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.
- 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.Overview
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 issuesEnsure 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 ASTAR policies, procedures and guidance notesLiaise with Internal Auditors / External Auditors / Banks / etcFinancial and Management Reporting
Prepare and / or review the monthly management accounts and present financial performance at monthly management meetingsResponsible for closing of month-end accounts as well as year-end accounts and statutory audit, and filing of statutory returnsEnsure the timely preparation and submission of internal and external stakeholders reporting including presentation slidesEnsure filing of corporate tax, GST returns and withholding tax returns.Grant Management & Compliance
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 FSOAsTrack verification status of grantees' FRs and FSOA for timely fund disbursements to granteesEnsure timely completion of grantees' FSOA to meet ultimate grantors' cashflow deadlinesMonitor for timely submission of ASTAR's FRs and FSOA to ultimate grantorsEnsure timely receipt of funds from ultimate grantorsBudget and Operations
Handle pertinent issues, particularly recurring ones, on budget and finance related operationsEnsure timely reporting of monthly budget utilisation status to DivisionsManage the annual budgeting exercise and mid-year budget review on ASTAR Research Entities' budget to be tabled at ASTAR 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 approvalFollow up with Divisions on budget queries raised by managementSupport the 5-year RIE tranche budget exercise including preparation of data, liaising with divisions and preparing budget submission through Planning unitInternal Controls & Audit Management
Review and update of financial policies, procedures and guidance notes, and ensure proper internal controlsLiaise with internal auditors on all internal audit mattersManage audit requests from external auditors (including AGO and auditor of statutory accounts)Provide guidance to staff in the handling of audit queriesWhole-of-A
STAR Initiatives / ProjectsDrive or involve in Whole-of-ASTAR initiatives / projectsProvide guidance and build a cohesive high performance finance teamPlan the training and development opportunities for staff to expand both their capacity and capabilityOther Responsibilities
Any other duties assigned as requiredRequirements
Background in Accountancy Degree / ACCAPossess at least 10 years of relevant experienceStrong analytical, communication and interpersonal skillsHigh learning agility and adaptabilityAble to multi-task and deliver results under tight timelinesMeticulous, organised and resourcefulStrong supervisory and mentorship skillsKnowledge of SAP system and Tableau will be advantageous