chief financial officer (manufacturing) (ipo).

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial strategy and operations of a high-growth manufacturing group operating across APAC Markets. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in regional finance leadership, IPO execution, and manufacturing finance management. This role is based in Malaysia and will oversee four manufacturing plants while driving the group’s IPO readiness and execution strategy in the region.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance & IPO Readiness

• Lead the company’s IPO strategy and execution, including preparation of financial disclosures, audits, regulatory compliance, and engagement with investment banks, legal advisors, and regulators.

• Develop and execute regional finance strategies aligned with long-term business objectives, supporting growth across all five markets.

• Partner closely with the CEO and Board on capital structuring, M&A opportunities, and investor relations.

Financial Operations & Control

• Oversee full spectrum of financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, treasury, tax, accounting, and compliance across all APAC entities.

• Ensure robust financial controls, reporting accuracy, and timely closing across multiple jurisdictions.

• Drive cost optimization, working capital efficiency, and financial performance improvement across the regional manufacturing footprint.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and mentor a regional finance team across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia (example markets).

• Build relationships with local regulatory bodies, auditors, tax authorities, and financial institutions across the region.

• Serve as a key member of the executive team, contributing to cross-functional strategic initiatives and regional governance.

Manufacturing Plant Oversight

• Provide financial oversight and performance tracking of four manufacturing plants across the region.

• Collaborate with plant leadership to optimize operational cost structures, CAPEX investments, and supply chain efficiency.

• Evaluate and support expansion, automation, and lean manufacturing initiatives from a financial perspective.

Requirements

• Professional qualification: ACCA, CPA, CIMA or equivalent; MBA is an advantage.

• Minimum 15 years of experience in finance, with at least 5 years in a regional CFO role in a manufacturing environment.

• Proven track record of leading IPO processes, preferably in the APAC region.

• Strong understanding of cross-border taxation, FX exposure, treasury, and regional regulatory frameworks.

• Experience managing multi-plant manufacturing operations and regional finance teams.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Willingness to travel regionally as required.

Preferred Attributes

• Prior experience working with private equity or investor-backed companies.

• Familiarity with IFRS, listing requirements in key APAC exchanges (SGX, HKEX, Bursa Malaysia, etc.).

• Strong commercial acumen with a hands-on approach in driving operational performance.