Assistant Manager (Costing Management & Data Analytics) - Contract Basis

Job Purpose:

Execute financial planning, budgeting, financial performance, forecasting and cost management processes, and support the preparation of financial insights and analyses for management review and decision making to increase profitability, maximize value creation, enhance shareholders’ value and safeguard UTP’s business portfolio through proper execution of financial control, governance, risk and compliance in accordance with approved policies, legislation, statutory requirements and accounting standards.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Financial Planning

• Execute assigned tasks to support the development of UTP’s strategic financial plans. Prepare multi‑year financial models, forecasts and scenario analyses to support planning and decision‑making. Conduct financial analysis on key trends, performance drivers and risks to support management review. Assist in ensuring financial plans reflect academic, research and operational requirements while supporting financial sustainability.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Execute and support the preparation and coordination of UTP’s annual and medium‑term budgeting and forecasting activities, including Operating expenditures (OPEX), Capital Expenditures (CAPEX), budget transfers / reallocations and consolidated financial plans, in accordance with approved frameworks and timelines. Prepare budget and forecast data, schedules and supporting analysis for review and approval by relevant stakeholders while ensuring compliance with internal policies, accounting standards and statutory requirements. Perform analysis and forecasting of revenue, OPEX and CAPEX based on operational inputs, approved assumptions, activity phasing and support the identification of variances, gaps and implications for management review. Support timely and accurate reporting to enable effective planning, cash flow forecasting, and business decision‑making.

Financial Performance & Management Analysis, Insights and Reporting

• Execute analysis, tracking and preparation of periodic financial and operational business performance reports for assigned divisions to support management monitoring and decision‑making. Prepare monthly and quarterly management reports, year‑end projections and supporting schedules in accordance with approved reporting standards, timelines and requirements. Analyse financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identify key variances for drivers and trends, and prepare supporting explanations for management review. Ensure timely, accurate and consistent reporting in compliance with accounting standards, internal policies and group reporting requirements.

Cost Accounting, Pricing and Cost Recovery

• Execute cost accounting and cost recovery activities in accordance with approved policies, methodologies and guidelines. Prepare cost data, cost allocations and analysis to support transparency and accountability across departments (e.g., activity-based costing, cost drivers). Perform cost analysis and benchmarking to identify variances, trends and areas for cost optimisation for management review. Support pricing and value‑for‑money assessments through preparation of relevant financial information and costing inputs to support planning and operational decision‑making.

Financial Risk

• Execute financial governance activities by applying approved financial policies, procedures, guidelines and limits of authority in day‑to‑day operations. Support compliance with PETRONAS requirements and internal governance standards through the preparation of documentation, reports and supporting schedules in accordance with established procedures. Support the identification, assessment and monitoring of financial risks, including market and liquidity‑related risks, through data collection and analysis. Prepare financial risk analysis and supporting information for management review and escalation in line with approved policies and business requirements.

Financial Systems and Process Enhancement

• Execute assigned activities related to the use and enhancement of financial systems to support governance, risk and compliance requirements. Support system‑related processes by preparing data, reports and analyses to enable timely identification of control gaps, system issues and compliance matters. Assist in system and process improvements to enhance efficiency, data accuracy and reporting effectiveness in line with approved standards and requirements.

Business Partnering and Decision Support

• Support business units by preparing financial analysis, information and reports to assist decision‑making on financial‑related matters, including planning, budgeting, cost recovery, systems, compliance, governance and financial risk. Engage with relevant stakeholders to understand business requirements and operational needs and provide financial inputs to support evaluations of business proposals and initiatives. Assist in ensuring that financial considerations are appropriately documented and aligned with governance and policy requirements.

Miscellaneous

• To undertake any reasonable task requested of you by Senior Management. The listed responsibilities are subject to change to meet the future business requirements. As such, they are neither exclusive nor exhaustive.

Qualification & Experience:

Qualification

• Recognized Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field.
• Professional qualification (e.g. ACCA, ICAEW, CAANZ or CPA) would be an added advantage.

Experience

• 5 - 8 years of experience in accounting preferably in financial planning, budgeting and analysis roles.
• Competent in preparing a full set of financial statements is an added advantage.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and financial modelling techniques.
• Knowledgeable in Financial Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting both in the short and long term and Year End Projections (YEP) for Performance Planning, Management and Reporting purposes.
• Knowledgeable in IFRS, IAS, Companies Act, Income Tax Act and other relevant Acts.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical ability to review and analyze performance and business issues in broad perspectives.
• Good at planning, organizing, communicating and implementing including problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI and financial analysis tools.
• Good written, communication and presentation skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• Ability to work on multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge in the operations of PETRONAS Group and higher education finance structures and regulations is an advantage.