Senior Assistant Director, Finance (Finance Partner)

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 society. 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.

Finance Partner is to work alongside A.STAR Research Entities (ARES) to provide financial services/advice within a Shared Services operating environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

General

• Oversee all financial aspects of the research entities (RIs) that is/are assigned.
• Responsible for client facing and addressing queries by the RIs.
• Ensure internal controls and financial procedures are in compliance with A.STAR Financial Policy and Procedures (FPP).
• Liaise with RIs in providing financial insights/advice to achieve business objectives.
• Liaise with key management of the RIs on fund management.
• Analyse and provide financial information to senior management.
• Focus on continuous improvements and lead improvement initiatives.
• Supervise and oversee staff.

Annual Budgeting Exercise

• Coordinate with RIs for the annual budgeting exercise and work on the budget plan.

Fund Management

• Monitor all funds received by the RIs.
• Collaborate with RIs to analyse and forecast budget utilisation.
• Review the fund structure for all funds under the RIs and guide staff to enable management reporting.

Financial and Management Reporting

• Analyse monthly management accounts and present financial performance at monthly management meetings.
• Prepare Audit Committee (AC) presentation slides and conduct the presentation during AC meeting.
• Work with council colleagues to provide overall insights on financials of research entities.
• Liaise with other finance colleagues on closing of month-end / year-end accounts, statutory audit and annual tax filings.
• Liaise with Internal Auditors/External Auditors/Tax Agents, when required.

Others

• Identify and understand business challenges propose solutions and lead improvement initiatives.
• Oversee and provide guidance to staff.
• Ad hoc tasks as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Possess at least 8 years of relevant experience in financial planning and analysis, as well as financial operations and reporting.
• Strong analytical, communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High learning agility and adaptability.
• Able to multi-task and deliver results under tight timelines.
• Knowledge of SAP system will be advantageous.
• Involvement in system automation projects will be advantageous.