Head Of Internal Control

About the role

This role is based at the Datai Plantations estates and reports to the Board of Datai Plantations, and to the Audit Committee and Board of Bright Packaging. You will build the control system on the ground from the ground up, with no legacy system to inherit.

Key responsibilities

• Build DPSB's control framework from the ground up, with no legacy system to inherit.
• Write standard operating procedures for every estate and office process.
• Obtain approval for procedures, train employees on compliance, and test that they are followed correctly.
• Conduct on-site verification of field worker pay.
• Cross-check the worker register against identification documents, attendance records, block output and bank payments.
• Identify and investigate ghost workers and fraudulent muster records.
• Prevent losses arising from crop and loose fruit theft, weighbridge tampering, fertilizer and diesel pilferage, contractor collusion and kickbacks related to replanting.
• Ensure DPSB complies with listed group standards, including MACC Act Section 17A and its adequate procedures under the TRUST framework, MS ISO 37001, Bursa Listing Requirement 15.26(b), the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG) 2021, and MSPO/RSPO wage requirements.
• Ensure the accuracy of the plantation ERP system, which records all field activities, and control and monitor user access rights for any changes made to system records.
• Conduct full-population testing and develop monthly recurring tests and dashboards, and apply AI and large language models to analyze contracts, invoices, payroll and field data efficiently.

About you

• Hold a degree in accounting, finance, data science or a related field, together with a professional certification such as CIA, CA(M)/MIA, ACCA or CPA.
• A CFE, CISA or ISO 37001 Lead Auditor certification is an added advantage.
• At least four to five years of experience in finance, internal audit, internal control, compliance or investigation, including two years in a leadership role.
• Experience within an oil palm estate environment is a strong advantage.
• High level of proficiency in Excel, SQL, Power BI and Python.
• Practical, hands-on experience applying AI and large language models to large data sets is required.
• Working knowledge of plantation ERP systems, payroll, stores and weighbridge data is essential.
• Strong integrity and professional skepticism, with the ability to identify irregularities quickly.
• Willing to conduct early-morning site visits, including physical headcounts in the field.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce concise reports that hold a director's attention, and proficiency in both English and Bahasa Malaysia.

About us

Datai Plantations Sdn Bhd (DPSB) is the oil palm plantation joint-venture of Bright Packaging Industry Berhad (Bursa Malaysia: 9938).