Description

Finance directors hold a leadership position, so general management duties such as scheduling, hiring, and carrying out performance evaluations may be necessary. These directors generally lead a finance team in creating strategic plans regarding the company's finances; this includes both accounting duties and financial analyses and projections. The team which the finance director leads should identify risks and areas in need of improvement so the company can identify mistakes before they come to realization and further increase profits.

Aspiring finance directors should have a master’s degree in business administration, economics, finance, or a related field, though some employers will accept applicants who have a bachelor’s degree; years of experience in the financial field are also typically required for the position.

Strong teamwork skills are important in this position in order to work seamlessly with co-workers, and both written and verbal communication skills are also important. Finance directors also create financial reports on a periodic basis; these reports may need to be presented to upper management, so it is important to be able to speak well in front of small or large crowds. In some positions, finance directors may need to identify potential fields which can be tapped for the growth of the company. This work is generally carried out in an office environment, and some travel may occasionally be required if the areas directed span multiple offices and/or branches. This is usually a full-time position.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Finance Director with 3-6 years of experience in Singapore, the following are the main responsibilities:

  • Managing budget and cash flow, monitoring financial transactions to ensure compliance with regulations and policies.
  • Forecasting financial results, analyzing economic trends, creating long-term financial plans and reports.
  • Working with cross-functional teams to develop financial strategies aligned with the organization's goals, performance targets, and risk tolerance.
  • Overseeing financial software systems and technological infrastructure, conducting regular audits to ensure accuracy and security of data.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Finance Director job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong financial acumen to develop and implement strategic financial plans, forecasting budgets, and analyzing financial performance.
  • Extensive experience in financial management, including overseeing financial operations, managing investments and cash flow, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, accounting, and executive management.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation abilities to convey complex financial information to stakeholders, including board members, investors, and senior executives.

Essential Skills For Finance Director

1

Financial Management

Skills That Affect Finance Director Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Financial Management

16%

Career Prospects

The role of Finance Director is essential for overseeing financial operations and strategic decision-making within an organization. For individuals with 3-6 years of experience in Singapore's finance industry, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options:

  • Financial Controller: A position that involves managing financial reporting, budgets, and internal controls to ensure compliance and efficiency.
  • Risk Manager: A role focused on identifying and mitigating financial risks, implementing risk management strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Investment Analyst: A position that involves researching investment opportunities, analyzing financial data, and providing recommendations for portfolio management.
  • Business Development Manager: A role that involves identifying and pursuing growth opportunities, conducting market research, and developing strategic partnerships.

How to Learn

The Finance Director role in Singapore is expected to witness significant growth in the future. With the rising economic importance of the country, this position is projected to experience a high demand in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, the job role has shown consistent growth, with an increasing number of companies requiring financial expertise and strategic decision-making skills. With Singapore being a prominent financial hub, the employment opportunities in this field are expected to rise steadily. The latest data points from Google indicate that there will be ample job openings for Finance Directors in Singapore in the coming years.