Head of Finance
About Vertical Institute
Vertical Institute is a leading Singapore-based AI training provider focused on equipping working professionals with in-demand, career-advancing skills. We focus on artificial intelligence and other emerging, high-impact technologies, with a strong emphasis on real-world application over theory.
We are a Registered Training Provider (RTP) with SkillsFuture Singapore, and have trained tens of thousands of professionals across both individual and corporate programmes, including partnerships with government agencies and enterprises.
Our mission is to help individuals and organisations stay relevant and competitive in an AI-driven economy. We design and deliver practical, hands-on courses that equip professionals with immediately applicable skills that drive real outcomes at work.
We are a fast-growing organisation that values ownership, speed, and continuous improvement. If you are excited about shaping how AI transforms work and education, you will find strong alignment here.
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- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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