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.

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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

• 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

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

• 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