Financial Controller/Finance Manager

The Financial Controller leads the full finance function for Busy Bees Malaysia, ensuring strong financial

governance, high-quality statutory and management reporting, and strategic financial leadership to support

organisational growth. This role oversees financial operations across multiple entities, drives financial

planning and analysis, ensures compliance with local and group reporting requirements, and guides

business leaders with clear financial insights for decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic financial advice to senior management, supporting decision-making relating to

growth, operational optimisation, and long-term planning.

• Lead financial analysis on business performance, enrolment trends, cost structures, and capital

expenditure.

• Oversee development of medium- and long-term financial models to support expansion and

investment initiatives.

2. Full Spectrum Finance Operations Management

• Oversee end-to-end accounting and finance operations including GL, AP, AR, tax, treasury,

statutory reporting, and credit control.

• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closing across all entities.

• Maintain strong internal controls, governance, and financial policies in compliance with

IFRS/MFRS and regulatory requirements.

3. Statutory Compliance & External Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with auditors, tax agents, company secretaries, legal bodies, and banks to ensure full

compliance.

• Oversee statutory audits, tax filings, SST compliance, transfer pricing documentation, and other

regulatory obligations.

• Ensure proper legal entity management and adherence to corporate governance standards.

4. Management Reporting & Performance Insights

• Lead preparation of monthly/quarterly management reports for Malaysia, Asia HQ, and UK HQ.

• Review and validate P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, KPIs, variance analysis, and operational

commentary.

• Present financial insights to senior management, highlighting risks, opportunities, and

improvement initiatives.

5. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting exercise across schools, departments, and corporate units.

• Oversee rolling forecasts incorporating enrolment changes, staffing, operational drivers, and

market developments.

• Review financial scenarios and provide recommendations to optimise profitability and cost

efficiency.

6. Business Partnering with Operations & School Leaders

• Partner with Operations, HR, Procurement, Property, and other departments to ensure sound

financial decision-making.

• Review and validate cost structures, staffing ratios, programme economics, and centre-level

profitability.

• Support new school openings, refurbishments, and strategic projects with commercial and

financial assessments.

7. Treasury, Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Monitor daily and long-term cash flow requirements to ensure optimum utilisation of funds.

• Oversee banking relationships, liquidity planning, intercompany funding, and treasury controls.

• Drive improvements in collections, billing processes, and working capital cycles.

8. Systems, Process Improvements & Internal Controls

• Strengthen financial and operational processes to enhance effectiveness, accuracy, and

compliance.

• Lead finance system enhancements (e.g., NetSuite, reporting tools, budgeting systems).

• Ensure continuous improvement in reporting templates, data integrity, and automation.

9. Team Leadership & People Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team across multiple functions.

• Establish a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and service excellence.

• Provide guidance and training to improve financial literacy among school leaders and internal

stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; professional qualifications (ACCA, CPA, CIMA)

preferred.

• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant accounting/finance experience, with at least 4–5 years in a

Financial Controller or senior finance leadership role.

• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS/MFRS and Malaysian statutory requirements.

• Experience in multi-entity consolidation, MNCs, or Big 4/top-tier audit firms preferred.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial modelling, and ERP systems (NetSuite

advantage).

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Able to communicate complex financial matters clearly to non-finance stakeholders.

• Highly organised, resilient, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

• Strong leadership, interpersonal skills, and ability to manage and motivate teams.

• Proactive, improvement-focused, and committed to strong governance and accuracy.