Regional Financial Controller

Regional Financial Controller Role Profile

Purpose of Role

The Regional Financial Controller is a senior level manager responsible for the full spectrum of accounting, financial reporting, statutory audit, tax, cashflow and working capital planning and management. This is a crucial role and is responsible for enhancing and improving financial data accuracy and operations, overlooking governance to enhance the accuracy of the month-end and quarterly flash reporting by schools with the provision of meaningful business anecdotes.

About ISP Malaysia

One of the leading education groups in Malaysia, ISP Malaysia operates the Tenby Schools, Asia Pacific Schools and Straits International Schools. Our 9 schools are strategically located in the developed areas of Klang Valley in Selangor, Perak, Penang and Johor.

Our schools in Malaysia follow the international school curriculum comprising IGCSE and A-levels, starting at the kindergarten level, while 5 of the schools also offer the Malaysian National Curriculum.

With over 8,000 students, we have a 60-year history of providing education to students in the country and have gained a reputation for excellence and high standards in education.

We champion a transformative approach to learning that goes beyond the classroom. By igniting our students' curiosity and growing their self-confidence, we empower them to become the next generation of changemakers.

ISP Malaysia is part of ISP, a global community of over 80 international schools across more than 20 countries.

Key Benefits

1. A culture of engagement and trust, where staff contributions are recognised and valued.
2. A passionate and motivated team of professionals who put children at the heart of decision-making.
3. An embedded commitment to professional development and employee well-being.
4. Access to expertise, best practice sharing and learning opportunities across countries and cultures.
5. Competitive remuneration.
6. Fee discount for children of employees.
7. Medical outpatient and insurance benefits.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Analysis

1. Oversight lead for providing guidance on month-end closing to school finance managers.
2. Review and analyse the profit & loss and balance sheet, including but not limited to deferred income account, accruals, provisions, reconciliations, revenue recognition, discretionary spending and capital expenditure.
3. Review all journal entry postings and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger and sub-ledger accounts.
4. Responsible for all communication on month-end close including calendars and Group policies.
5. Work closely with school finance managers for the preparation of monthly flash reports and act as the lead for month-end review reporting to the Group.
6. Review, update and enhance financial policies and procedures of the schools and maintain a documented system of policies and procedures.
7. Preparation of any ad-hoc reporting as and when required by the Regional Finance Director and assist in the consolidation of data required for analyses.
8. Oversee and manage the tracking of open requisitions for hiring and attrition according to Budget requirements.
9. Collaborate with the school leadership team to develop annual budgets accurately and aligned with educational goals and strategic plans.
10. Assist in the requirements for the strategic 5-year plan, as and when required.

Statutory Audit and Tax Compliance

1. Liaison lead in the management of the yearly statutory audit and tax filing.
2. Work closely with school finance managers to ensure adherence to Group policies and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) requirements.
3. Attend to all statutory audit queries in a timely manner and review proposed adjusting journal entries and reclassifying journal entries.
4. Review corporate tax computation and suggest recommendations accordingly.
5. Awareness of the double–tax treaty requirements and withholding tax ledger management.
6. Self-review, analyse and propose tax planning alongside the school finance managers.
7. Implement strict compliance procedures surrounding transfer pricing reporting and be aware of the rulings and compliance requirements of the global minimum tax regime.
8. Ensure conformity and compliance with all local regulatory requirements and deadlines.

Cashflow Planning and Working Capital Management

1. Take the lead on establishing a rhythm for cashflow reporting alongside school finance managers.
2. Standardise billing communication and timelines for the schools’ terms. Consolidate and populate credible forecasts for receivables for the financial year.
3. Establish standardised operating procedures for identifying, managing and reporting potential bad debts alongside school finance managers.
4. Work closely with school finance managers on the forecast and planning of accounts receivables and accounts payables to estimate future cashflow requirements and cash positions.
5. Manage timeline and regulatory requirements on all inter-company transactions.
6. Lead for cashflow planning and reporting to the Group.

Treasury and Insurance

1. Work with school finance managers to review and collate data for Group Insurance policy renewal including but not limited to student PA coverage.
2. Custodian for banking mandates and company documents.
3. Adherence to Group Treasury Policy and first point of contact for local banks on all treasury matters and requirements.

Finance Advisory

1. To provide financial advisory matters to the regional school finance managers where required.
2. Support the Regional Finance Director on matters pertaining to financial and tax statutory reporting, month-end review, finance controls and best practices.
3. Be up to date with key international and local regulations, including but not limited to developments in IFRS and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), transfer pricing, tax matters and treasury.
4. Champion the lead for all finance improvements and process-related changes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy/Finance and/or a professional qualification.

Experience and Skills:

1. Between 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in finance or accountancy.
2. Experience in shared services centre is highly desirable.
3. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
4. Confident, organised, highly motivated and has the passion and drive in the schools’ operations.
5. Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and maintain confidentiality.
6. Knowledge of IFRS, transfer pricing, tax and treasury-related laws and regulations.
7. Proficient with Microsoft Office, Netsuite Power BI.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All postholders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years of employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.