Assistant Finance Manager (General Ledger and Account Receivable Functions)

German European School Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A unique educational institution in Singapore is seeking a Finance Manager to support the Director of Finance with key responsibilities across accounting functions, financial reporting, and audits. This is a significant role that requires strong leadership, advanced analytical skills, and compliance with Singaporean financial regulations, aimed at enhancing the school's financial operations and transparency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in finance roles.
• Prior experience in external audit (CPA firm) highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of SFRS, GST, WHT and charity regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage all AR and GL functions and financial reporting.
• Coordinate audits and statutory reporting for Singapore and Germany.
• Oversee full accounts receivable operations and cash management.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Data Analysis

Accounting Standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

ACCA or equivalent qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MS Office

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

- Support and assist the Director of Finance across all AR and GL functions, financial reporting, analysis, and project coordination.

- Collaborate with budget holders and team members on monthly and year-end closing activities, including schedule preparation, bank reconciliations, and outstanding item resolution.

- Manage the full year-end audit process with external auditors — prepare and review audit schedules and financial statements, resolve issues, and ensure timely audit completion.

- Compile and consolidate data for variance and trend analysis; conduct market research to support financial insights and decisions.

- Prepare reports, presentations, and analysis for senior leadership, board meetings, parent townhalls, and other key stakeholders.

- Assist in the development and implementation of digital finance/procurement templates and processes to improve operational efficiency.

- Oversee the full accounts receivable (AR) operations, including invoicing, payment tracking, credit notes/refunds, parent/student coordination, and school event financials.

- Ensure compliance with internal policies, SOPs, and regulatory standards in all areas of responsibility.

- Contribute to ongoing change management initiatives, including internal control reviews, process improvements, and IT-related finance projects.

- Stay current with evolving accounting standards, tax regulations, and charity laws to assess impact on internal processes and reporting.

- Maintain clear communication with internal and external stakeholders and diligently follow up on pending matters.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial & GL Reporting

- Manage monthly and year-end closing, including schedule planning, reconciliations, journal entries, and report preparation.

- Ensure compliance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS), Charity Accounting Standards, and internal policies.

- Prepare monthly and annual financial statements, analysis reports, and board meeting materials.

Accounts Receivable (AR) Oversight

- Lead and support AR team operations: term billing, collections, refunds, and communication with parents.

- Monitor outstanding invoices, enforce collection policies, and manage AR-related risks.

Audit & Statutory Reporting

- Coordinate internal and external audits: prepare schedules, resolve queries, and finalize audited statements.

- Lead audit planning, ensure timely submission, and support improvements in internal controls.

- Handle statutory reporting for Singapore and Germany, including tax and regulatory filings (e.g., GST, WHT).

Management Reporting & Analysis

- Conduct cost-benefit analysis and management reporting on programs, trips, and school events.

- Design and implement reporting templates, dashboards, and internal approval forms.

GESS Fund & Fixed Assets

- Oversee full accounting cycle for GESS Fund including audit and reporting.

- Maintain fixed asset register, monthly depreciation, and FA reconciliation.

Internal Process & Change Projects

- Participate in pipeline projects to enhance financial systems, controls, and procedures.

- Draft new policies, streamline workflows, and support digitalization initiatives.

Cash Management & Fundraising

- Supervise all school fundraising-related finance operations and cash-handling protocols.

- Ensure compliance with charity regulations and support event-based financia processes.

Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; ACCA or equivalent qualification preferred.

- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in finance roles, including strong GL and AR experience.

- Prior experience in external audit (CPA firm) is highly preferred.

- Strong working knowledge of SFRS, GST, WHT, and Singapore Charity regulations.

- Demonstrated success in financial reporting, audit, and internal control improvements.

- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, macros, data analysis), and strong proficiency in other MS Office tools.

- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.