Senior Assistant Director, Finance (Financial and Statutory Reporting)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector R&D agency in Singapore is seeking a finance professional to oversee revenue recognition, GST compliance, and financial reporting for joint operations. The ideal candidate should thrive in a dynamic environment and possess strong initiative. Responsibilities include ensuring accounting accuracy, managing audit deliverables, and supporting ERP migration. This role is crucial in maintaining financial integrity and compliance while driving process improvements.

Qualifications

• Strong initiative and proactive approach to financial governance.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in financial reporting and revenue recognition.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accurate revenue recognition and compliance.
• Lead GST preparation, review, and submission.
• Drive financial reporting for joint operations.

Skills

Financial governance

Revenue recognition

GST compliance

Audit readiness

Process improvements

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.

We are seeking a finance professional to lead key reporting functions across revenue recognition, GST compliance, and financial reporting for joint operations under an ARES-wide shared services model. This role is instrumental in ensuring financial integrity and statutory compliance, while driving process improvements and leveraging technology to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency.

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, demonstrates strong initiative, and adopts a proactive approach to financial governance. The role also contributes to the ongoing ERP migration and UAT efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Recognition

• Oversee accurate and timely revenue recognition in accordance with SFRS and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure alignment with accounting cut-offs and recognition principles to reflect actual financial performance.
• Work with stakeholders to assess revenue triggers, resolve classification issues, and strengthen audit readiness.

GST Compliance

• Lead the preparation, review and submission of quarterly GST returns, ensuring full IRAS compliance.
• Maintain the integrity of GST classifications and reconciliations across entities and cost centres.
• Monitor tax developments and assess their impact on financial workflows and controls.

Financial Reporting for Joint Operations

• Drive the timely preparation of financial statements and schedules in accordance with SFRS.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external counterparts to validate entries and inter-company transactions.
• Prepare and manage audit PBC deliverables; liaise with auditors to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Oversee tax compliance by working with tax agents to ensure timely and accurate statutory submissions.

Month-End Close and Statutory Compliance

• Ensure complete and timely period-end close for assigned entities or functions.
• Review accounting schedules and support external audit and filing obligations.
• Uphold financial governance and contribute to relevant policy development.

People Management

• Supervise and develop team members; provide clear expectations and professional guidance.
• Foster a strong control environment and culture of continuous improvement.

Ad-hoc Projects

• Support cross-functional initiatives requiring financial input or compliance review.
• Identify opportunities for process automation and reporting efficiency.
• Contribute to ERP migration and UAT by supporting testing, issue resolution, and adoption planning.