Finance Manager (Start-up)

Finance Manager

Reports To: Head of Operations/ Director

Location: Malaysia

Employment Type: Full-Time

Role Summary

The Finance Manager will be responsible for establishing and managing all the financial and accounting process for newly formed company entity

This role is both strategic and hands-on, overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance, cash management, and coordination with Group Finance to ensure accuracy, transparency and alignment with Group standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Finance Setup & Daily Operations (Approx. 60% of Time)

* Establish the finance function in alignment with Group standards.

* Develop and implement finance policies, procedures, and internal control systems.

* Set up the Company's accounting system, chart of accounts, internal approval workflows, and

reporting frameworks.

* Open and maintain company bank accounts; manage cash flow and funding transfers from Group HQ.

* Develop workflows for billing, payment processing, expense management, and vendor onboarding.

* Handle daily accounting transactions including supplier invoices, expense claims, petty cash, and intercompany transfers.

* Prepare and maintain daily and weekly cash flow reports.

* Ensure timely payment processing with proper documentation and approvals.

2. Accounting & Financial Reporting (Approx. 25% of Time)

- Daily & Monthly Bookkeeping

* Record all daily journal entries (vendor bills, employee expenses, intercompany transactions, asset capitalization).

* Manage AP, AR, GL, and perform bank reconciliations.

* Prepare supporting schedules for prepaid expenses, accruals, and deposits.

* Maintain a fixed asset register and calculate monthly depreciation.

- Month-End & Year-End Closing

* Execute month-end closing activities accurately and on schedule.

* Prepare monthly financial statements: Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow.

* Consolidate intercompany transactions and prepare elimination entries where applicable.

- Budgeting &Forecasting

* Prepare annual budget and periodic forecasts.

* Develop financial dashboards (expense analysis, burn rate, vendor exposure).

* Provide ad-hoc financial analysis for management (cost modeling, pricing support, expansion analysis).

* Present monthly financial highlights to the Head of Operations and Group Finance.

3. Compliance & Audit (Approx. 15% of Time)

* Ensure compliance with local regulations, tax requirements, and accounting standards.

* Coordinate and manage external audits and reviews.

* Liaise with tax advisors, auditors, and regulatory bodies when required.

* Ensure proper documentation and audit trail for all financial activities.

4. Leadership & Collaboration

* Collaborate closely with Group Finance and other departments to ensure financial alignment

with operations.

* Provide financial guidance to management for decision-making.

* Promote strong financial discipline, transparency, and best practices across the organization.

Qualifications - Education & Experience

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.

* Minimum 810 years of experience in finance and accounting, preferably in a small to mid-sized company or fast-growing environment.

* Experience setting up finance processes for a new entity is a strong advantage.

- Skills & Competencies

* Strong knowledge of accounting principles (IFRS).

* Advanced Excel skills and experience with accounting systems.

* High attention to detail and accuracy.

* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

* Good communication skills in working with internal and external stakeholders.

* High level of integrity and professionalism.