Business Controller (Food & Beverage)  

Job Purpose:

Business Controller is responsible to oversee the end-to-end financial management of our New Food & Beverage Business. This role is critical in ensuring financial excellence across operations, supporting business growth, and delivering insights that drive performance. Business Controller will act as a strategic business partner, balancing strong financial control with an entrepreneurial mindset to scale the business sustainably.

This role will work closely with cross-functional teams to align financial strategies with operational goals, ensuring both profitability and operational efficiency.

Principal Accountabilities:

Financial Strategy & Planning:

  • Lead the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting cycles for both our F&B Business operations.
  • Develop and implement financial models to assess new store openings, pricing strategy, marketing ROI, and business expansion plans.

Operational Expenditure (OPEX) Management:

  • Monitor and control operating expenses to ensure alignment with budgets and cost-efficiency goals.
  • Work with operations teams to analyze the cost (e.g., labour, utilities, food cost) and recommend cost optimization strategies.
  • Track store-level performance and advise on actions to improve unit-level profitability.

Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) & Asset Management:

  • Oversee CAPEX planning and execution for new outlets, refurbishments, equipment purchases, and kitchen upgrades.
  • Ensure proper tracking, budgeting, and ROI evaluation of all capital projects.
  • Collaborate with project and procurement teams to ensure efficient asset procurement and lifecycle management.

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

  • Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Conduct variance analysis, trend reviews, and risk assessments to guide corrective actions.
  • Maintain P&L accountability for both brands, including consolidated reporting for management and board meetings.
Internal Controls & Compliance:
  • Ensure adherence to financial policies, accounting standards, tax regulations, and audit requirements.
  • Develop and enforce financial SOPs across F&B operations.
  • Liaise with external auditors, tax consultants, banks, and legal advisors as required.

Business Partnering & Cross-Functional Support:

  • Act as a finance business partner to Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and HR teams and other relevant departments to drive performance.
  • Support vendor negotiations, supply chain planning, and franchise-related financial analysis.
  • Guide finance support for promotions, loyalty programs, and delivery platform partnerships.
  • Collaborate with HQ Finance and other departments for consolidated reporting and business alignment.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management:

  • Monitor daily cash flow and working capital requirements.
  • Manage banking relationships, merchant settlements, and fund allocations across outlets.
  • Optimize liquidity and ensure adequate funding for operational and capital needs.

Ad-hoc Responsibilities:

  • Support any ad-hoc tasks, special assignments, or projects as requested by the superior or the company.
  • Remain flexible to support cross-company initiatives, internal events, audits, or urgent business priorities as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, professional qualification (ACCA, CPA, CIMA) is a strong advantage.

Experience:

  • Minimum 6–8 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
  • Prior experience in F&B, QSR (Quick Service Restaurants), or multi-outlet retail is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of F&B operations and cost structures.
  • Analytical mindset with excellent financial modelling and reporting skills.
  • High attention to detail, integrity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across functions and levels.
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Personal Data Protection:

Mesra Retail & Café Sdn Bhd ("MESRA") is fully committed to the protection of Personal Data and compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (“Act”). Mesra Retail & Café Sdn Bhd ("MESRA") assures that any Personal Data collected, stored, processed and used for the purpose of this registration/application shall comply with the requirements of the Act and only be used within Mesra Retail & Café Sdn Bhd ("MESRA"). We ensure that the data you submit to us remains confidential and is used for the purposes stated in the data privacy.

  Employment Type:  Permanent (Full Time)

  Min. Education:  Degree

  Spoken Language:  Malay, English

  Written Language:  Malay, English