Financial Controller

Client: Commodity trading

Office: Town

The Asia Financial Controller will be responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting activities across the company's operations in Singapore, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Philippines. Reporting to Regional Commercial Leader and Global CFO, the role provides strategic financial leadership, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, effective cash flow management, and alignment of regional financial strategies with overall business objectives.

The position leads budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and performance analysis while driving finance systems improvements and operational efficiencies. With responsibility for approximately US$350 million in annual turnover (FY25) and a team of around 15 finance professionals, the Asia Financial Controller plays a critical role in supporting business growth, maintaining regulatory compliance, and safeguarding the financial health and sustainability of the region.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

Develop and execute the company’s financial strategy in alignment with business goals.

Act as a key advisor to the Regional Directors and trading teams on financial planning, business performance, and strategic opportunities.

Participate in corporate strategy development and decision-making processes.

Regular regional travel to local offices to drive strategy development.

Financial Management

Oversee the preparation of timely and accurate financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and monthly management accounts.

Ensure year-end audits are clean.

Coordinate with local teams to ensure compliance and timeliness.

Align with global finance leadership to ensure consistency and process standardization.

Manage budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.

Monitor key financial metrics, and benchmarks. Reporting and communicating to relevant stakeholders.

Ensure robust internal controls, financial systems, and reporting structures are in place.

Liaise with global finance leadership and the development team in HQ, London to ensure local required modifications to systems are communicated effectively and implemented correctly while maintaining consistency in global reporting.

Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and tax requirements across all entities.

Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies with risk and compliance teams based in the region and in HQ.

Continuous process review to keep up with diversification strategy of the business.

Continuous improvement mindset to ensure processes are continuously improved for quicker and better quality outcomes.

Key point of contact for Asia cashflow forecast to be included in global consolidated cashflow forecast.

Team Leadership

Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance team. Working closely with finance leaders in each country to discuss and implement strategy.

Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

CPA, ACCA, CFA, or equivalent professional qualification.

8-12 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in a finance leadership role.

Proven experience in financial strategy, budgeting, compliance, and reporting.

Strong understanding of accounting principles (local gaaps in Asia and IFRS/GAAP).

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.

Excellent leadership and interpersonal abilities.

High proficiency in financial software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.

Very good communication and stakeholder management skills.