Job Title
Head of Controllership, Singapore & Southeast AsiaJob Description Summary
As the Head of Controllership for Singapore & Southeast Asia, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and regulatory compliance of our operations in the region. You will lead a team of finance professionals, guiding them in financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance processes. This role requires a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of regional financial regulations. You should possess a comprehensive understanding of the company’s business model to offer impartial viewpoint and contribute constructively to operational strategies and efficiencies.Job Description
About the role
The Head of Controllership, Singapore & Southeast Asia provides Financial Leadership to the following businesses:
Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, as direct Financial Controller
Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines – overseeing local Finance team
Financial Reporting & Compliance
Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc financial statements in compliance with local regulations, US GAAP, and international accounting standards.
Manage full spectrum of accounting activities and oversee statutory reporting requirements for Singapore and Southeast Asia entities.
Analysis of variances month-over-month and provide advice on appropriate corrective measures and accounting treatment.
Thorough monthly Balance Sheet review and prompt corrective actions.
Tax Planning & Compliance and Treasury
Responsible for Treasury management and tax reporting for Singapore and Southeast Asia entities.
Manage tax planning strategies and ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations in Singapore Southeast Asia countries.
Timely submission and filing for Tax reporting (both internal and external)
Coordinate with Global, APAC Head of Tax and external tax advisors to optimize tax efficiency while minimizing risks.
Cash Flow Management
Drive working capital optimization and improve cashflow, DSO & DPO. Implement initiatives and controls to improve working capital with a focus on reduction in managing credit risks.
Implement cash management strategies to support business operations and growth initiatives.
Internal Controls & Risk Management
Establish and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risks.
Conduct periodic risk assessments and implement change initiatives and process improvements to enhance operational and financial efficiencies and strengthen reporting, internal controls, and compliance.
Responsible for successful implementation and ongoing compliance with Sarbanes Oxley Act financial controls.Transform the control environment around regulatory reporting. Take remediation actions in a timely manner.
Budgeting & Forecasting
Support Annual Operating Planning process.
Business Partnering
Collaborate with business leaders and stakeholders to provide financial insights and analysis, supporting decision-making and driving operational excellence.
Liaise closely with Division and business unit controllers, build strong relationships locally, regionally, and globally supporting ‘big picture’ financial processes.
ERP System Management
Oversee the implementation and optimization of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for financial processes and reporting.
Ensure data integrity and system accuracy for effective financial management and reporting.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead and develop finance teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and training to ensure high performance and professional growth.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the finance function.
Review and support Shared Service Centre and business units in revenue recognition documentation and educate stakeholders on revenue recognition guidelines and relevant compliance policies.
Audit Management
Coordinate audits with internal and external auditors, ensuring compliance with audit requirements and timely resolution of audit issues.
Timely submission and filing of audited financial statements.
Implement audit recommendations and improvements to enhance internal controls and financial processes.
Regulatory Compliance
Stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure adherence to local laws and regulations governing financial reporting and operations.
Proactively identify and address compliance risks to mitigate potential impacts on the business.
Mergers & Acquisitions Support
Provide financial expertise and analysis during M&A activities, including due diligence, integration, and post-merger financial reporting.
Support strategic decision-making related to acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate transactions.
About You
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is often required. Advanced degrees such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification is often desired, demonstrating a high level of expertise in accounting principles and practices.
Extensive experience in Finance leadership for Singapore and Southeast Asia business, managing geographically dispersed teams (including shared services centre) with in-depth understanding of financial regulations, taxation laws, and business practices is essential.
Exceptional communication (both written and oral) is necessary for liaising with internal stakeholders, external parties, and regulatory authorities.
Demonstrated leadership qualities, including the ability to lead and motivate teams, drive performance, and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability.
Possess strategic thinking skills to contribute to organizational growth through sound financial management.
Exhibit the capacity to serve as a trusted strategic collaborator, fostering robust partnerships across the business.
Demonstrate commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles.
Cross-cultural competence and adaptability are valuable assets for financial controller working in the region.
Proficiency in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for financial management, reporting and analysis is often required.
Adept at identifying financial challenges, developing innovative solutions, and implementing effective strategies to address them. Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks/activities simultaneously.
Good knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements and experience ensuring adherence to local laws and regulations governing financial reporting and operations in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Good knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance
Why join Cushman & Wakefield?
As one of the leading global real estate services firms transforming the way people work, shop and live working at Cushman & Wakefield means you will benefit from;
Being part of a growing global company;
Career development and a promote from within culture;
An organisation committed to Diversity and Inclusion
We're committed to providing work-life balance for our people in an inclusive, rewarding environment. We achieve this by providing a flexible and agile work environment by focusing on technology and autonomy to help our people achieve their career ambitions.
We focus on career progression and foster a promotion from within culture, leveraging global opportunities to ensure we retain our top talent. We encourage continuous learning and development opportunities to develop personal, professional and technical capabilities, and we reward with a comprehensive employee benefits program.
We have a vision of the future, where people simply belong.
That's why we support and celebrate inclusive causes, not just on days of recognition throughout the year, but every day. We embrace diversity across race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or persons with disabilities or protected veteran status.