Chief Accountant

Job Description

The Chief Accountant is responsible for overseeing hotel accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, audit coordination, and compliance with Malaysian regulations and Shangri-La policies. Candidates should hold a degree or professional qualification in accounting, finance, or a related discipline, with relevant experience in hotel finance or a similar environment. Strong knowledge of accounting standards, internal controls, taxation, payroll, and financial systems is expected. The role requires leadership, accuracy, confidentiality, analytical ability, and excellent communication skills. The successful candidate will support senior management with reliable financial information, strengthen controls, meet reporting deadlines, and lead the finance team effectively in a fast-paced hospitality setting.

Company Info

Shangri-La Group is a prominent luxury hospitality company founded in Hong Kong, operating hotels, resorts, and related businesses across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and other international markets. Its portfolio includes the Shangri-La, Kerry, JEN, and Traders brands, serving leisure and business travellers. Shangri-La properties are known for personalised service, comfortable accommodation, extensive dining facilities, wellness offerings, and event services. In Malaysia, the group operates well-established hotels and resorts in destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, and other major locations. Employees typically work in a multicultural environment with structured operational standards, professional development opportunities, and a strong focus on guest experience. Finance leaders are expected to balance commercial performance with compliance, sound governance, and the company’s service-oriented culture.

Destination Guide

Malaysia offers varied opportunities in hospitality, tourism, finance, technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Island-based work is especially common in Penang, Langkawi, Tioman, Redang, and parts of Sabah, where resorts, restaurants, diving centres, and tourism businesses employ both skilled professionals and operational staff. Malaysian culture is multicultural, combining Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, with English widely used in business and hospitality. Lifestyle ranges from lively urban centres to relaxed beach communities, although island living may involve higher prices, fewer services, and seasonal employment patterns. Foreign nationals generally need an employer-sponsored Employment Pass, with the hiring company managing approval and immigration procedures; dependants may require separate passes. Before relocating, candidates should confirm accommodation, transport, insurance, tax treatment, medical facilities, and whether the position is based on an island or mainland resort.