Head of Controllership, Singapore & Southeast Asia
Cushman & Wakefield
A global commercial real‑estate firm delivering services from leasing to asset and facilities management.
Lead finance controllership across Singapore & SE Asia, overseeing reporting, compliance & treasury
3 days ago ago
Expert & Leadership (13+ years)
Full Time
Singapore, Singapore
Office Full-Time
Company Size
52,000 Employees
Service Specialisms
Advisory & Transaction Services
Capital Markets
Corporate Solutions
Facilities Management
Global Occupier Services
Investment Management
Project & Development Services
Valuation & Advisory
Sector Specialisms
Industrial
Logistics
Public Sector
Rail
Healthcare
Hospitality
Office
Investor
Role
Description
erp implementation
financial reporting
sox controls
tax reporting
cash management
working capital
Oversee the implementation and optimization of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for financial processes and reporting.
Lead and develop finance teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and training to ensure high performance and professional growth.
Exhibit the capacity to serve as a trusted strategic collaborator, fostering robust partnerships across the business.
Proactively identify and address compliance risks to mitigate potential impacts on the business.
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.
Manage full spectrum of accounting activities and oversee statutory reporting requirements for Singapore and Southeast Asia entities.
Review and support Shared Service Centre and business units in revenue recognition documentation and educate stakeholders on revenue recognition guidelines and relevant compliance policies.
Thorough monthly Balance Sheet review and prompt corrective actions.
Conduct periodic risk assessments and implement change initiatives and process improvements to enhance operational and financial efficiencies and strengthen reporting, internal controls, and compliance.
Stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure adherence to local laws and regulations governing financial reporting and operations.
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.
Establish and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risks.
Timely submission and filing for Tax reporting (both internal and external)
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 cash management strategies to support business operations and growth initiatives.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the finance function.
Analysis of variances month-over-month and provide advice on appropriate corrective measures and accounting treatment.
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.
Manage tax planning strategies and ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations in Singapore Southeast Asia countries.
Coordinate with Global, APAC Head of Tax and external tax advisors to optimize tax efficiency while minimizing risks.
Implement audit recommendations and improvements to enhance internal controls and financial processes.
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.
Ensure data integrity and system accuracy for effective financial management and reporting.
Support Annual Operating Planning process.
Liaise closely with Division and business unit controllers, build strong relationships locally, regionally, and globally supporting ‘big picture’ financial processes.
Responsible for Treasury management and tax reporting for Singapore and Southeast Asia entities.
Collaborate with business leaders and stakeholders to provide financial insights and analysis, supporting decision-making and driving operational excellence.
Requirements
erp
cpa
mba
sox
compliance
leadership
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.
Exceptional communication (both written and oral) is necessary for liaising with internal stakeholders, external parties, and regulatory authorities.
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.
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.
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.
Possess strategic thinking skills to contribute to organizational growth through sound financial management.
Demonstrated leadership qualities, including the ability to lead and motivate teams, drive performance, and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability.
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.
Good knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance
Benefits
Career development and a promote from within culture;
The company was established in 1917, marking over a century of operation in the commercial real-estate services sector.
$9.5B in Revenue
Annual revenue generated in 2023
In 2023, the company generated over $9.5 billion in revenue, reflecting its significant presence in the global market.
$191B in Deals
Total transaction volume in 2023
The company facilitated over $191 billion in deals in 2023, showcasing its substantial influence in the real-estate market.
4.3B sq ft Managed
Global commercial space managed
The company manages over 4.3 billion square feet of commercial space worldwide, highlighting its extensive portfolio.
With operations across ~400 offices in 60+ countries, it bridges global scale with deep local market insight.
Typical projects range from agency leasing and capital-markets advisory to project development and integrated facilities management.
The firm specializes across sectors including data centers, industrial/logistics, life sciences, retail, government, and healthcare.
A standout fact: it advises marquee assets like ports, rail hubs, and sports venues.
Culture + Values
Driven – We celebrate determination. Our intrinsic motivation, proactiveness, and service attitude outperform expectations for our colleagues, clients, and communities.
Resilient – We tackle challenges with grit. We navigate uncertainty with courage and adapt to deliver impactful outcomes.
Inclusive – We value curiosity and collaboration. We seek out different perspectives, listen actively and turn feedback into solutions.
Visionary – We foster forward thinking. Our continuous quest for improvement is guided by our desire to design a better future for our colleagues, clients and communities.
Entrepreneurial – We act like owners. We are resourceful, creative, and agile, and we balance competing needs to create impactful solutions for the real estate industry.
Environment + Sustainability
43% Drop
Emissions Reduction
Achieved a significant reduction in total Scope 1 & 2 emissions since 2019.
68% Reduction
Office Emissions Efficiency
Improved energy efficiency in offices, reducing emissions per thousand sq ft since 2019.
50% Target
GHG Emission Reduction
Committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 market-based GHG emissions by 2030.
100% Renewable
Corporate Electricity
Aiming to source all electricity for corporate offices from renewable sources by 2030.
Science-based targets approved by SBTi to reach net zero emissions across the entire value chain by 2050.
Partnering with clients to set science-based targets by 2025.
52% reduction in entire value chain emissions since 2019.
Electrify vehicle fleet globally by 2035.
Waste reduction and recycling programs implemented globally by end-2024.
Single-use plastics eliminated from offices by end-2025.
Inclusion & Diversity
1,400 Veterans Hired
Military & Veteran Program
The program has successfully integrated over 1,400 veterans into the workforce as part of its commitment to supporting military talent.
1,400+ Veterans
Veteran Employment Initiative
Over 1,400 veterans have been hired through the company's dedicated Military & Veteran Program, reflecting its strong commitment to military talent.
Nine Employee Resource Groups active (e.g., Women’s Integrated Network, LGBTQ+ Integrated Network, Veterans, Parents & Caregivers Together).
Employee Resource Groups contribute to measurable inclusion via professional development, community engagement, recruitment and cultural observances.
Aiming to elevate women's representation—no specific percentage disclosed.