Senior Associate - Data Scientist

Accountant-General's Department; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A Singapore government agency is seeking an experienced Data Analyst to work on advanced analytics and AI initiatives. The role includes conducting exploratory data analysis, building AI/ML models, and engaging with finance officers to translate business needs. Candidates should have strong competencies in Python, SQL, and data analytics, with at least two years of relevant experience. This opportunity contributes to public sector finance transformation and aims to enhance decision-making across government teams.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years’ experience in data analytics or related field with stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for analytical workflows.
• Understanding of data governance, privacy, and security principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct exploratory data analysis on government finance datasets.
• Build AI/ML model prototypes for financial anomaly detection.
• Engage with stakeholders to translate business needs into technical specifications.

Skills

Data analytics

Machine learning

Python

SQL

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Tertiary or professional qualifications in AI, Data Science, Applied Computing, Information Systems, Analytics

Job description

What the role is:

You will be part of the AGD Finance Data & Analytics (FDA) directorate, working on advanced analytics and AI initiatives that enhance fraud detection, identify anomalies, and support decision-making across government Finance and Internal Audit teams. You will help develop AGD's data science best practices by building analytical capabilities, contributing to strategic projects, and collaborating with team members to enable data-driven decisions that strengthen finance stewardship and governance and contribute to public sector finance transformation.

What you will be working on:

• Exploratory analysis and model prototyping: Conduct exploratory data analysis on government finance datasets and build AI/ML model prototypes and proof‑of‑concepts for financial anomaly and fraud detection predictive analytics using statistical methods and advanced analytical techniques.
• Feature Engineering & model validation: Apply feature engineering and validate model performance, and prepare for stakeholder queries about methodology and business impact.
• AI/ML Pipeline Development: Build Python and SQL workflows for exploratory analysis and AI/ML proof‑of‑concept development; create data transformations and quality checks for analytical datasets during model development phases; work with internal/external stakeholders to define requirements for enterprise pipeline integration when transitioning POC solutions to production.
• Technical partnership: Provide technical critique and business requirement validation for vendor‑delivered analytical solutions in collaboration with data solutions/infrastructure teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with finance officers and internal auditors across agencies to identify analytical opportunities and translate business needs into technical specifications, and present findings tailored to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge sharing: Provide ongoing technical support, user training and knowledge transfer for deployed analytical solutions.

What we are looking for:

Functional/Technical Competencies

• Tertiary or professional qualifications in AI, Data Science, Applied Computing, Information Systems, Analytics or a related field.
• At least 2 years’ experience in data analytics, data science, or related field with demonstrated intermediate‑level capabilities and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for analytical workflows with demonstrated ability to apply statistical analysis tools.
• Applied knowledge of machine learning concepts with ability to develop, validate, and explain model outputs to diverse audiences.
• Understanding of data processing and analytical workflows within enterprise platform constraints.
• Familiarity with data visualization principles and ability to communicate insights effectively.
• Understanding of enterprise platform constraints and ability to design solutions that leverage shared organizational capabilities.
• Fresh graduates are welcomed.

Generic Competencies

• Strong problem‑solving abilities with capacity to synthesise various data points and make sound judgements about analytical approaches.
• Self‑motivated to upgrade technical skills and stay current with rapidly evolving AI/ML/data science technologies, actively seeking learning opportunities for professional growth.
• Effective communication skills to present findings to diverse audiences and collaborate across technical teams, building positive relationships within and across agencies.
• Understanding of data governance, privacy, and security principles with meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality deliverables.
• Ability to work effectively in governed environments while adapting to changing requirements and maintaining focus on delivery objectives.

You will be notified whether you have been shortlisted within 4 weeks from the closing date of this job posting.

About Accountant-General's Department

The Accountant‑General’s Department (AGD) plays an important role in making Singapore a better place through Finance. At AGD, we aim to be a future‑ready leader in transforming Public Sector finance by putting finance at the heart of our decision‑making. We do this through building a strong foundation in providing robust financial systems and processes that serve key stakeholders including our pensioners, vendors and the public sector. Our team of accounting professionals work at AGD and are deployed to the public agencies to deliver a wide range of financial and accounting‑related services to the Public Service. Together we play a critical role in helping the Government achieve its fiscal and economic objectives through sound stewardship and governance.