Finance Director (start-up)

RecruitFirst; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing asset management start-up in Singapore is seeking a Finance Leader to build and lead its financial infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in financial management within asset management or fintech and an entrepreneurial mindset. The role involves strategic planning, overseeing financial operations, managing capital, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This leadership position offers an exciting opportunity for those thriving in a high-growth environment.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive financial experience, with 3–5 years in a senior finance lead role.
• Experience building finance functions from the ground up in a startup or high-growth environment.
• Familiarity with fund accounting and investment operations.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the founding team to define financial strategy.
• Establish and oversee finance and accounting functions.
• Manage cash flow and fund administration.

Skills

Financial modeling

Forecasting

Capital management

Excellent communication

Mandarin proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

MBA, CPA, or CFA

Job description

We are seeking an entrepreneurial and strategic Finance Leader to join our fast-growing asset management start-up company. The incumbent will serve as a key member of the executive team, responsible for building and leading the financial infrastructure of the firm, managing capital and liquidity, overseeing fund operations, and ensuring compliance with financial and regulatory standards.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a finance executive who thrives in a high-growth, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment, and who can balance strategic vision with operational execution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance & Growth

• Partner with the founding team to define and execute the company’s financial strategy.
• Build financial models, forecasts, and investor materials to support capital raising and fund launches.
• Contribute to strategic decisions regarding fund structures, asset allocation, and new product development.
• Lead financial due diligence for possible partnerships.

Financial Operations & Infrastructure

• Establish and oversee all finance and accounting functions — from budgeting and forecasting to reporting and cash flow management.
• Build scalable financial systems and controls suitable for a growing asset management firm.
• Manage fund accounting, NAV calculations, valuations, and performance reporting.
• Implement tools and processes for efficient financial data management for transparency.

Capital, Treasury & Fund Oversight

• Oversee cash flow management, fund administration, and investor capital activity (subscriptions, redemptions, distributions).
• Maintain strong relationships with fund administrators, auditors, banks, and custodians.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Design and maintain a robust internal control framework that supports regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with legal and compliance teams to ensure the company and its funds meet all relevant financial, tax, and reporting obligations.
• Help establish governance practices, board reporting processes, and audit readiness.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and mentor a small, high-performing finance and operations team as the company scales.
• Foster a culture of financial discipline, accountability, and innovation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with investment, operations, and technology teams to drive operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; MBA, CPA, or CFA strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive financial experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior finance lead role within asset management, private equity, hedge funds, or fintech company.
• Experience building finance functions from the ground up in a startup or high-growth environment.
• Familiarity with fund accounting, capital structures, and investment operations.
• Strong proficiency in English and Mandarin (to front mandarin speaking stakeholders).
• Entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable working in an agile, lean, and evolving environment.
• Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and capital management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and investor-facing confidence.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Integrity, adaptability, and a strong sense of ownership.