Director, Finance

Summary

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. ASTAR’s research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.

A*STAR is recognised by many accountancy organisations: ISCA, ACCA, CPA Australia and ICAEW. It reaffirms our commitment to excellence in professional development, and to fostering the growth of our employees in the field of Finance and Accounting.

Job Summary

Senior public finance leader with deep experience overseeing multi‑billion‑dollar budgets, statutory board financial governance, and Whole‑of‑Government compliance. The Director reports to the Chief Financial Officer and will be responsible for overseeing the ASTAR Statutory Board Operations and ASTAR Research Development Fund Budgets and related governance.

• Oversee A*STAR Statutory Board finance operations, ensuring strong governance, consistent application of financial policies, and reliable reporting back to Ministry and Senior Management and proper controls across entities.
• Stewardship of A*STAR’s Research Development Fund budgets as grantor and implementing agency, overseeing planning, utilisation, liquidity and compliance with MTI/MOF budget requirements (e.g. cash budget framework) to ensure disciplined use of public funds and continuity of research funding.
• Oversee reporting of A*STAR cash budget / budget awarded/commitment and retained earnings, RIE 5 years block budgets, mid-year and final-year financial reporting to Senior Management, Audit Committees, Board-EXCO, Board and to Ministry.
• Oversee A*STAR engagement with internal and external audits (including AGO) and driving timely closure of audit findings to strengthen controls and institutional resilience.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Finance or Accountancy with a professional accounting qualification
• Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in public sector finance (i.e. Director and above for Statutory Boards and/or Ministries), leading budget returns, execution and financial reporting.
• Strong understanding of WOG Financial Governance Frameworks, including MOF budget requirements, audit expectations and public accounting standards.
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across Ministries, Board, Councils and Central Agencies.
• Ability to thrive in high-stakes environments, driving strategic initiatives independently while collaborating across stakeholders.
• Open to Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs)