head of finance (retail).

Job Overview:

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Head of Finance to lead the finance department, a leading retail company in Malaysia. As the Head of Finance, you will play a crucial role in managing the financial health of the organization, overseeing financial operations, and developing financial strategies to support the company's growth. You will be responsible for ensuring financial compliance, maximizing profitability, providing insights to senior management, and leading a high-performing finance team.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, financial acumen, and a deep understanding of the retail industry, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and performance analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and implement the company’s overall financial strategy in alignment with business objectives and growth targets.
• Lead and mentor the finance team, providing guidance, training, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
• Provide financial leadership and act as a key advisor to the executive management team on all financial matters.
• Lead strategic financial planning, including long-term and short-term financial goals.

2. Financial Reporting & Analysis:

• Oversee the preparation and presentation of accurate and timely financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and budgets.
• Conduct in-depth financial analysis to evaluate the company’s financial performance, identify trends, and provide actionable insights for decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and local financial regulations in Malaysia.
• Regularly report to senior management and stakeholders on financial performance, forecasts, and any significant variances from the budget.

3. Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring that financial targets are aligned with company objectives and strategies.
• Monitor performance against the budget and forecast, making adjustments and recommendations to ensure financial targets are met.
• Provide accurate financial forecasts and scenario analysis to support business planning and decision-making.

4. Cash Flow Management:

• Oversee the company’s cash flow management to ensure adequate liquidity for operations and growth.
• Develop strategies to optimize working capital, manage capital expenditures, and reduce financial risks.
• Ensure that the company has sufficient working capital to meet its operational needs while maximizing profitability.

5. Risk Management & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and tax laws in Malaysia.
• Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard the company’s assets.
• Work closely with internal and external auditors to ensure timely and accurate audits.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of robust internal controls to safeguard financial data and prevent fraud.

6. Business Partnering & Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with other senior leaders and departments (such as operations, marketing, and supply chain) to provide financial insights and support business decision-making.
• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, tax authorities, and investors.
• Assist with investor relations and communicate financial performance, strategies, and opportunities to stakeholders as required.

7. Financial Systems & Technology:

• Evaluate and implement financial systems and tools that enhance reporting, forecasting, and decision-making capabilities.
• Continuously improve financial processes, integrating technology to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

8. Corporate Strategy Support:

• Provide financial guidance on corporate strategy, including mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and other significant business opportunities.
• Support strategic initiatives and expansion plans by evaluating the financial viability and performance of new ventures or product lines.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields. A Master’s degree (MBA) or professional certifications such as CFA or ACCA is preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in a senior finance role, preferably in the retail or consumer goods industry.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Solid understanding of financial regulations, taxation, and accounting standards in Malaysia.
• Experience in managing a finance team, with strong leadership and mentorship abilities.
• Proficiency in financial management software and systems (e.g., ERP systems, Excel, and accounting platforms).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in multi-location or multi-channel retail operations.
• Knowledge of financial technology tools that improve operational efficiencies in retail.
• Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia; proficiency in Mandarin would be an advantage.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale financial teams and driving business profitability.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong business acumen with the ability to align financial objectives with business goals.
• High level of integrity, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment.
• Results-oriented, with a focus on improving financial performance and driving growth.
• Excellent time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive healthcare and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for career development and growth within a leading retail company.
• Exposure to strategic business decisions and the chance to impact the company’s growth trajectory.