Shared Services Lead (Finance)

Role SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and hands-on Shared Services Lead (Finance) to establish and lead our new Finance Shared Service Centre (SSC) in Kuala Lumpur. This role will play a critical part in centralising and streamlining finance processes across multiple acquired businesses, driving operational efficiency, standardisation, and automation.The ideal candidate is both strategic and execution-driven — capable of assessing current finance operations, defining a future-state model, building a high-performing shared services team, and ensuring seamless transition of activities into the new SSC. This role will also lead key activities in the upcoming Finance ERP implementation, including data cleansing, migration, and process alignment.Key ResponsibilitiesShared Service Centre Setup & OperationsLead the end-to-end setup of the Finance Shared Service Centre (SSC) in Kuala Lumpur — including team design, recruitment, process transition, and governance framework.Collaborate with Group and Business Unit Finance teams to identify activities suitable for centralisation, ensuring smooth migration with minimal business disruption.Develop and implement standardised finance processes, policies, and controls across Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, and Reporting.Establish and monitor KPIs, SLAs, and performance dashboards to track service quality and efficiency.Drive a continuous improvement culture within the SSC through process optimisation, automation, and system utilisation.Finance Transformation & Process AlignmentConduct deep-dive reviews of existing finance processes across acquired entities to identify inefficiencies, risks, and opportunities for harmonisation.Define the target operating model and roadmap for finance centralisation and process standardisation.Partner with business finance leads to manage change and ensure alignment with the group finance strategy.ERP Implementation & Data MigrationAct as the finance process lead for ERP transformation — ensuring that future-state processes are aligned to system capabilities.Oversee data cleansing, mapping, and migration from legacy systems into the new ERP.Work closely with IT, project management, and finance teams to validate configurations, test workflows, and ensure readiness for go-live.Leadership & Team BuildingRecruit, train, and mentor a skilled team to manage centralised finance operations.Establish a strong service-oriented culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and excellence.Develop succession and talent development plans to build long-term SSC capability.Qualifications & ExperienceDegree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; professional qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CA) preferred.Minimum 15 years of finance experience, with at least 8-10 years in a shared service or transformation leadership role.Proven track record in setting up or scaling a finance shared service centre, preferably in a regional or multi-entity environment.Strong process design and optimisation experience across key finance functions (AP, AR, GL, Reporting).Hands-on experience in ERP implementation, including finance module configuration, data migration, and UAT.Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to operate effectively across cultures and functions.Demonstrated ability to manage change and drive standardisation in a fast-paced, evolving organisation.Key AttributesHands-on and execution-oriented mindset — willing to deep dive into details.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication and influencing abilities.Change agent who can balance structure with flexibility.Passionate about building teams and developing talent.