About The Role

We are hiring a Head of Finance to lead the entire finance function at Vertical Institute.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You will own financial accuracy, cash discipline, claims recovery, controls, and reporting - while building a high-performing finance team.

You will lead the existing finance team and work closely with the CEO and General Manager on financial clarity and decision-making.

What You Will Own

1. Financial Accuracy & Discipline

Ensure 100% accuracy and timeliness across:

Payroll
Vendor payments
Instructor payments
Internal settlements
Close monthly accounts on time with clean reconciliations
Maintain strong internal controls and audit readiness

2. Cash Flow & Claims Management

Own end-to-end SkillsFuture and government claims tracking
Ensure strict claims and cash flow discipline
Implement a weekly claims follow-up cadence with clear escalation
Provide visibility on receivables, cash runway, and risk

3. Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure full compliance with:

CPF
MOM requirements
Contracts and statutory obligations
Maintain and enforce finance SOPs and checklists
Proactively surface financial or compliance risks early

4. Reporting & Decision Support

Produce clear, decision-useful financial reports for:

CEO
GM
Department heads
Translate numbers into insights, not just reports
Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning

5. Team Leadership & Capability Building

Lead, coach, and develop the finance team
Set clear roles, standards, and accountability
Ensure work is properly tracked, closed, and documented
Reduce dependency on individuals through systems and processes

What We're Looking For

Must-haves

Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Finance, or a related field, and / or a recognised professional qualification (e.g. ACCA, CA, CPA, or equivalent)
8-12+ years of experience in finance, accounting, or controllership roles
Prior experience leading a finance team
Strong operational discipline with proven ability to close loops and enforce controls
Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, execution-focused environment
Able to engage confidently with senior leadership and present financial insights clearly
Hands-on experience is essential - this role is not suitable for candidates who are purely advisory or non-operational.

Strong advantages

Experience with:

Government grants or SkillsFuture-style claims
Education, training, or regulated industries
High-volume transactional finance environments
Experience building or tightening finance processes in a growing company

How Success Is Measured

You will be evaluated on:

Accuracy and timeliness of financial operations
Claims recovery speed and ageing
Absence of compliance issues or surprises
Quality and clarity of reporting
Strength, reliability, and independence of the finance team

This is not a role for someone who only reports numbers.
It is for someone who runs a function.

Working Style & Culture Fit

This role suits someone who:

Takes ownership without being chased
Is calm, structured, and decisive
Escalates early and clearly
Values integrity, accountability, and execution discipline

Why Join Us

Direct exposure to senior leadership and company-level decisions
Opportunity to shape finance governance at scale
Clear accountability and high standards
Flat, young and dynamic culture