Senior Finance Manager

The Shortlist.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent communications agency in Singapore seeks a Senior Finance Lead to oversee the finance function and provide strategic financial insights. Ideal for a Finance Manager ready to step up or an Associate Finance Director, this role demands hands-on finance experience, particularly in creative agency environments. Candidates should possess 6-10 years in finance, be resilient, and show strong expertise in management accounts and budgeting. This position offers real ownership and direct involvement in business decisions.

Benefits

Real ownership and autonomy

Direct exposure to business decisions

Stable agency environment

Opportunity to grow the role over time

Qualifications

• Experience in a creative / PR / media agency environment is essential.
• Confident operating across Singapore with some Malaysia exposure.
• Able to partner closely with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day finance function and act as a financial partner to leadership.
• Manage end-to-end monthly management accounts and reporting.
• Oversee cashflow forecasting and runway planning.
• Handle budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

6-10+ years' experience in finance or accounting

Hands-on experience with Paprika

Strong on management accounts, forecasting, and EBITDA-focused decision making

Direct, resilient, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment

Commercial and pragmatic

Tools

Paprika

Job description

The Shortlist is partnering with a well-established, independent communications agency in Singapore to hire a senior finance lead.

This is a hands-on, commercially focused role for someone who enjoys being close to the detail, but also wants a seat at the table shaping how the business runs.

It’s ideal for a strong Finance Manager ready to step up, or an Associate Finance Director who enjoys operating in a lean, founder-led environment.

The role

You’ll own the day-to-day finance function and act as the main financial partner to the leadership team, including:

• End-to-end monthly management accounts and reporting
• Cashflow forecasting and runway planning
• Client profitability, WIP, and billing oversight
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Managing AR/AP and improving collections
• Working closely with the account and operations leads on margins and resourcing
• Liaising with external accountants, auditors, and tax advisors
• Helping bring more structure, visibility, and discipline to financial decision-making

This is not a “back office only” role. You’ll be close to the commercial engine of the agency.

What they’re looking for

• 6-10+ years’ experience in finance or accounting
• Proven experience in a creative / PR / media agency environment
• Hands‑on experience with Paprika (essential)
• Strong on management accounts, forecasting, and EBITDA-focused decision making
• Confident operating across Singapore, with some Malaysia exposure (or a genuine appetite to build this as the business expands regionally)
• Direct, resilient, and comfortable in a fast-paced, no-nonsense agency environment
• Commercial, pragmatic, and able to partner closely with senior leadership

Why this role

• Real ownership and autonomy
• Direct exposure to business decisions
• Stable, established agency environment
• Opportunity to grow the role over time as the business evolves

The Shortlist

At The Shortlist, we specialise in recruiting top PR and communications talent across Singapore and the wider APAC region. With over a decade in the industry, we help agencies and in‑house teams build stronger, more connected teams through thoughtful, quality‑driven hiring.

Our model is different: we work with just five clients at a time, giving each brief the focus and care it deserves. No mass CVs. No rushed placements. Just high‑touch, strategic recruitment rooted in deep industry knowledge, cultural fit, and long‑term success.

Whether you're looking to make a hire, find your next role, or reimagine your talent strategy, we're here for the big picture and the fine details.

Based in Singapore | Focused on PR & Comms | Built on partnerships

The Shortlist, operating as a business of DMCG GLOBAL PTE. LTD

EA License 23S1779