Head of Research

Success in this role demands a strong strategic and analytical orientation coupled with exceptional communication and collaborative skills. The individual must have an enquiring mind, be well-read and well informed on issues, trends and developments in the accountancy profession and business in Singapore and beyond.As the head of department, this position leads a team in the conduct of thought leadership research in the areas of accounting and emerging business trends/issues that are of interests to our members who are accountancy and financial professionals. The incumbent will also lead in projects to influence national/policy developments with the aim to advance the Singapore’s accountancy profession and interests. The position will also manage the monthly publication of the IS Chartered Accountant journal. Your core job roles include but are not limited to the following: Insights/Research Develop, execute, oversee and co-ordinate the research / thought leadership strategy and workplans of the team which enhance the Institute’s advocacy position and ensure potential for maximum impact. Develop and maintain relations with key stakeholders from the industry so as to identify industry relevant research / thought leadership initiatives which would interest the accountancy and business community and profile the Institute as a thought leader in Singapore and the region. Partner with external organisations, universities, and relevant stakeholders to conduct studies and thought leadership initiatives in accountancy and business issues that would be of interest to the profession. Serve as one of the Institute’s lead writers, including the development of research / thought leadership reports and publications that are aligned with the Institute’s strategic objective. Regular horizon scanning & developing foresight into future trends and challenges that may impact our operating environment and of interests to the profession. Lead and manage the team to ensure the development of high-impact advocacy and research / thought leadership work, including identifying articles to be written for the IS Chartered Accountant journal on emerging business trends and developments that impacts the profession. Work closely with the Communications Department to effectively publicise the research output and ISCA’s advocacy efforts via available media and communications platforms. This also includes working with the Events Department to organise events to enable the Institute to extend its research or advocacy efforts to intended audience. Manage and perform secretariat duties for committee.IS Chartered Accountant Journal Publication Work closely with senior management and journal editorial advisory panel in setting the editorial direction as well as the editorial articles line-up for the year. Work closely with appointed vendors to manage and oversee the timely publication of each monthly issue of the journal on all digital and print channels. Identify story of interest and develop editorial content of the monthly journal to strengthen the expertise, knowledge and resources of the accountancy profession. Research and conduct regular scanning of other journal editorial content, design and layout to keep abreast of latest developments in the publication field, with the aim to proactively enhance the journal to meet diverse members’ needs. Build strategic relationships with the Big 4, academia, banks, commercial firms, and government agencies to drive relevant editorial content contribution. Develop marketing plan and outreach activities to increase awareness of the journal and drive readership of each issue of the publication. Manage and perform secretariat duties for journal editorial advisory panel/committee.Team Management Manage the maintenance of an effective department inclusive of management, coaching, and development of team members; and identifying and advising on areas for enhancement and focus. Responsible for the annual budget and manpower resource of the department.Job Requirements: Degree in Business/Economics/Statistics or related fields with at least 10 years of relevant work experience in the conduct of thought leadership business research, with 4-5 years in a leadership role. Experience with publication development will be an advantage. Keen interest in current and international affairs, and prevailing political, economic, and social trends. Curious and always on lookout for areas / topics that interest the accountancy and business community. Strong analytical, strategic, and conceptual thinking skills, with ability to grasp issues and acquire knowledge in new domains, and to analyse multiple sources of information and data to derive insights for research purpose and to make commentaries. Excellent writing and communications skills, with the ability to facilitate group discussions to harness collective intellect and value contributions, with the end goal to produce high quality reports, publications, and com