Job Description
We are seeking an accomplished and highly strategic Financial Controller to lead the full finance function for our client's Singapore operations within the dynamic real estate development and investment sector.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will provide critical operational finance leadership and strategic insight. A primary mandate of this role is to spearhead the financial readiness for a potential REIT listing, manage the migration of all finance operations from HQ to Singapore, and establish robust, corporate-level financial processes, controls, and policies aligned with group standards.
The ideal candidate possesses significant exposure to corporate finance, M&A activities, complex joint ventures, and possesses the proven ability to lead high-stakes transformation projects in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership & Business Partnering
- Act as a key finance business partner to the CEO and senior leadership team, providing critical insights to evaluate investment opportunities and determine optimal capital structures.
- Lead high-impact strategic financial initiatives, including capital raising, joint venture structuring, and the financial groundwork for a potential REIT listing.
- Drive advanced financial planning, multi-scenario analysis, and long-term forecasting that aligns precisely with the organization's business strategy.
REIT Preparation & Regulatory Compliance
- Oversee all financial workstreams related to REIT listing readiness, managing due diligence processes, complex financial modeling, documentation, and coordination with external advisors (e.g., auditors, bankers, lawyers).
- Ensure rigorous compliance with Singapore Exchange (SGX) listing rules, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulations, and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS(I)).
- Liaise effectively with HQ regarding group-level financial submissions.
Operational Finance Transformation & Oversight
- Lead the migration of all finance operations from HQ to Singapore, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer, process standardization, and operational continuity.
- Establish and mature operational finance capabilities across:
- Comprehensive budgeting and forecasting cycles
- Management and financial reporting
- Robust group consolidation and audit readiness procedures
- Treasury, tax, and regulatory reporting functions
- Implement a best-practice corporate-level finance operating model in Singapore, establishing new financial systems, policies (SOPs), and strong internal controls to ensure reporting reliability.
Asset & Joint Venture Financial Management
- Provide comprehensive financial oversight for key assets and pipeline properties, including performance reporting, variance analysis, and benchmarking.
- Manage all financial aspects of joint ventures (JVs), covering structuring, capital flows, compliance requirements, and specific partnership financial reporting.
Team Leadership & Governance
- Lead a corporate restructuring of the existing finance team, elevating capabilities and governance standards.
- Build, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of strong governance, analytical capability, and accountability.
- Implement strong financial discipline through the establishment of robust risk management and internal governance structures.
Qualifications & Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- Education: A Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline is required.
- Professional Certification: A CPA, CA, or ACCA qualification is essentialExperience:
- Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in finance roles, ideally within the real estate development, property investment, or fund management sectors.
- Proven track record of leading or significantly supporting a business transformation from a non-REIT structure to a REIT-ready entity.
- Extensive operational finance experience, specifically in setting up systems, consolidation, and managing audit readiness.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Deep familiarity with Singapore financial regulations, MAS guidelines, and SFRS(I) accounting standards.
- Technical Skills: Experience with joint ventures, complex capital structuring, and corporate M&A activity.
- Leadership: Strong leadership, interpersonal communication, and project management skills.
- Mindset: A self-starter with a hands-on approach and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-growth, and transformational environment.