Head of Finance

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