Summary

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 recognized by many accountancy organizations: ISCA, ACCA, CPA Australia, and ICAEW. 

Job Description

The appointed Senior Manager/Manager will supervise a small team of Senior Associates/ Associates on the management and administration of research development funds (RDF) for A*STAR.

Budgeting

• Manage the annual budgeting exercise, medium term expenditure budget review for submission to parent Ministry and or to be tabled at A*STAR Management meetings, Board-EXCO and Board.
• 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.
• Ensure timely reporting of monthly budget utilisation status to Councils and Divisions.
• 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.
• Provide finance inputs to project funding papers to grants funding agencies

Reporting and Business Partnering

• 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.

Operations

• 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.
• Involve in month-end and financial year-end closing activities
• Drive digitalisation initiatives to achieve operational efficiency and optimise resource allocation and utilization. (e.g. new ERP system, Grants system enhancements, management reporting dashboard, RPA and etc).
• Other tasks e.g. Accounts Payable duties like vendor management.

 Internal Controls and Audit Management

• Ensure timely submission of grant audit reports by grantees in accordance with A*STAR Grant Audit Framework (for A*STAR grants) / NRF's Enhanced Positive Affirmation Framework (for NRF grants).
• 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.

Others

• Provide support to projects
• Any other tasks assigned

Requirements

• 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
• Open to Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs)