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.
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 Affirmation 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
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