Job Description

The Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO) will serve as a key advisor to the Chairman, Presidents of subsidiary companies, and other members of the Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, the GCFO will drive the financial strategy for Taylor’s Education Group, ensuring financial health and supporting the Group’s long-term strategy. 
Providing strategic leadership in all financial matters, including planning and analysis, capital management, budgeting, accounting, treasury, tax, and risk management, the GCFO will navigate the complexities of different institutions while driving financial discipline and innovation to support growth and sustainability. Additionally, the GCFO will play a crucial role as a strategic advisor to the executive board, providing expert financial insights and guidance on investments and growth opportunities to support decision-making and advance the firm’s objectives. 

1.    Financial Strategy
•    Craft and lead the implementation of TEG financial strategies in alignment with the Group’s vision and strategy
•    Collaborate closely with senior leadership to identify strategic priorities, evaluate opportunities, trade-offs and drive investment decisions as part of the Investment Committee
•    Support M&A activities from target identification to deal management, negotiation and integration planning.
•    Offer strategic counsel to the Board, Group Executive Chairman, and leadership team regarding financial resource allocation to maximize impact
2.    Finance Business Partnering and Leadership
•    Collaborate with the Presidents and institutional CFOs to identify core business drivers, and use that to evaluate business and operating models and help them transform where required
•    Partner with the Chief People Officer to help align financial resources and goals of the organization with the talent strategy
•    Leverage networks and financial expertise to devise robust capital structure to further the strategic priorities of the Group and the institutions
•    Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) of institutions to track progress towards financial goals and value creation targets
•    Support strategic growth initiatives, including market expansion, partnerships, and innovation.
•    Identify opportunities for performance improvement and implement initiatives to drive growth and profitability.
3.    Budgeting and Forecasting
•    Spearhead the Group-wide financial budgeting process, leveraging data-driven insights and compelling rationale to influence financial decision-making at all levels of the organization.
•    Establish and oversee the monitoring and forecasting of financial performance, promptly identifying variances and deviations from targets, and instituting corrective actions as necessary.
4.    Treasury Management
•    Direct the institution's treasury function, encompassing liquidity management, capital structure optimization, and debt financing.
•    Develop and implement treasury policies and procedures to ensure streamlined cash management and effective risk mitigation.
5.    Purchasing and Procurement:
•    Lead the purchasing and procurement function, optimizing processes and nurturing vendor relationships to drive cost savings and operational efficiencies.

6.    Financial Planning, Analysis & Reporting
•    Define the overarching financial analysis approach and modelling facilitating strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
•    Ensure robust financial controls and procedures organization-wide to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
•    Oversee the timely and accurate preparation of financial reports for both internal and external stakeholders, including management reports, financial statements, and regulatory filings.
7.    Risk Management
•    Work with the Risk Committee to lead the strategic risk review process and evaluate risks related to liquidity, credit, market and operational factors that could impact the organization’s health
•    Implement risk mitigation strategies, be it hedging and diversification and internal controls to ensure ethical business conduct, and regulatory compliance
•    Lead the risk reporting process to the Board of Directors, Risk Committee, leadership team and other key stakeholders while regularly monitoring for risk indicators to detect early warning signs
8.    Finance Transformation
•    Spearhead the review, modernization and optimization of all finance process with a focus on automation and lean processes that drive expedient decisions, approvals and
•    Foster the growth of a high-performing finance team, offering guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development.
•    Lead by example in promoting a culture of excellence and collaboration within the department.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

•    Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
•    Professional Certifications: CPA, CMA, CFA, or equivalent certifications are highly desirable.
•    Experience:
a)    Minimum of [10-15] years of experience in senior financial leadership roles, preferably  within a similar industry.
b)    Experience with capital raising and working with private equity investors
c)    Experience of leading or being a key contributor in merger and acquisitions transactions in the ASEAN region, with a track record of successfully leading and executing complex deals.
•    Technical Proficiency: Expertise in financial software and systems; strong knowledge of GAAP/IFRS.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

•    Demonstrated ability to align financial strategies with the company’s business objectives
•    Comprehensive knowledge of the services or regulated industries, financial principles, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and derive actionable insights.
•    Proficient in financial modelling, valuation and forecasting methods to support decision-making processes.
•    Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to break down and convey financial information clearly and effectively to diverse group of stakeholders.
•    Demonstrated ability to navigate ethical challenges and make principled decisions in complex situations.
•    Ability to analyse market conditions and economic trends to make informed financial decisions.

Job Requirements