Senior Assistant Director, Finance (RDF - BMRC)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is seeking a Senior Assistant Director to lead the Finance Team in managing research development funds. This pivotal role entails overseeing budget processes, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and acting as a business partner to management. The ideal candidate has a background in Accountancy, strong analytical skills, and the ability to thrive under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Possess at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Meticulous, organised and resourceful.
• Strong learning agility and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the HQ-RDF Finance Team.
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts.
• Ensure compliance with grants' terms and conditions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Supervisory skills

Education

Accountancy Degree / ACCA

Tools

SAP

Tableau

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 Senior Assistant 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/or achieve 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 5 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