Finance Manager

ABOUT EQUAL

EQUAL is an IPC-registered charity that delivers equine-assisted and animal-assisted services to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of children, youth, seniors, families, and communities. Our work sits at the intersection of human wellbeing, animal welfare, and experiential learning, and is delivered through a multidisciplinary team of programme professionals, equine specialists, operations staff, and volunteers. Fundraising is mission-critical to EQUAL's ability to deliver safe, high-quality, and impactful programmes. As the organisation scales, EQUAL is strengthening its fundraising infrastructure, pipeline discipline, and stewardship capability to support sustainable growth.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Finance Manager is responsible for the financial health, governance, and sustainability of EQUAL. This includes overseeing day-to-day financial operations, leading the annual budgeting and audit processes, ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and regulatory requirements, and providing accurate financial insights that support strategic decision-making across the organisation. Beyond the numbers, the Finance Manager acts as a business partner to operational teams, works closely with the CEO, Board, and external stakeholders, and plays an active role in the leadership team. The right person for this role is someone who brings both technical rigour and strategic thinking, and who is motivated by the mission and impact of a purpose-driven organisation.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

The Finance Manager plays a pivotal role in managing the full spectrum of financial operations, governance, and reporting at EQUAL. Reporting to the CEO and as part of the leadership team, this role contributes to the strategic, sustainable, and scalable growth of the organisation. 

Strategic Financial Management 

• Collaborate with Management and the Board to develop and implement financial strategies that support EQUAL's mission and long-term goals. 
• Lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. 
• Provide accurate financial forecasts to guide decision-making. 
• Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard the charity's assets and ensure financial stability. 
• Develop and execute strategies for securing funding and grants, including identifying potential sources and preparing compelling proposals. 

Financial Operations & Compliance 

• Oversee day-to-day financial and accounting operations, ensuring timely submission of financial reports, budget tracking, cash flow management, and forecasting. 
• Ensure compliance with Charity Accounting Standards (CAS) and Financial Reporting Standards (FRS). 
• Manage the timely filing of statutory reports. 
• Review and recommend improvements to internal control policies and systems to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. 
• Manage the annual audit process and the renewal of the Institute of Public Character (IPC) status. 
• Oversee asset management, including tracking and reporting on the charity's physical and financial assets. 
• Lead or participate in IT digitalisation projects to streamline processes and improve financial reporting and management systems. 

Stakeholder & Cross-Department Engagement 

• Act as a business partner to various operating departments, providing financial insights and support based on their established budgets. 
• Work closely with Board Directors, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, audit firms, financial institutions, corporate donors, vendors, and government agencies (e.g., IRAS, NCSS) on financial, governance, and risk management matters. 
• Support the Board and Management in corporate secretariat and board management matters, ensuring effective governance and communication.

Experience

• Minimum 6–8 years of relevant work experience in finance management with managerial responsibilities.
• Familiar with Singapore Charity Accounting Standards & Corporate Governance for Social Service organisations. 
• Experience in finance/accounting in other charities and/or MNCs. 
• Prior experience in medium to larger-sized organisations or start-up social enterprises will be an advantage.