Senior Manager, Grant Claims & Financial Planning Analyst Central

Company description:
The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore.
Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore.Job description:
About UsJoin the National University of Singapore (NUS) Finance Team - Where Innovation Meets Excellence.
At NUS, the Office of Finance stands as a dynamic and strategic partner, driving financial sustainability and operational excellence.
Our team plays a crucial role in overseeing financial planning, optimising resources, and enabling the University's ambition and innovation.We are at the forefront of formulating, reviewing, and analysing the University's operating, strategic, and capital budgets.
Through strong governance, robust financial processes, and cutting-edge systems, we ensure every dollar is put to its best use, fueling research, education, and transformation.Why Join Us?Make an Impact:
Play a key role in shaping financial strategies that influence the University's growth and global standing.Growth & Development:
We believe in continuous learning, offering mentorship, career development, and upskilling opportunities.Collaborative Culture:
Join a high-performing team that values trust, innovation, and excellence.Finance Transformation:
Be part of initiatives leveraging SAP S4 Hana, AI-driven analytics, and digital finance solutions to drive efficiency and future-ready finance operations.If you are passionate about finance, thrive in a dynamic environment, and want to be part of a team that drives meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you!Join us and be a part of shaping the future of finance at NUS! We are seeking a highly organized and experienced Senior Manager, Grant Claims & Financial Planning Analyst to oversee and manage the university's grant claim process, while also supporting broader financial planning and analysis (FP&A) activities.
This role requires a strong background in audit, financial compliance, process automation, and data-driven decision-making.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and improving the grant claim process, providing strategic financial insights, and driving process automation and efficiency across the financial planning function.Key Responsibilities:
Grant Claims ManagementGrant Claim Management:
Lead the preparation, review, and submission of grant claims, ensuring they are accurate, compliant, and submitted on time in accordance with university policies and the requirements of external funding agencies.Audit Experience:
Leverage prior audit experience to assess financial records, identify discrepancies, and ensure compliance with audit standards and regulatory requirements related to grant claims.Team Leadership:
Guide and mentor junior team members, providing training on grant claim management best practices, compliance, and audit processes.
Offer regular feedback and support professional growth.Compliance & Reporting:
Ensure that all grants are processed in line with regulatory requirements, university policies, and donor specifications.
Assist in the preparation of internal and external reports related to the grant claim process.Process Improvement & Automation:
Continuously evaluate and improve the grant claim process to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure best practices are followed.
Implement process automation tools and strategies where applicable to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort.Documentation & Record-Keeping:
Maintain accurate records of all grant claim documentation, supporting audit trails, and correspondence with funding agencies.
Ensure that all claims meet the university's standards for transparency and accountability.Problem Resolution:
Identify and resolve issues related to grant claims, such as discrepancies, missing documentation, or compliance concerns.
Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to address and resolve issues promptly.Communication:
Act as the primary point of contact for all grant claim-related inquiries and communicate effectively with internal departments and external funding agencies.Process Automation & Operational Efficiency:
Implement Automation Tools:
Identify and implement automation solutions, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) or workflow automation platforms, to streamline reporting and financial processes, improving operational efficiency and reducing errors.System Integration:
Integrate financial systems, databases, and reporting tools to ensure seamless data flow and consistency across the university's financial operations.Data Analytics & Reporting:
Power BI Reporting:
Use Power BI to design and develop interactive dashboards and reports for tracking financial performance, grant claims, and forecasting accuracy.
Provide stakeholders with real-time insights into key financial metrics.Data Visualization & Insights:
Transform complex financial data into easy-to-understand visual insights, helping stakeholders at all levels make informed decisions based on clear financial reporting.Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):
Strategic Financial Planning:
Support long-term financial planning by analyzing historical performance, identifying trends, and building financial models to forecast future financial scenarios.
Provide recommendations for cost optimization and financial strategy.Cost Allocation and Reporting:
Ensure accurate allocation of costs across departments and faculties, aligning with institutional priorities and funding sources.
Prepare regular reports on cost performance and productivity metrics for senior management.Variance Analysis:
Perform in-depth variance analysis and offer explanations for variances and provide actionable recommendations to enhance financial performance.Benchmarking & Best Practices:
Research and implement industry best practices in cost management and productivity analysis.
Benchmark university costs against peers and identify areas for improvement.Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.5+ years of experience in audit, accounting, or grant management roles, with a strong understanding of audit processes and compliance requirements.Experience with process automation tools to improve operational efficiency.Experience with Power BI for creating reports and dashboards to monitor financial data and grant metrics.Proven experience in managing or overseeing the grant claim process and with strong knowledge of relevant financial regulations, audit standards, and grant compliance.Strong knowledge of cost management principles, cost allocation, and productivity measurement techniques.Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).Ability to lead and mentor a team, guiding junior staff through technical and process challenges.More Information:
Location:
Kent Ridge CampusOrganization:
National University of SingaporeDepartment:
Office of FinanceEmployee Referral Eligible:
YesJob requisition ID:
28142
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