Senior Manager / Manager, Finance (HQ-RDF SERC)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading R&D agency in Singapore is seeking a Senior Manager/Manager to oversee research development funds. The role includes budgeting, reporting, operations, and ensuring internal controls. Candidates should hold an accountancy qualification, have at least 3 years of relevant accounting experience, and possess strong analytical and communication skills. Knowledge of finance tools like SAP S4 Hana and Power BI is advantageous. This position offers a chance to contribute to impactful research initiatives in Singapore.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant accounting experience, preferably managing a small team.
• Strong analytical, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a small team on the management and administration of research development funds.
• Manage the annual budgeting exercise and review submitted budget requests.
• Prepare monitoring reports and act as a business partner to stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Resourcefulness

Education

Qualification in Accountancy/ ACCA

Tools

SAP S4 Hana

Tableau

Power BI

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. 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.

Job Description

The appointed Senior Manager/Manager will supervise a small team of Senior Associates/ Associates on the management and administration of research development funds (RDF) for A*STAR.

Budgeting

• Manage the annual budgeting exercise, medium term expenditure budget review for submission to parent Ministry and or to be tabled at A*STAR Management meetings, Board-EXCO and Board.
• 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 respective stakeholders to address budget queries raised by management.
• Ensure timely reporting of monthly budget utilisation status to Councils and Divisions.
• Support the MTI's 5-year Research Innovation and Enterprise tranche budget exercise including preparation of data, liaising with divisions and preparing budget submission through Joint Planning Hub/Policy and Planning Division.
• Provide finance inputs to project funding papers to grants funding agencies

Reporting and Business Partnering

• Prepare the grants management monitoring reports monthly and present regularly at management meetings.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of internal and external stakeholders reporting including presentation slides.
• Act as effective business partner to management and other stakeholders in providing financial insights/ advice to achieve business objectives.

Operations

• Review and approve payment, billing and receipts journals raised by Senior Associates / Associates.
• Prepare fund requisitions (FRs) and final statement of accounts (FSOAs) of projects grants for submission to grantor.
• Review FRs and FSOAs submitted by grantees.
• Track verification status of FRs and FSOA for timely fund disbursements to grantees.
• Ensure timely submission of FRs and FSOAs by grantees and by A*STAR to other funding agencies.
• Involve in month-end and financial year-end closing activities
• Drive digitalisation initiatives to achieve operational efficiency and optimise resource allocation and utilization. (e.g. new ERP system, Grants system enhancements, management reporting dashboard, RPA and etc).
• Other tasks e.g. Accounts Payable duties like vendor management.

Internal Controls and Audit Management

• Ensure timely submission of grant audit reports by grantees in accordance with A*STAR Grant Audit Framework (for A*STAR grants) / NRF's Enhanced Positive Assurance Framework (for NRF grants).
• Liaise with internal and external auditors/tax agents/corporate secretary/banks/ etc on all matters.
• Review processes to be in compliance with Government IMs and policies and A*STAR's Financial Policies, Procedures and Guidance Notes.

Others

• Provide support to projects
• Any other tasks assigned

Requirements

• Qualification in Accountancy/ ACCA
• Preferably at least 3 years of relevant accounting experience, with experience in managing a small team of finance staff
• Strong analytical, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• High learning agility, adaptability and perseverance
• Able to multi-task and deliver results under tight timelines
• Meticulous, organised and resourceful
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Knowledge of SAP S4 Hana and Tableau/Power BI will be advantageous