Manager Accounts

**Company**: Bestar, Singapore

Bestar is a full-service accounting firm in Singapore, committed to providing comprehensive, integrated services including company incorporation, corporate secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, taxation, business software consulting, and audit to a diverse client base. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional client service and maintaining the highest professional standards as a member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Manager, Accounts & Taxation to join our growing team.

**Job Summary**:
The Manager, Accounts & Taxation will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of accounting and taxation for a portfolio of clients, ensuring compliance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) and tax regulations. This role requires a strong technical understanding of accounting and tax principles, excellent client management skills, and the ability to lead and mentor junior team members.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Client Management & Engagement**:

- Independently manage a portfolio of diverse clients, from client pitching/proposal stages to execution of accounting and tax engagements.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a primary point of contact for accounting and tax matters.
- Advise clients on complex accounting and tax implications of their business operations and transactions, identifying tax optimization strategies.
- Respond promptly and effectively to client queries.
- **Accounting & Financial Reporting**:

- Oversee and review the preparation of full sets of accounts, including financial statements (IFRS/SFRS), general ledgers, trial balances, cash flow reports, and performance analysis.
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date record-keeping of all financial activities.
- Manage month-end and year-end closing procedures.
- Coordinate with auditors and assist with audit processes.
- Prepare and review financial statements in XBRL format for submission to ACRA, as required.
- **Taxation & Compliance**:

- Prepare, review, and e-file various tax returns (e.g., Corporate Income Tax, Individual Income Tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST), Withholding Tax) in accordance with Singapore tax laws and regulations.
- Conduct tax research and stay updated on changes in tax laws and regulations, including BEPS Pillar 2 requirements where applicable.
- Conduct GST health check reviews, due diligence reviews, Assisted Self-Help Kit (ASK) reviews, and Assisted Compliance Assurance Programme (ACAP) reviews.
- Liaise with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) on outstanding issues, inquiries, audits, and investigations.
- Prepare tax reports and presentations for clients and management.
- Identify tax planning opportunities and assist clients in negotiating for tax incentives.
- **Team Leadership & Development**:

- Manage, supervise, and mentor a team of junior accounting and tax professionals, reviewing their work to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of accounting and tax processes within the firm.
- **Ad-hoc Projects**:

- Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned by senior management.

**Requirements**:

- **Educational Background**:

- Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy, Finance, or a related discipline.
- Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent) is highly preferred.
- Accredited Tax Practitioner (ATP) (Income Tax) or Accredited Tax Advisor (GST) by SCTP is an advantage.
- **Experience**:

- Minimum of 5-10 years of relevant working experience in accounting and taxation, preferably within a professional accounting firm in Singapore.
- Proven experience in managing multiple client accounting engagements independently for at least 3 years, from client pitch to finalization, audit coordination, and GST matters.
- Experience in managing and supervising a team of accounting and tax professionals.
- Familiarity with investment-related accounts and MAS incentive schemes is a bonus.
- **Skills & Competencies**:

- **Technical Expertise**: Strong knowledge of Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS/IFRS), Singapore corporate income tax, GST laws, and other relevant tax regulations.
- **Software Proficiency**: Extensive working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), particularly advanced Excel for financial reporting. Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as QuickBooks, Xero, or other accounting software is a must.
- **Analytical & Problem-Solving**: Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to interpret financial data, identify trends, and resolve discrepancies.
- **Communication**: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex financial and tax information clearly and concisely to clients and stakeholders at all levels.
- **Interpersonal &