Assistant Finance Manager (General Ledger and Account Receivable Functions)
Singapore
Non-Academic – Finance (Accounting CC) /
Full Time (Permanent) /
On-site
About GESS
As one of the leading international schools in Singapore, GESS is home to students from over 70 nations worldwide. We are for many families the home away from home and we are very happy that they are part of our school community which is based on mutual support and solidarity. With our language programme, we support our students to nurture this part of their identity and want to preserve the opportunity that they can grow up with multiple languages to be best prepared for an international environment. With the German International Abitur or the IB Programme they are perfectly prepared for their career after school. Our students enjoy lifelong learning and we take pride in our GESS values of respect, openness and diversity which our students will nurture in their life after school.
We were awarded with the “Deutsche Schulpreis” (German school prize) 2022, which was given to us for our extraordinary concept according to their motto “Make teaching better”. We stand out as the only German school abroad nominated for this award.
Assistant Finance Manager (General Ledger and Account Receivable Functions)
Permanent position
Do you thrive in a dynamic and multifaceted finance environment? We are seeking a capable and forward-thinking Assistant Finance Manager to join our Finance team and play a critical role in ensuring the financial sustainability, integrity, and strategic alignment of the school’s financial operations.
This role is ideal for a seasoned finance professional with strong expertise in GL reporting, AR operations, statutory compliance, audits, and process improvement, particularly within the Singapore financial and regulatory context. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully across the broad range of financial functions and digital transformation initiatives. You will work closely with the Director of Finance, internal stakeholders, and external partners to ensure financial integrity, improve operational efficiency, and support strategic decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support and assist the Director of Finance across all AR and GL functions, financial reporting, analysis, and project coordination.
- Collaborate with budget holders and team members on monthly and year-end closing activities, including schedule preparation, bank reconciliations, and outstanding item resolution.
- Manage the full year-end audit process with external auditors — prepare and review audit schedules and financial statements, resolve issues, and ensure timely audit completion.
- Compile and consolidate data for variance and trend analysis; conduct market research to support financial insights and decisions.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and analysis for senior leadership, board meetings, parent townhalls, and other key stakeholders.
- Assist in the development and implementation of digital finance/procurement templates and processes to improve operational efficiency.
- Oversee the full accounts receivable (AR) operations, including invoicing, payment tracking, credit notes/refunds, parent/student coordination, and school event financials.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, SOPs, and regulatory standards in all areas of responsibility.
- Contribute to ongoing change management initiatives, including internal control reviews, process improvements, and IT-related finance projects.
- Stay current with evolving accounting standards, tax regulations, and charity laws to assess impact on internal processes and reporting.
- Maintain clear communication with internal and external stakeholders and diligently follow up on pending matters.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial & GL Reporting
- Manage monthly and year-end closing, including schedule planning, reconciliations, journal entries, and report preparation.
- Ensure compliance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS), Charity Accounting Standards, and internal policies.
- Prepare monthly and annual financial statements, analysis reports, and board meeting materials.
Accounts Receivable (AR) Oversight
- Lead and support AR team operations: term billing, collections, refunds, and communication with parents.
- Monitor outstanding invoices, enforce collection policies, and manage AR-related risks.
Audit & Statutory Reporting
- Coordinate internal and external audits: prepare schedules, resolve queries, and finalize audited statements.
- Lead audit planning, ensure timely submission, and support improvements in internal controls.
- Handle statutory reporting for Singapore and Germany, including tax and regulatory filings (e.g., GST, WHT).
Management Reporting & Analysis
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis and management reporting on programs, trips, and school events.
- Design and implement reporting templates, dashboards, and internal approval forms.
GESS Fund & Fixed Assets
- Oversee full accounting cycle for GESS Fund including audit and reporting.
- Maintain fixed asset register, monthly depreciation, and FA reconciliation.
Internal Process & Change Projects
- Participate in pipeline projects to enhance financial systems, controls, and procedures.
- Draft new policies, streamline workflows, and support digitalization initiatives.
Cash Management & Fundraising
- Supervise all school fundraising-related finance operations and cash-handling protocols.
- Ensure compliance with charity regulations and support event-based financia processes.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; ACCA or equivalent qualification preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in finance roles, including strong GL and AR experience.
- Prior experience in external audit (CPA firm) is highly preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of SFRS, GST, WHT, and Singapore Charity regulations.
- Demonstrated success in financial reporting, audit, and internal control improvements.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, macros, data analysis), and strong proficiency in other MS Office tools.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer:
- A dynamic, collaborative, mission-driven team environment.
- Opportunities to drive impactful finance initiatives and process improvements.
- Professional development and growth in a purpose-led organization.
- Competitive remuneration and benefits.
- Contribute to ongoing process and systems improvements.
- A role that offers both strategic exposure and operational depth.
Fair Recruitment and Safeguarding: We are committed to fair recruitment practices and safeguarding the welfare of all students. We ensure that our hiring processes are free from discrimination and bias on the basis of age, nationality, gender, marital status, pregnancy status, caregiving responsibilities, race, religion, language, disability or mental health conditions. As part of our commitment to safeguarding, we conduct thorough background checks on all candidates which include criminal background checks in all countries lived and worked in for the last ten years, as well as reference checks. Any offer is subject to the satisfactory completion of such checks. Our school prioritises the safety and well-being of our students, and we expect all staff members to uphold these values.
