Director of Finance

Overview

The Director of Finance is a senior level role and a key member of the school’s extended leadership team. This role acts as the deputy to the CFO and is responsible for overseeing the financial health, compliance, and strategic financial planning of Singapore American School.

The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing all activities of the Finance Department. This includes running the operations of the finance department, maintaining the accounting system, building the annual budget, monitoring the school’s spending and cash flow, managing the school’s investment portfolio, overseeing the school’s treasury activity and preparing communications to the board, finance committee and investment advisory committee of the school.

Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Financial Operations Management

• Lead long-term financial planning, forecasting, modeling, and capital planning initiatives
• Oversee budgeting, accounting, auditing, procurement, and cash flow management
• Continuously improve financial systems and processes for efficiency and scalability
• Provide business support and financial guidance to all school divisions and departments, including budgeting support, policies and procedures, and financial systems

Financial Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and local regulatory requirements
• Prepare board-level financial reporting, participate in board committee meetings and provide any other support as required
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports

Budget and Cost Controlling

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with department heads, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and financial well being of the school
• Provide insightful financial analysis to inform decision-making and resource planning
• Oversee the approved school budget by reviewing the month-to-date and year-to-date actuals versus forecast and anticipate, explain and manage any variances

Treasury and Portfolio Management

• Monitor and manage cash flow and working capital
• Liaise with the school’s bankers on loan arrangements and investments, if needed.
• Ensure compliance with treasury management policies and bank covenants
• Oversee the school’s investment portfolio and reserve funds, ensuring alignment with policy, risk tolerance, and long-term financial objectives under the guidance of the Investment Advisory Committee (IAC)
• Collaborate with external advisors to monitor performance, rebalance assets, and maintain compliance with investment guidelines
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Superintendent, CFO, Board, Finance Committee and IAC on portfolio status and strategy

Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Maintain robust and transparent internal controls and financial governance frameworks
• Lead and manage internal and external audit processes. Coordinate and liaise with external auditors to facilitate the school’s and SAS Foundation’s annual financial audit
• Ensure full compliance with all internal policies and procedures and external statutory obligations (e.g. CPE, IRAS, and ACRA)
• Support enterprise risk management and insurance oversight

Procurement, Contract Management, Payments

• Coordinate all school procurement activities including consistent process implementation,
• Review and approve contracts, in accordance with the school’s delegation of authority framework

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team
• Foster a collaborative culture of accountability, integrity, and innovation
• Champion professional development and succession planning within the team

The above job description is only indicative of the broad set of duties and responsibilities. Distribution of tasks is assigned by the supervisor. Other tasks may be assigned on the job, as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Position Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 10 years of relevant work experience;
• Professional qualification in accounting (CPA or equivalent) and/or prior experience in a big 4 auditing company preferred;
• Experience in financial reporting and sound knowledge of Singapore tax and statutory regulations;
• Strong English communication skills, both written and oral;
• Strong computer literacy, including SAP S4 Hana, Microsoft Office and Google suite;
• Strong expertise in FRS (incl. hedge accounting, financial assets, lease);
• Experience leading, motivating and managing teams;
• Experience with development and implementation of policies & procedures; and
• Experience working in an international, multicultural environment and educational market.

Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Leadership and Influence: Proven track record of building high-performing teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving cross-functional initiatives.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to align financial strategy with the school’s long-term vision, anticipating future challenges and opportunities. Proactive in driving continuous operational improvements that enhance efficiency, scalability, and value for stakeholders.
• Analytical Rigor: Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis to support strategic planning and resource optimization. Strong ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and KPIs, and guide evidence-based decision-making across departments.
• Excellent Communication: Clear, persuasive communicator with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• Content Expertise: Deep knowledge of accounting and finance practices and Singapore’s regulatory and tax environment.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to work in a diverse multicultural, goal-oriented, and deadline-driven environment.