Assistant Director, Treasury

**COMPANY DESCRIPTION**

Singapore Management University is a place where high-level professionalism blends together with a healthy informality. The 'family-like' atmosphere among the SMU community fosters a culture where employees work, plan, organise and play together - building a strong collegiality and morale within the university.

Our commitment to attract and retain talent is ongoing. We offer attractive benefits and welfare, competitive compensation packages, and generous professional development opportunities - all to meet the work-life needs of our staff. No wonder, then, that SMU continues to be given numerous awards and recognition for its human resource excellence.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- This position is for Office of Finance (OFIN).
- Manage the consolidated and individual financial books of the University and its subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) and applicable local statutory requirements.
- Lead statutory audits and filings and coordinate other reporting obligations to management, government authorities, and related agencies.
- Oversee core financial accounting functions, including general ledger, fixed assets, taxation and governance.
- Oversee the monthly and annual closing process and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
- Review audit schedules and maintain the Chart of Accounts.
- Oversee fixed asset management, including capitalisation, disposals, register maintenance, schedules, and depreciation runs.
- Review and ensure accuracy of tax submissions.
- Monitor developments in tax regulations, assess their impact on the University, and provide recommendations for tax planning.
- Liaise with external auditors, tax agents, and regulators in both Singapore and overseas jurisdictions to ensure compliance and smooth reporting cycles.
- Provide guidance on intercompany transactions, transfer pricing, and foreign exchange impacts.
- Perform valuation of investments.
- Evaluate complex accounting issues and address technical queries on financial and reporting matters.
- Develop, implement, and refine accounting policies, procedures, and controls, including guidance on new accounting treatments and transactions requiring significant judgment or estimates.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen financial policies, processes, and controls.
- Support the development of long-term financial strategies for the University and its subsidiaries.
- Conduct scenario analysis, forecasting, and modeling to inform strategic decision-making.
- Collaborate across functions to deliver analysis, insights, and efficient financial processes that support departmental objectives.
- Prepare reports, briefing papers, and presentations for senior management, the Board, and other stakeholders.
- Support and coordinate internal audit engagements across finance functions, ensuring follow-through of recommendations.
- Represent SMU in interactions with external stakeholders and collaborate with internal stakeholders on financial matters.
- Manage or support financial systems implementation and IT-related projects.
- Drive adoption of automation, digital tools, and analytics in finance processes.
- Lead finance-related and cross-departmental projects.
- Supervise and develop team members, providing guidance, training, and oversight of all reporting activities.
- Perform other ad-hoc duties and responsibilities as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- A Degree or professional qualification in Accounting or Business with at least 10 years of relevant financial accounting experience and 5 years in a managerial position.
- Audit experience, especially with the Big 4, would be advantageous.
- Experience in the government or education sector would be advantageous.
- Experience with overseas operations and reporting would be advantageous.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve complex accounting issues and lead statutory audits.
- Attuned with the latest accounting and law regulations.
- Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Knowledge and hands-on experience in SAP will be advantageous.
- Experience with data analytics and dashboarding tools will be advantageous.
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of driving process improvements and strengthening governance.
- Highly motivated individual, resourceful and able to multi-task and work independently.
- Good analytical and organisation skills, able to work flexibly to lead projects and demonstrate critical thinking to problem solve.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
- Effective team lead in a hands-on management capacity.

**OTHER INFORMATION**
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