Assistant Director, Treasury & Governance, Office of Finance

Job Description

• Manage the consolidated and individual financial books of the University and its subsidiaries and overseas offices, ensuring compliance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) and applicable local statutory requirements.
• Lead statutory audits and filings and coordinate other reporting obligations to management, government authorities, and related agencies.
• Oversee core financial accounting functions, including general ledger, fixed assets, taxation and governance.
• Oversee the monthly and annual closing process and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
• Review audit schedules and maintain the Chart of Accounts.
• Oversee fixed asset management, including capitalisation, disposals, register maintenance, schedules, and depreciation runs.
• Review and ensure accuracy of tax submissions.
• Monitor developments in tax regulations, assess their impact on the University, and provide recommendations for tax planning.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax agents, and regulators in both Singapore and overseas jurisdictions to ensure compliance and smooth reporting cycles.
• Provide guidance on intercompany transactions, transfer pricing, and foreign exchange impacts.
• Perform valuation of investments.
• Evaluate complex accounting issues and address technical queries on financial and reporting matters.
• Develop, implement, and refine accounting policies, procedures, and controls, including guidance on new accounting treatments and transactions requiring significant judgment or estimates.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen financial policies, processes, and controls.
• Support the development of long-term financial strategies for the University and its subsidiaries.
• Conduct scenario analysis, forecasting, and modeling to inform strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate across functions to deliver analysis, insights, and efficient financial processes that support departmental objectives.
• Prepare reports, briefing papers, and presentations for senior management, the Board, and other stakeholders.
• Support and coordinate internal audit engagements across finance functions, ensuring follow-through of recommendations.
• Represent SMU in interactions with external stakeholders and collaborate with internal stakeholders on financial matters.
• Manage or support financial systems implementation and IT-related projects.
• Drive adoption of automation, digital tools, and analytics in finance processes.
• Lead finance-related and cross-departmental projects.
• Supervise and develop team members, providing guidance, training, and oversight of all reporting activities.
• Perform other ad-hoc duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in Accounting or Business with at least 10 years of relevant financial accounting experience and 5 years in a managerial position.
• Candidates with Chartered Accountant (CA) / Certified Public Accountant (CPA) would be advantageous.
• Audit experience, especially with the Big 4, would be advantageous.
• Experience in the government or education sector would be advantageous.
• Experience with overseas operations and reporting would be advantageous.
• Strong technical knowledge in accounting, well versed in FRS and its application.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex accounting issues and lead statutory audits.
• Attuned with the latest accounting and law regulations.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in SAP will be advantageous.
• Experience with data analytics and dashboarding tools will be advantageous.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of driving process improvements and strengthening governance.
• Highly motivated individual, resourceful and able to multi-task and work independently.
• Good analytical and organisation skills, able to work flexibly to lead projects and demonstrate critical thinking to problem solve.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Effective team lead in a hands-on management capacity.

• Manage the consolidated and individual financial books of the University and its subsidiaries and overseas offices, ensuring compliance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) and applicable local statutory requirements.
• Lead statutory audits and filings and coordinate other reporting obligations to management, government authorities, and related agencies.
• Oversee core financial accounting functions, including general ledger, fixed assets, taxation and governance.
• Oversee the monthly and annual closing process and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
• Review audit schedules and maintain the Chart of Accounts.
• Oversee fixed asset management, including capitalisation, disposals, register maintenance, schedules, and depreciation runs.
• Review and ensure accuracy of tax submissions.
• Monitor developments in tax regulations, assess their impact on the University, and provide recommendations for tax planning.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax agents, and regulators in both Singapore and overseas jurisdictions to ensure compliance and smooth reporting cycles.
• Provide guidance on intercompany transactions, transfer pricing, and foreign exchange impacts.
• Perform valuation of investments.
• Evaluate complex accounting issues and address technical queries on financial and reporting matters.
• Develop, implement, and refine accounting policies, procedures, and controls, including guidance on new accounting treatments and transactions requiring significant judgment or estimates.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen financial policies, processes, and controls.
• Support the development of long-term financial strategies for the University and its subsidiaries.
• Conduct scenario analysis, forecasting, and modeling to inform strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate across functions to deliver analysis, insights, and efficient financial processes that support departmental objectives.
• Prepare reports, briefing papers, and presentations for senior management, the Board, and other stakeholders.
• Support and coordinate internal audit engagements across finance functions, ensuring follow-through of recommendations.
• Represent SMU in interactions with external stakeholders and collaborate with internal stakeholders on financial matters.
• Manage or support financial systems implementation and IT-related projects.
• Drive adoption of automation, digital tools, and analytics in finance processes.
• Lead finance-related and cross-departmental projects.
• Supervise and develop team members, providing guidance, training, and oversight of all reporting activities.
• Perform other ad-hoc duties and responsibilities as assigned.