Assistant Director (Finance & Planning)

Role Overview

The Assistant Director, Finance & Planning role focuses on steering key finance operations, financial governance, budgeting, reporting and sustainability planning for NIEC. This position combines hands-on operational oversight with broader leadership responsibilities across accounts payable, general ledger, fixed assets, staff claims, statutory reporting, forecasting and audit coordination.

Finance Operations

You will be responsible for ensuring that vendor and staff payments are processed accurately and on time, while keeping finance operations aligned with internal policies and controls.

• Supervise activities across Accounts Payable, General Ledger, Fixed Assets, staff claims and month-end closing to maintain efficiency and compliance.
• Examine and sign off on selected high-value, sensitive or complex transactions after review by assistant managers or executives.
• Offer operational finance advice and guidance when needed.
• Support closing activities, reconciliations and the preparation of management and statutory reports.
• Assess workflows and control measures to improve accuracy, efficiency and governance.
• Guide and support finance team members on operational and reporting matters.

Financial Closing and Statutory Reporting

The role also ensures that financial records are maintained promptly and shared accurately with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Lead monthly close processes and review reporting submissions to NTU, management and other stakeholders for completeness, accuracy and timeliness.
• Assist in preparing quarterly and annual financial results for management, the Audit Committee and the Board when required.
• Review annual financial reports and audited statements for Audit Committee and Board approval, and coordinate with internal and external auditors on audit matters.
• Oversee regulatory and statutory submissions such as GST returns, annual statutory accounts, Charity Portal filings and Department of Statistics submissions, ensuring deadlines and requirements are met.
• Provide practical support for General Ledger and reporting work, including direct involvement in finance operations in a lean team environment.
• Improve reporting processes, governance controls and workflows to strengthen audit readiness and operational effectiveness.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Sustainability

You will help manage NIEC’s financial resources prudently and support planning that contributes to long-term sustainability.

• Drive the annual budgeting and forecasting cycle, including consolidation, review and analysis of submissions from divisions and campuses.
• Support sustainability planning through analysis of spending trends, projections and cost drivers.
• Prepare financial analyses, variance commentary and budget recommendations for management and ExCo.
• Carry out costing reviews for CPD courses, programmes, projects and other strategic initiatives to support decision-making.
• Assist the Director in reviewing cost structures and financial trends, and recommend ways to improve efficiency, optimise resources and support long-term sustainability.

Financial Governance

This position supports the Audit Committee in meeting its fiduciary responsibilities and helps ensure finance policies and processes remain compliant and effective.

• Support the Director on Audit Committee matters, including meeting coordination, paper preparation, audit follow-ups and action tracking.
• Work with auditors and internal stakeholders on internal and external audit issues and remediation tracking.
• Review and enhance finance SOPs, internal controls and governance processes to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Promote continuous improvement in finance governance, reporting and operational workflows.

Other Duties

• Lead or support finance projects and transformation efforts, including system upgrades, process redesign and new workflow implementation.
• Assist with finance planning, reporting and institution-wide initiatives.
• Gradually take on procurement governance responsibilities related to policy alignment, stewardship and review of selected procurement matters where needed.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Director, Finance & Procurement or senior management.

Requirements

• A degree in Accountancy, Finance or a related field, with at least 8 to 10 years of relevant experience in finance, accounting or audit.
• Solid experience in financial operations, budgeting, reporting and governance.
• Background in supervisory, review or operational leadership roles will be an advantage.
• Experience in the public sector, Institutes of Higher Learning or other publicly funded organisations is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of core finance areas such as reporting, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, budgeting, forecasting, audits and internal controls.
• Good understanding of accounting standards and financial governance requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational abilities.
• Capability to handle both day-to-day finance work and broader strategic/governance responsibilities.
• Ability to refine, simplify and improve financial processes and workflows.
• Highly accurate, thorough and comfortable with hands-on work when needed.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work across all levels of stakeholders.
• Able to work independently and exercise sound judgement in a fast-moving environment.
• Demonstrates strong ethics, professionalism and accountability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with accounting or ERP platforms such as SAP would be an added advantage.

Perks and Benefits

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Opportunities for learning and professional growth.
• Comprehensive benefits, including attractive leave schemes, flexible benefits and dental coverage.

Contract Note

New hires will initially be placed on a two-year contract. Any renewal, and any move to a permanent appointment, will depend on sustained good performance.

Selection Note

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.