Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Finance leader (6+ years) with end-to-end ownership of budgeting, forecasting, statutory tax compliance, and audit readiness for a multi-million-ringgit businesses. Proven track record of driving 20%+ revenue growth, achieving 15% cost savings, and securing government incentives. Recognized for strong analytics, deal and investment evaluation, cross-functional collaboration, and leading compliance initiatives, risk management, and digital transformation projects. Adept at delivering insight-driven forecasts, coaching teams, and thriving in high-growth environments.
• Finance lead for Malaysia; key liaison with Singapore Regional Finance and UK Group Finance on reporting, compliance matters, and group requirements. • Deliver month-end close within a 3-working-day deadline to meet group reporting upload timelines; ensure timely cut-off, reconciliations, and review readiness. • Manage SST and withholding tax (WHT) compliance, including documentation and treatment for intercompany/cross-border recharges within the group. • Strengthened compliance by standardizing governance over stamp duty, driving Malaysia’s e-Invoice readiness through vendor evaluation and stakeholder alignment, and implementing a staff claims policy to streamline submissions and enhance control. • Led Malaysia migration from local accounting software to a group-standard ERP platform (used by finance and non-finance users); coordinated stakeholders, process mapping, UAT, and rollout.
• Led audit-readiness and compliance programs for a 72-room property, strengthening internal controls and executing corrective action plans that cut external audit fees by 15%. • Generated RM60k in annual tax savings by applying advanced tax-planning techniques acquired through professional seminars, directly enhancing net profitability. • Managed end-to-end budgeting, forecasting, and monthly financial reporting for a 3-star hotel, supplying data-driven variance analyses that ensured regulatory compliance, optimized resource allocation, and sustained operational efficiency. • Administered payroll, employee benefits, and maintained accurate personnel records while ensuring compliance. • Supported HR policy updates and employee engagement initiatives to align with evolving business needs • Secured multiple government grants and incentives for digital-transformation and renovation projects, expanding available capital and accelerating key strategic initiatives.
• Spearheaded a cross-functional task force that elevated the hotel’s star rating from 2 to 3 star status in just four months, boosting RevPAR and total revenue by 20%. • Optimized cash-flow performance by overhauling A/R and A/P workflows—shortening collection cycles, reducing aged receivables, and safeguarding liquidity for ongoing operations and strategic investments. • Directed multiple CapEx initiatives, including a property-wide Wi-Fi upgrade, driving a 10% uptick in guest-satisfaction scores and increasing repeat-booking rates. • Negotiated and cultivated high-impact partnerships with leading OTAs, delivering 35% year-overyear revenue growth and broadening the property’s revenue mix. • Oversaw end-to-end statutory reporting - SST, income tax, and related contributions, ensuring 100% compliance with all regulatory deadlines and requirements. • Served as the company’s delegate to MYBHA forums and events, deepening industry relationships and enhancing competitive market positioning.
• Shortened the monthly close cycle by 20%, producing high-quality financial reports that enabled faster, data-driven decisions by senior leadership. • Conducted rigorous technical research on evolving hospitality accounting standards, guaranteeing continual compliance with the latest regulatory mandates. • Acted as the primary liaison for external auditors, coordinating all audit activities across internal departments to ensure seamless, issue-free engagements.
- Communicated audit issues and proposed process improvements to senior associates and managers, enabling the team to deliver high quality audits and resolve client issues. - Assessed audit risks by analyzing financial statements, then prepared tailored budgets and coordinated across teams to compile polished reports for management. - Produced comprehensive working papers documenting audit tests, findings, supporting evidence, and conclusions to support audit opinions. - Demonstrated diligence and attention to detail by thoroughly completing audit documentation in compliance with department standards.