Chief Financial Officer (QSR, F&B, Retail)

Job title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Pioneer Hire. (QSR, F&B, Retail)

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Company Overview

Grit Search is partnered with one of the largest fast-food giant from the middle east that's looking to expand it's businesses into ASEAN. It's a household name with a cult-like following built over decades — as they make their landmark market entry into Malaysia.

This is a rare founding opportunity. The CFO will be joining as a pioneer member together as a business partner with the Country CEO to build the financial infrastructure of a new market, manage massive cash flows, drive regional expansion, and scale a beloved brand with legendary profit margins.

Role Overview:

Founding Finance Leader: Establish and lead the entire finance function for Malaysia operations — from controls and reporting frameworks to financial planning and compliance, built from zero.

Strategic Partner to the CEO: Work hand-in-hand with the Country CEO and regional leadership to drive commercial decision-making, investment planning, and sustainable growth in a new market.

Regional & HQ Bridge: Serve as the key financial interface between the Malaysia entity and regional/group headquarters, ensuring alignment on reporting, governance, and strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement the full finance operating model for Malaysia — accounting, controls, treasury, tax, and statutory compliance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes across all channels and business units.
• Oversee financial reporting and deliver accurate, timely management accounts to the CEO and regional stakeholders.
• Drive unit economics analysis — by outlet, channel, and product — to support commercial and expansion decisions.
• Ensure compliance with Malaysian regulatory and tax requirements.
• Build and develop the finance team as the business scales.
• Support due diligence, business case preparation, and financial modelling for new store openings and market expansion.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent. CPA, ACCA, or CA qualification preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 10–15 years in finance, with at least 3–5 years in a CFO or senior finance leadership role.
• Industry: Experience in QSR, F&B, retail, or consumer-facing businesses strongly preferred.
• Pioneer/entrepreneurialMindset: Proven ability to build finance functions from scratch in a startup or new market environment.
• Communication: Confident engaging with C-suite, regional HQ, and external stakeholders. Strong command of English.
• Commercial Acumen: Ability to go beyond the numbers — a finance leader who enables growth, not just reports on it.

If this sounds like the right next chapter for you, click Apply or send your latest CV directly to [Confidential Information].