Assistant Finance Manager (Manufacturing)

We are looking for a proactive and hands-on Assistant Finance Manager to support our Finance Department and play a key role in establishing and managing the finance operations of our newly formed manufacturing entity. This role offers strong exposure in manufacturing costing, controls, reporting, and ERP/process set-up, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure smooth plant finance operations.

Key Responsibilities
New Manufacturing Entity Finance Set-Up

Lead the end-to-end finance set-up project for the new manufacturing entity, including timeline planning, stakeholder coordination, and deliverables tracking.

Establish finance workflows, reporting structure, and control points to support manufacturing operations (procurement-to-pay, inventory movements, production costing, month-end processes).

Coordinate finance-related documentation for registrations/licensing and compliance readiness where applicable.

Drive budgeting and tracking for plant start-up, ensuring proper documentation and governance.

Lead/coordinate ERP implementation readiness for manufacturing modules (inventory, costing, production), including process mapping, UAT coordination, data validation, and go-live preparation.

Ensure documentation is complete and audit-ready from day one.

Financial Operations & Reporting

Support monthly closing and year-end account closing activities with accuracy and timeliness.

Prepare management reports, budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis with clear explanations.

Support working capital monitoring (inventory, payables, receivables) and cashflow planning.

Liaise with auditors, tax agents, bankers, and relevant government authorities as needed.

Process Control & Compliance

Strengthen manufacturing costing structure, monitor BOMs, and implement cost controls.

Review cost allocations, inventory valuation, production variances, and key production KPIs.

Work closely with respective teams to improve inventory accuracy and costing discipline.

Develop and maintain SOPs and internal controls for manufacturing finance processes.

Team Collaboration

Partner closely with other Departments to align finance processes.

Provide finance input on pricing, margin analysis, and raw material cost movements.

Guide and review tasks of junior finance/account staff, if applicable.

Strategic Projects

Support cost-saving initiatives, process improvements, and special assignments.

Provide financial insights for plant performance tracking and strategic planning.

Requirements
Degree in Accounting/Finance; ACCA, CPA, or MIA preferred.

At least 4 years of relevant experience in manufacturing finance.

Strong knowledge in manufacturing finance, especially costing, inventory, controls, and reporting.

Experience supporting or coordinating system/process implementation or plant set-up activities is an advantage.

Proficient in MS Excel, SQL, OS Trio, or similar ERP software.

Familiar with SST, Income Tax Act, Customs Act, and local accounting standards.

Fluent in English and Bahasa Malaysia; Mandarin is a plus.

Good analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure.