Bukit Merah - Deputy Director, Finance HQ-RDF (I&E and ACCL)

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.

The appointed Deputy Director will supervise a team comprising Senior Assistant Director, Senior Managers/Managers and Associates on the management and administration of research development funds (RDF) for A*STAR.

• Lead and supervise the HQ-RDF (I&E and ACCL) Finance Team to handle the full set of accounts including the consolidation of Accelerate (ACCL) Group accounts, as well as budgets and operations of RDF including the review of fund requisitions and final statement of accounts for entities under Innovation & Enterprise (I&E)
• Act as effective business partners to management and key stakeholders (includes I&E Group and National Platform Co-ordinating Office (NPCO)) in providing holistic financial insights/advice from both grantor and grantee perspectives to achieve business objectives.
• Partner with key stakeholders in the set-up of finance operations for new companies, or set up of new processes to support new activities, and/or resolve ground issues
• Ensure financial, legal and regulatory compliance to governmental and audit guidelines, strong corporate governance, proper accounting and use of public resources to enhance public accountability.
• Implement new ERP system and drive digitalisation initiatives to achieve operational efficiency and optimize resource allocation and utilisation.
• Review processes for compliance with relevant A*STAR policies, procedures and guidance notes
• Liaise with Internal Auditors/External Auditors/Banks/etc

• Prepare and/or review the monthly management accounts and present financial performance at monthly management meetings
• Responsible for closing of month-end accounts as well as year-end accounts and statutory audit, and filing of statutory returns
• Ensure the timely preparation and submission of internal and external stakeholders reporting including presentation slides
• Ensure filing of corporate tax, GST returns and withholding tax returns.

• Ensure compliance with grants' terms and conditions when processing grantees' fund requests (FRs) and final statement of accounts (FSOAs)
• Monitor for timely submission of grantees' FRs and FSOAs
• Track verification status of grantees' FRs and FSOA for timely fund disbursements to grantees
• Ensure timely completion of grantees' FSOA to meet ultimate grantors' cashflow deadlines
• Monitor for timely submission of A*STAR's FRs and FSOA to ultimate grantors
• Ensure timely receipt of funds from ultimate grantors

• Handle pertinent issues, particularly recurring ones, on budget and finance related operations
• Ensure timely reporting of monthly budget utilisation status to Divisions
• Manage the annual budgeting exercise and mid-year budget review on A*STAR Research Entities' budget to be tabled at A*STAR Board-EXCO and Board meetings.
• Assess budget sustainability, taking into account amounts available for use from various fund sources. Highlight potential issues early to management.
• 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 Divisions on budget queries raised by management
• Support the 5-year RIE tranche budget exercise including preparation of data, liaising with divisions and preparing budget submission through Planning unit

• Review and update of financial policies, procedures and guidance notes, and ensure proper internal controls
• Liaise with internal auditors on all internal audit matters
• Manage audit requests from external auditors (including AGO and auditor of statutory accounts)
• Provide guidance to staff in the handling of audit queries

• Drive or involve in Whole-of-A*STAR initiatives/projects
• Provide guidance and build a cohesive high performance finance team
• Plan the training and development opportunities for staff to expand both their capacity and capability

• Any other duties assigned as required

• Background in Accountancy Degree / ACCA
• Possess at least 10 years of relevant experience
• Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills
• High learning agility and adaptability
• Able to multi-task and deliver results under tight timelines
• Meticulous, organised and resourceful
• Strong supervisory and mentorship skills
• Knowledge of SAP system and Tableau will be advantageous