The Plant Financial Controller will serve as the co-pilot to the Plant Director and a key member of the local management team, responsible for the integrity of financial reporting, robust internal controls, and the strategic financial direction of the Johor Bahru manufacturing facility. This role drives financial planning across the entire plant, providing critical analysis on CAPEX, OPEX, product costing, and manufacturing variances to ensure operational efficiency and maximize profitability in alignment with global standards and local compliance.
Key Responsibilities1. Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting (PBF)
Annual Planning: Lead the preparation and coordination of the plant's annual budget and long-term financial plans (LRP), working closely with department managers (Production, Engineering, Supply Chain).
Forecasting: Manage and deliver accurate monthly/quarterly rolling financial forecasts for production volumes, revenues, CAPEX, and OPEX.
Performance Reporting: Analyze monthly financial results, conducting detailed variance analysis against budget and forecast, and report findings to the Plant Director and Global Controller.
2. Cost Control, Analysis & Operational Excellence
Product Costing: Own and maintain the standard product costing models for all manufactured goods. Analyze Bills of Material (BOM) deviations, routings, and overhead allocations to ensure accurate inventory valuation and cost of goods sold (COGS).
CAPEX Management: Oversee the entire CAPEX lifecycle for the plant, from business case justification (ROI, NPV, IRR calculation) and expenditure tracking to post-implementation review, ensuring strict adherence to approved limits and timelines.
OPEX and Efficiency: Drive and track cost-saving initiatives and operational efficiency projects across the plant (e.g., utility consumption, labor utilization, waste reduction). Provide financial support to lean/Six Sigma initiatives.
Inventory Control: Closely monitor inventory valuation (FIFO, LIFO), obsolescence risks, and scrap rates, partnering with Supply Chain and Operations to maintain optimal working capital levels.
3. Governance, Control, and Compliance
Financial Control: Ensure strict compliance with global accounting policies (e.g., IFRS/US GAAP), internal controls, and corporate governance standards within the plant's financial processes.
Month-End Close: Oversee the accurate and timely completion of the plant's month-end and year-end closing processes, including fixed asset accounting and ensuring sub-ledger reconciliations are robust.
Audit & Tax: Act as the main point of contact for internal audits and external statutory audits for the plant's financial records, coordinating with the local CFO/Group team on tax compliance matters.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Professional certification (ACCA, CPA, CIMA, or MIA) is strongly preferred.
Experience:
Minimum 7+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years specifically in a Plant Controller, Manufacturing Controller, or Cost Manager role within a large multinational manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated experience managing CAPEX and OPEX budgets within a heavy manufacturing or production facility.
Expert-level knowledge of Product Costing, Standard Costing, and Variance Analysis.
Technical Skills: High proficiency in SAP (specifically CO/FICO modules) or equivalent large-scale ERP systems. Advanced Excel skills for complex financial modeling.
Attributes: Strong business acumen, analytical thinking, excellent leadership skills, and the proven ability to influence non-finance operational leaders (Plant Director, Production Managers).
