valuation techniques, cost control measures, variance analysis processes, and performance reporting systems.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements that comply with Malaysian accounting standards, tax regulations, and statutory requirements relevant to the manufacturing sector.
• Monitor capital expenditure closely by tracking project costs and budget utilisation throughout the plant setup and commissioning phases.
• Establish effective financial controls by implementing robust accounting systems and processes designed to safeguard company assets and minimise financial risks.
• Work collaboratively with plant management, operations teams, supply chain professionals, and regional finance colleagues to provide insightful financial analysis that supports strategic decision-making.
• Manage treasury functions including cash flow optimisation, working capital management strategies, banking relationships maintenance, and allocation of financial resources for business operations.
• Build and develop a high-performing finance team by establishing clear responsibilities, nurturing talent through training opportunities, and ensuring effective execution of all finance activities.
• Liaise regularly with headquarters and overseas stakeholders on financial matters such as reporting requirements and business performance updates; communicate effectively in Mandarin where required.

What you bring:

To excel as Head of Finance for this new manufacturing facility in Iskandar Puteri, you bring extensive experience gained from senior roles within the manufacturing sector. Your academic background—ideally complemented by professional certifications—demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning. You have successfully led finance operations during new plant setups or greenfield projects before; this gives you unique insight into what it takes to establish robust processes from scratch. Your deep understanding of costing methodologies ensures accurate budgeting while your familiarity with local compliance standards keeps everything above board. Technical proficiency with ERP systems allows you to streamline workflows efficiently. As an empathetic leader who values collaboration over competition, you build trust among team members through training opportunities that foster growth. Your interpersonal skills shine when partnering with other departments or engaging regional stakeholders—especially when communicating complex ideas in Mandarin. Being onsite means you’re always available to nurture relationships that underpin successful plant launches.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or related discipline is required; professional qualifications such as ACCA, CPA or CIMA are preferred for this senior position.
• At least 8–10 years of relevant experience in finance and accounting within the manufacturing industry is expected; previous experience at a senior management level is essential.
• Proven track record in new plant setup or greenfield manufacturing projects or establishing finance functions will be considered a strong advantage for this role.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing costing principles including budgeting techniques, financial analysis skills, inventory management practices and internal control frameworks is necessary.
• Familiarity with Malaysian accounting standards as well as taxation rules, statutory compliance obligations and financial reporting requirements is important for success.
• Experience implementing or improving finance processes alongside ERP systems within a manufacturing context demonstrates your technical capability.
• Strong leadership abilities combined with stakeholder management skills enable you to build collaborative relationships across departments and regions.
• Business partnering capabilities allow you to connect effectively with plant management teams as well as supply chain professionals to provide valuable financial insights.
• Fluency in Mandarin is mandatory so you can communicate clearly with Mandarin-speaking management teams and regional stakeholders throughout Asia.
• Willingness to work onsite in Johor is required so you can actively support both the establishment phase of the plant and its operational ramp-up.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where every team member feels supported throughout their career journey. With flexible working opportunities designed around your needs—whether it’s balancing family commitments or pursuing professional development—you’ll find an environment that encourages personal growth alongside business success. Generous training programmes ensure you stay knowledgeable about industry trends while building skills that empower both yourself and your team. The leadership style here prioritises supportive guidance over hierarchy; managers are approachable mentors who value honest feedback from all levels. Collaboration is woven into daily operations so everyone shares responsibility for achieving common goals together. The company’s dedication to diversity means under-represented voices are heard—and celebrated—as part of its communal culture. If you’re looking for a place where loyalty is rewarded through ongoing investment in people rather than just profits alone then this organisation offers exactly that: a nurturing space where your contributions matter every day.

What's next:

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact by shaping the future of finance at a brand-new manufacturing facility in Johor—apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

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