Senior Manager, Accounting

A leading multinational organisation in Penang is seeking a Senior Manager, Accounting to join their finance team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of corporate and international finance functions.

This opportunity offers you the chance to work within a supportive and inclusive environment, where your expertise will be valued and your professional growth encouraged. You will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with global standards, and leveraging advanced automation tools to enhance efficiency. The organisation is committed to nurturing talent, providing flexible working opportunities, and fostering a culture of collaboration that empowers you to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally.

• Join a globally recognised organisation in Penang with a strong commitment to employee development, offering extensive training opportunities and support for career progression.
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance while contributing to high-impact projects across international finance functions.
• Be part of an inclusive team where your knowledge and experience are valued, and where collaborative leadership ensures your contributions help shape strategic direction.

What you'll do:

As Senior Manager, Accounting, you will be entrusted with overseeing complex accounting operations across multiple jurisdictions while championing process excellence. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve managing month-end close activities for global entities under US GAAP standards, ensuring robust internal controls are in place for financial reporting compliance. You will play a key role in benchmarking processes against industry leaders to drive improvements in productivity and quality. By leveraging advanced automation tools such as AI-enabled solutions within SAP ERP systems, you will streamline workflows and support data-driven decisions. Your ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams will be essential as you contribute to global strategic projects. Success in this role requires not only technical expertise but also a passion for developing talent within your team—creating an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to achieve their best.

• Direct the planning, operations, and administration of corporate and international accounting functions as they transition into a Shared Service environment, ensuring seamless integration and ongoing process improvement.
• Oversee timely and accurate monthly close processes for global entities in accordance with US GAAP, maintaining statutory financials and audit practices to the highest standard.
• Ensure effective internal controls are established and maintained, guaranteeing compliance with GAAP as well as local and international regulatory laws for financial and tax reporting.
• Lead SOX compliance efforts by adhering to internal control requirements, keeping documentation current, and providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Benchmark processes against industry best practices, driving measurable improvements in cycle time, productivity, stability, quality, and aligning outcomes with strategic goals.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools and automation solutions to enhance finance processes, improve efficiency, and support data-driven decision-making across the organisation.
• Contribute to the global execution of key strategic initiatives and projects by collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful results.
• Demonstrate a positive customer service focus towards both internal and external stakeholders by coordinating team deliverables for audits and ensuring satisfaction.
• Build bridges between stakeholders through strong communication skills, fostering an environment of trust, cooperation, and shared success.
• Attract, develop, and retain outstanding talent within the finance function by creating opportunities for growth, mentoring team members, and promoting a culture of inclusivity.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for Senior Manager, Accounting brings a wealth of proven experience from multinational environments—particularly those involving shared services or centres of excellence. Your background includes significant exposure to global accounting standards such as US GAAP and IFRS alongside local regulations. You have demonstrated sensitivity when managing change within matrix structures by fostering inter-personal connections that enable successful transitions. Your analytical mindset allows you to interpret complex business data while maintaining strict adherence to privacy protocols. You excel at communicating financial concepts clearly across all levels of the organisation—ensuring everyone understands their impact on broader objectives. Your history of developing teams through mentorship reflects your commitment to communal growth leadership. Experience with automation initiatives like LEAN or RPA has equipped you with practical skills for enhancing process efficiency. Proficiency in SAP ERP systems means you can leverage technology solutions effectively. Academic credentials include a relevant bachelor’s degree (CPA/CA preferred), possibly complemented by an MBA; your extensive tenure in finance roles underscores your dependability.

• Extensive experience building or expanding centres of excellence within large organisations is highly preferred, demonstrating your ability to foster collaborative environments that drive operational success.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP, IFRS, local country accounting standards, audit practices, and regulatory requirements enables you to ensure compliance across all financial reporting activities.
• Proven track record in managing change sensitively within matrix organisations while maintaining strong interpersonal relationships among stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills allow you to succinctly explain complex financial matters to non-finance personnel while influencing outcomes through consensus-building.
• Superior analytical abilities combined with an understanding of data privacy principles equip you to interpret business information accurately for strategic decision-making.
• Ability to build internal networks that facilitate knowledge sharing across departments enhances organisational effectiveness.
• Experience attracting, developing, and retaining outstanding talent demonstrates your commitment to nurturing team members’ growth through supportive leadership.
• Demonstrated success in process efficiency initiatives such as automation projects (LEAN/RPA) showcases your capacity for improving quality while reducing cycle times.
• Expertise in SAP ERP systems—including automating processes within SAP S4—enables you to optimise finance workloads using technology-driven solutions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA/CA preferred); MBA is advantageous; more than 15 years’ experience in finance/accounting/reporting; over 12 years’ leadership capability; at least 10 years’ experience in automation projects/LEAN/RPA; minimum 10 years’ experience with SAP ERP systems.

What sets this company apart:

This manufacturing and production organisation stands out as one of Penang’s most respected employers due to its unwavering commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development. Employees benefit from flexible working opportunities that accommodate individual needs while supporting communal goals. The company invests heavily in training programmes designed to expand knowledge bases—ensuring every team member remains up-to-date with industry advancements. Supportive leadership fosters an inclusive atmosphere where collaboration thrives; new ideas are welcomed regardless of background or seniority. The workplace culture prioritises empathy, kindness, and mutual respect—making it easy for employees from all walks of life to feel valued. With access to cutting-edge technology including AI-enabled tools integrated into daily operations, staff enjoy the resources needed for personal growth as well as collective achievement. The company’s dedication extends beyond business objectives: it actively encourages participation in community initiatives that strengthen kinship among colleagues while giving back locally. As part of this team-oriented environment, you’ll find yourself surrounded by knowledgeable professionals who share your enthusiasm for making a difference both inside the office and beyond.

What's next:

If you are ready to take the next step in your accounting career within an inclusive multinational environment that values collaboration and personal growth, this is your opportunity!

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