Senior Manager / Manager, Finance (HQ-RDF I&E and ACCL) - Bukit Merah

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 finance-related management and administration of Accelerate and its Group as well as research development funds (RDF) for A*STAR.

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation and processing of Account payables, Account receivables, Intellectual Property (IP) revenue distribution, bank reconciliation and intercompany confirmations. This includes reviewing and approving journals raised by Senior Associates / Associates among other things.
• Ensure timely and accurate closing of month-end and financial year-end accounts.
• Prepare monthly management reports and budget utilisation reports, as well as financial year-end audit schedules.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of statutory and tax filings including GST, withholding tax and annual returns.
• Liaise with Internal and External Auditors/Tax Agents/Corporate Secretary/Banks/subsidiary accountant including ensuring timely update of bank mandate, etc
• Prepare consolidated financial statements for the Accelerate Group and materials for audit committee meetings

• 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.
• Drive digitalisation initiatives to achieve operational efficiency and optimise resource allocation and utilization.
• Other tasks e.g. Accounts Payable duties like vendor management.

• Manage the annual budgeting exercise and mid-year budget review.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Provide support to projects
• Any other tasks assigned

• 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