Deputy Director, Finance (HQ-RDF)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Deputy Director to lead its finance team. This role involves managing research development funds, ensuring compliance, and providing financial insights to stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accountancy and at least 8 years of relevant experience. You will drive digitalization initiatives and implement new ERP systems to enhance operational efficiency. Join a dynamic organization that values innovation and professional growth, making a significant impact on the economy and society in Singapore.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of relevant experience in finance and accounting.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance team to manage accounts and budgets effectively.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and guidelines.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Supervisory Skills

Organizational Skills

Adaptability

Education

Accountancy Degree

ACCA Certification

Tools

SAP

Tableau

MS Office

Job description

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore?s lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. A*STAR?s research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.

A*STAR is recognised by many accountancy organisations: Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) for the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), a Recognised Employer Partner with CPA Australia and others. It reaffirms our commitment to excellence in professional development, and to fostering the growth of our employees in the field of Finance and Accounting.

The appointed Deputy Director will supervise a team comprising of Senior Managers/Managers as well as Senior Associates/Associates on the management of research development funds for A*STAR Statutory Board.

Overview

• Lead and supervise the HQ-RDF Finance Team to handle the full set of accounts and budgets for A*STAR, including the review of fund requisitions and final statement of accounts for entities under Councils, Innovation & Enterprise, Research Office, A*STAR Graduate Academy, Corporate Group, etc.

• Ensure financial, legal and regulatory compliance to governmental and audit guidelines, strong corporate governance, proper accounting and use of public resources to enhance public accountability.

• Act as effective business partners to management and other stakeholders in providing financial insights/advice to achieve business objectives

• Liaise with Internal Auditors/External Auditors/Banks/etc

• Implement new ERP system and drive digitalisation initiatives to achieve operational efficiency and optimize resource allocation and utilisation.

Financial and Management Reporting

• Prepare and/or review the monthly management accounts and present financial performance at monthly management meetings

• Responsible for closing of financial year-end accounts and statutory audit

• Ensure the timely preparation and submission of internal and external stakeholders reporting including presentation slides

Grant Management & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with grants? terms and conditions when processing fund requests (FRs) and final statement of accounts (FSOAs)

• Monitor for timely submission of FRs and FSOAs by grantees and by A*STAR as grantor

• Track verification status of FRs and FSOA for timely fund disbursements to grantees

• Ensure timely submission of grant audit reports by grantees in accordance with A*STAR enhanced grant audit framework (for A*STAR grants) / NRF?s Enhanced Positive Affirmation Framework (for NRF grants)

• Perform system enhancements to iGrants to strengthen internal controls and/orachieve operational efficiency

Budget

• Handle day-to-day issues on budget funding, virements and process approved budget virements in SAP

• Ensure timely reporting of monthly budget utilisation status to divisions

• Manage the annual budgeting exercise and mid-year budget review on cash budget for submission to MTI, and A*STAR Research Entities' budget to be tabled at A*STAR Board-EXCO and Board meetings.

• Assess budget sustainability, taking into account amounts available for use from various fund sources. Highlight potential issues early to management.

• Review and query submitted budget requests from divisions, consolidate the budget requests and present the annual operating budget to management for approval

• Follow up with divisions on budget queries raised by management

• Support the MTI?s 5-year RIE tranche budget exercise including preparation of data, liaising with divisions and preparing budget submission through Planning unit

• Manage and monitor the funding of the Corporate Group budget, advising Management on potential issues and actions to be taken

• Manage and monitor the Overheads funding available and usage of Overheads

Internal Controls & Audit Management

• Review and update of financial policies and SOPs, ensure proper internal controls

• Liaise with internal auditors on all internal audit matters

• Manage audit requests from external auditors (including AGO and auditor of statutory accounts)

• Provide guidance to staff in the handling of audit queries

Whole-of-A*STAR Finance Initiatives/Projects

• Drive or involve in Whole-of-A*STAR Finance initiatives/projects, including implementation of new ERP project

• Provide guidance and build a cohesive high performance finance team

• Plan the training and development opportunities for staff to expand both their capacity and capability

Other Responsibilities

• Any other duties assigned as required

Requirements

• Background in Accountancy Degree / ACCA

• Possess at least 8 years of relevant experience

• Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills

• High learning agility andadaptability

• Able to multi-task and deliver results under tight timelines

• Meticulous, organised and resourceful

• Strong supervisory and mentorship skills

• Proficient in MS Office applications

• Knowledge of SAP system and Tableau will be advantageous

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.