Strategic Finance Director

Job Description The Finance Lead serves as the key financial leader supporting the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, providing strategic financial leadership and business partnering to support sound decision-making and the Faculty’s strategic priorities. The role leads a finance team in financial planning, analysis, resource management and performance reporting, providing forward-looking insights to faculty and central leadership. It partners closely with academic and administrative leaders to strengthen financial management, optimise the use of resources and evaluate the financial implications of key programmes and initiatives. The Finance Lead also oversees financial governance, internal controls, gift fund management, and the continuous improvement of finance systems and processes. Through strong people leadership and collaboration with faculty and central stakeholders, the role drives financial excellence, operational efficiency and sustainable value for the Faculty. Key Responsibilities Strategic Finance & Business Partnering: Present and communicate critical financial matters to faculty and central leadership, providing forward-looking insights to support strategic planning, resource allocation and decision-making. Financial Planning & Resource Management: Lead annual budget planning, forecasting, variance analysis and resource allocation, ensuring effective and sustainable use of financial resources. Financial Analysis & Insights: Provide financial analysis, scenarios and business insights to support programme, project and operational decisions, and monitor key financial and operating performance indicators. Finance Business Partnering: Partner with faculty and departmental leaders to strengthen financial management, fund utilisation and accountability, and provide advice on financial matters within the faculty. Financial Reporting & Governance: Oversee timely and accurate financial reporting, maintain financial integrity and compliance, and strengthen internal controls, risk management and accountability. Process & Transformation: Lead continuous improvement of finance processes, systems and reporting to improve efficiency, data quality and the timeliness of financial insights, and contribute to central finance-led transformation initiatives. Long-term Financial Planning: Support long-term financial projections and scenario planning to inform strategic priorities and sustainable resource planning. Gift Finance: Oversee the proper recording, utilisation and reporting of donations in accordance with donor intent and University requirements. Systems & Data: Develop and maintain effective financial data and costing processes, and provide business requirements and financial insights to support improvements to University finance systems and reporting. People Leadership: Lead, motivate and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning and high performance. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field; MBA, CPA, or CFA qualifications are advantageous. Over 15 years of progressive experience in finance, with a strong focus on financial planning, strategy development, and financial analysis. Proven track record in people leadership, with the ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performing teams. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; able to convey complex information clearly, concisely, and persuasively to diverse audiences. Self-motivated, resourceful, and collaborative, with the ability to build strong working relationships across business functions. Strong project and change management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Proficient in leveraging data analytics and technology tools to deliver effective FP&A outcomes. Solid working knowledge of IFRS, business processes, and internal controls. The position is only open to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.