Senior Accountant

Purpose of Job

The Senior Accountant position is a critical role within the Singapore HQ Finance team, pivotal to supporting the company's strategic initiatives and Group financial information system. This role is responsible for overseeing management accounting and reporting functions, driving process and system improvements, and spearheading finance-related projects. The Senior Accountant ensures the integrity of financial data, compliance with internal controls, and alignment with organizational goals. Expertise in Group Consolidation, Deferred Tax Reconciliation, and Intercompany Matrix will be a key asset in supporting our expanding finance function.

Job Duties

• Leadership in Process Improvement: Lead and manage finance-related process and systems enhancement projects, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the implementation of best practices.
• Process and Policy Oversight: Develop, implement, and maintain finance-related processes and policies. Ensure compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements and provide guidance on complex accounting issues, particularly in Group Consolidation and Intercompany Transactions.
• Group Consolidation & Elimination: Manage group consolidation processes, including the elimination and consolidation of financial results from regional companies. Experience in deferred tax reconciliation and handling intercompany matrix is a plus.
• Advanced Financial Analysis: Conduct in-depth gross profit margin analysis for various projects, offering strategic insights and recommendations to optimize financial performance with meaningful dashboard.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the budgeting and forecasting processes, including preparation of Annual Budget and Quarterly Rolling Forecasts and conducting related financial analysis. Ensure forecasts are aligned with business objectives and market conditions.
• FP&A Analysis: Perform margin analysis by product, market, and customer segments to provide insights on financial performance. Prior FP&A experience will be a distinct advantage.
• Month-End Closing and Reporting: Oversee and review the preparation of journals and financial statements for month-end closing. Ensure timely and accurate submission of month-end closing reports and group management reports.
• Process Review and Optimization: Evaluate and enhance processes related to Debtors Collection, Payments to Creditors, and Inventory Movement to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Variance Analysis and Commentary: Provide comprehensive commentaries on variance analysis, highlighting significant issues and areas for improvement. Present findings to senior management and recommend actionable solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate and business partnering with other departments and teams on routine and ad-hoc tasks and projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and effective communication.
• External Liaison: Coordinate and liaise with external auditors, tax agents, corporate secretarial agents, and local tax and government authorities. Manage external relationships and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
• Strategic Support: Lead and support strategic finance initiatives and ad-hoc projects as assigned. Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff, fostering their professional development.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a senior accountant or leadership role within a corporate environment.
• Strong experience in Group Consolidation, including the elimination and consolidation workstream for regional companies, and handling Intercompany Transactions.
• Knowledge of Deferred Tax Reconciliation is highly preferred.
• Prior experience in budgeting, forecasting, and related financial analysis is required.
• FP&A experience in margin analysis by product, market, and customer is highly preferred.
• Proven track record in leading process improvement initiatives and implementing system enhancements related to finance functions.
• Experience in coordinating audits and working with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance.
• Hands-on experience with month-end closing processes, variance analysis, and financial statement preparation for management and external reporting.
• Prior experience in preparing and reviewing Quarterly Rolling Forecasts and providing strategic financial insights for senior management.
• In-depth knowledge of internal controls and compliance requirements in financial reporting.
• Strong background in gross margin analysis and financial modelling to support strategic decision-making.
• Fluent in English and Chinese, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to work with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CA (Chartered Accountant), and/or CPA is required.
• Additional certifications like CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) will be considered a plus.

Other Requirements:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (pivot tables, advanced formulas, macros, etc.).
• Experience with ERP systems such as BC (Business Central) or other financial software tools is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) or IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) for financial reporting.
• Knowledge of financial reporting tools and systems to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Understanding of taxation and regulatory requirements for both local and international operations.

KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THE JOB: (Core & Behavioural)

Core Competencies:

These are the essential technical and professional skills needed for the role.

• Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and mentor junior staff, manage projects, and drive performance improvements within the finance team.
• Financial Expertise: Deep knowledge of financial reporting, management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Technical Accounting Skills: Proficient in accounting principles (GAAP/IFRS), financial reporting systems, and ERP software such as Business Central (BC).
• Internal Controls & Compliance: Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements, with the ability to maintain robust internal controls and ensure financial integrity.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to conduct complex financial analysis, including margin analysis, variance analysis, and financial modelling to identify business trends and areas for improvement.
• Strategic Insight: Ability to translate financial data into strategic insights and provide recommendations to senior management to support business goals and drive profitability.

Behavioural Competencies:

These are the personal attributes and interpersonal skills needed for the role.

• Detail-Oriented & Meticulous: A keen eye for detail and accuracy in all financial reports and accounting activities, ensuring that all data is correct and reliable.
• Proactive & Results-Oriented: A strong drive to identify opportunities for improvement and take initiative in solving problems and implementing solutions.
• Organized & Time-Management Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively, manage multiple deadlines, and maintain high productivity in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Chinese to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Ability to think critically and creatively to solve complex financial issues, make data-driven decisions, and propose actionable solutions.
• Collaborative & Team-Oriented: Ability to work effectively within a team, supporting colleagues and collaborating across departments to achieve organizational objectives.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing business needs and handle new challenges, demonstrating flexibility in a dynamic work environment.