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Head FRA Australia & New Zealand at Novartis in Selangor
Job Description
Head FRA Australia & New Zealand
Location: Selangor
Job Description Summary
The Country Head is the primary FRA representative to the Country Leadership and is a member of the ANZ Finance and Regional FRA Ops Leadership Teams. Responsible for all respective FRA activities for all Australia & NZ legal entities, while working collaboratively with function leaders as primary point of contact for all FRA matters. Apply IFRS principles in the preparation and analysis of financial statements, ensure effectiveness of controls and high quality of reporting, execute month end closing processes, advise on technical accounting matters and liaise with internal and external auditors. Responsible for various financial services, projects, and may need to design, modify, install, and/or maintain accounting systems to ensure an adequate recognition of financial transactions.
Job Description
Key Requirements:
Own the country trial balance, balance sheet integrity, reconciliations, and resolution of accounting issues to ensure accurate and compliant financial reporting.
Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities, including review and approval of financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, FCRS submissions, and management reporting.
Ensure high-quality internal and external financial reporting, including statutory reporting, government filings, and compliance with IFRS, local regulations, and Novartis Finance Core processes.
Serve as the subject matter expert for technical and complex accounting matters, including significant contracts, accounting assessments, position papers, and emerging business models.
Drive a strong controls and compliance environment through ownership of NFCM, SOX/internal controls, risk assessments, audit remediation, and proactive risk management.
Oversee ESG reporting and governance, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial and non-financial disclosures while driving continuous improvements in ESG data quality and processes.
Partner closely with the CFO, NOCCs, Tax, Group FRA, auditors, and business stakeholders to deliver effective accounting, reporting, compliance, and finance support across the organization.
Ensure accurate tax accounting and reporting by supporting statutory financial statement preparation, tax schedules, journal postings, and compliance with direct tax reporting requirements.
Lead finance transformation, process improvement, change management, and implementation of new systems, policies, and regulatory requirements to enhance efficiency, controls, and business outcomes.
Build and lead a high-performing onshore and offshore team by fostering collaboration, developing talent, driving performance, and ensuring exceptional service delivery to internal and external stakeholders.
Essential Requirements:
Qualified Chartered Accountant with 15+ years of progressive experience in financial accounting, reporting, audit, and controllership roles.
Strong technical accounting expertise, including IFRS, financial reporting, statutory compliance, tax requirements, ESG reporting, and complex accounting matters.
Extensive audit and controllership background, including Big 4/Public Accounting experience and a proven track record of maintaining a strong controls and compliance environment.
Demonstrated leadership experience in managing diverse teams and influencing senior stakeholders across a complex, multinational, matrix organization.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to drive change, manage risk, prioritize competing demands, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
Desirable Requirements:
Degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or Accounting; MBA preferred.
Experience in Shared Service Center/Global Business Services environments and strong knowledge of financial reporting systems, including SAP.
Project Management, Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certifications with experience leading transformation and productivity initiatives.
In-depth knowledge of complex accounting topics such as revenue recognition, inventory, divestitures, acquisitions, and financial process engineering.
Advanced digital and data capabilities, including advanced Excel, Microsoft Office applications, and a curiosity for leveraging AI tools and emerging technologies to improve efficiency and decision-making.
Skills Desired
Compliance SOX, Critical Thinking, Finance Transformation, Financial Accounting, Financial Accounting Analysis, Record To Report (R2R)