Accounting Manager

We're looking for an Accounting Manager who will be reporting to the Global Business Services Senior Manager – Record to Report (RTR). The incumbent is responsible for managing the Regional Financial Accounting team and is directly responsible for the financial and internal controls and procedures required to ensure the efficient, accurate, and timely reporting of actual results. This also involves the analysis and interpretation of new accounting standards, and the co-ordination of resources to meet reporting requirements.

The financial accounting function is typified by a series of stringent reporting requirements which must be achieved. Within the tight time constraints of the environment, the position is expected to continually seek ways of improving the accuracy of the accounting information, the presentation of reports, and reduce the time to complete reporting activities.

The position is expected to act independently, with initiative and with minimal supervision, and provides work direction, performance coaching, and career development to a team of Associate Managers, Senior Finance Analysts, and Finance Analysts.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Accounting and Reporting
   • Direct and lead the preparation of the consolidated financial reporting activities of Zalora and other GFG affiliates to facilitate efficient, timely, and accurate reporting of results, in accordance with corporate reporting requirements, country statutory requirements, and IFRS.
   • Direct the application of new or changes to corporate, statutory, IFRS, and relevant accounting standards.
   • Provide a source of financial expertise, business knowledge, and problem-solving capabilities to assure sound analysis, recommendations, and action programs in assignments involving corporate finance activities.
2. Fixed Assets, Inventory, and Intercompany Accounting
   • Direct and lead to ensure fixed assets are maintained according to fixed assets’ policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, identification of impaired assets, and integrity of asset registers.
   • Implement and conform to applicable inventory accounting policies, internal control procedures, and generally accepted accounting principles including IFRS and statutory accounting requirements.
   • Ensure timely and accurate preparation and submission of intercompany billings in compliance with the corporate and relevant accounting requirements. Direct the team in reviewing and analyzing monthly recharge cost center or expenses to ensure the financial records accurately reflect the current status of transactions and events.
3. Reconciliation and Integrity of Statutory Financial Statements
   • Ensure the integrity of monthly financial statements is maintained by conducting detailed account reconciliations and variance analysis to ensure the financial records accurately reflect the current status of transactions and events.
   • Direct and execute the monthly balance sheet review process for Zalora and other GFG affiliates.
   • Serve as the main point of contact for external auditors during quarterly reviews, year-end group reporting audits, and statutory audits.
4. Financial Reporting Systems and Procedures
   • Ensure financial accounting systems are maintained in good working order and are developed to meet changing business requirements, and support and training are provided to finance end users.
   • Develop, maintain, and implement policies and procedures for the effective management and control of financial accounting processes and systems, ensuring they comply with the relevant accounting standards, country, and corporate requirements.
5. Internal Customer Relationships
   • Proactively work and collaborate with internal customers to ensure the type and quality of services provided support them in the achievement of their business objectives, and efficiently provide the essential support services to the organization.
   • Drive a customer-service mindset throughout the RTR organization.
6. World Class Finance & Internal Controls
   • Identify and make recommendations to improve financial and internal controls and other business processes and practices.
   • Execute processes standardization and automation in collaboration with other teams – ERP, Data, and Technology Team.
   • Partner with the regional process owners and serve as a value-added business partner.
   • Share best practices and provide support and guidance on major business changes and process transformation aiming to enable process excellence.
   • Manage cost-effectiveness of providing services to Zalora and GFG affiliates.
   • Influence and make recommendations on the RTR aspects of strategic projects in their planning and execution. Manage stakeholder expectations; ensure adequate communication flow is in place to support country senior leaders and functional senior management.
7. Talent Management
   • Develop employees to their full potential through Performance Management coaching, appropriate training and education, goal setting, and career development.

QUALIFICATIONS/ SKILLS/ EXPERIENCES

• Degree in Accounting and professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CPA, MIA, etc)
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in RTR functions with at least 3 years of team leadership experience in SSC / GBS environment.
• Thorough understanding of International Accounting Standards and Statutory Accounting Requirements and experience in implementing accounting changes.
• Practical knowledge of country and IFRS accounting requirements and sound analytical skills required to resolve accounting issues.
• Experience in managing transitions and process improvement projects.
• Knowledge of computer systems and applications including SAP and OneStream.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint). Advanced Excel and SQL skills highly preferred (able to handle big data).
• Strong inter-personal and communication skills necessary to maintain a strong working relationship with senior management and other functions within Zalora and GFG.
• Demonstrates strong team-building skills with self-motivation, problem-solving abilities, team spirit, and a “hands-on” mentality.
• Strong business acumen, understanding of key interfaces, and impact of Global Business Services initiatives on other departments such as Business Planning, Corporate Finance, Procurement, Treasury, Audit, etc. is considered essential.
• Excellent management, coaching, and motivational skills are essential due to the multicultural environment and diversity of working relationships.
• Good command of verbal and written English. Good command of any other Asian language would be an advantage.