GROUP FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Group Financial Controller to oversee the accounting, financial reporting, treasury and financial compliance functions of our companies across Singapore, UAE (Dubai), Hong Kong and India. The successful candidate will work closely with senior management, finance teams and external professional advisers to deliver accurate reporting, strong financial controls and effective cash-flow management across the Group.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations across Group companies, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger and bank reconciliations.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and consolidated Group management accounts, including appropriate consolidation adjustments.
• Manage intercompany transactions, reconciliations and related-party balances, with complete supporting documentation.
• Manage Group cash flow, working capital, funding requirements, multi-currency transactions and foreign exchange exposure.
• Coordinate banking relationships, account administration, payments, facilities and trade finance within approved authority limits.
• Prepare annual budgets, financial forecasts, cash-flow projections and variance analysis for individual entities and the Group.
• Provide timely analysis of profitability, expenses, cash positions and financial performance to support management decisions.
• Establish and maintain financial controls, approval procedures and accounting policies; standardise reporting and month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Coordinate statutory audits and maintain complete, accurate records for tax reviews, banking requirements and regulatory reporting.
• Lead and develop finance personnel and oversee external accounting service providers across the different jurisdictions.
• Support senior management on financial planning, business expansion and investment decisions; maintain strict confidentiality of financial and commercial information.

Tax and statutory compliance Maintain a Group compliance calendar and oversee timely filings and financial statutory obligations in each jurisdiction. Coordinate local requirements with qualified accountants, auditors, tax advisers and company secretaries, review their work and escalate issues to management.

• Singapore: Oversee applicable GST returns and IRAS submissions, corporate tax reporting and financial statutory requirements.
• UAE (Dubai): Coordinate applicable corporate tax, VAT and other financial compliance requirements with local professional advisers.
• Hong Kong: Coordinate accounting, audit, profits tax and financial statutory requirements with local professional advisers.
• India: Coordinate accounting, GST, TDS, corporate tax, statutory audit and other applicable financial requirements with local professional advisers.

Required qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or Business Administration.
• At least 10 years of relevant accounting and financial management experience, preferably 10–15 years, including senior finance responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple entities, group reporting, intercompany accounts and multicurrency transactions.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, internal controls, audit processes and tax compliance management.
• Proficiency in Xero and/or other accounting or ERP systems, with strong Excel, financial modelling, budgeting and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to manage finance teams and coordinate effectively with banks, auditors, advisers and senior management.
• High integrity, sound professional judgment, strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to confidentiality.

Preferred qualifications and experience

• Professional accounting qualification such as CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA or equivalent; a relevant master’s degree would be an advantage.
• Experience overseeing companies in Singapore, UAE, Hong Kong and/or India, including coordination with local professional advisers.
• Experience in shipping, marine services, international trading, logistics or other businesses operating across borders.
• Experience improving accounting systems, implementing financial controls and streamlining closing and reporting processes