Financial Controller

Tara Climate Foundation is a philanthropic climate foundation dedicated to fostering a future where Asia’s unwavering commitment to climate action paves the way for just, thriving and resilient societies. Tara operates in East, Southeast and South Asia, excluding India and China.

Our mission is to support a diverse group of partners in accelerating Asia’s energy transformation and championing climate action. Tara plays three main roles in the region:

• Grantmaker: Tara works closely with mission-aligned foundations and philanthropists to pool resources and grant funds to organisations working to accelerate Asia’s energy transition and climate action (excluding China and India).
• Convenor: Tara cultivates networks that facilitate the exchange of ideas between business, civil society, and government throughout and beyond Asia.
• Local and regional expert: With strong networks spanning civil society, businesses and government, Tara funds thorough research and analysis to address knowledge gaps, stay abreast of emerging trends, and craft evidence-based strategies to advance our mission.

Since establishing its headquarters in Singapore in 2021, the foundation has provided grants to more than 300 organisations across 13 countries and jurisdictions. Our team of over 40 experts is spread across the Asia-Pacific region, working to combat climate change in this decisive decade.

Reporting to the Senior Finance Director with a dotted line to the Head of Finance, the Financial Controller will be responsible for maintaining the day-to-day accounting activities of the organization, including but not limited to audit, tax filing, grantmaking accounting, internal control and procedures development, and systems maintenance.

The key responsibilities of the Financial Controller are to:

• Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting, ensuring that the organisation’s financial practices are in line with statutory regulations, legislation and best practices.
• Maintain day-to-day accounting, monthly, quarterly, and yearly closes.
• Review and prepare general ledger, adjustments and reconciliations for accuracy and modify appropriate supporting documentation.
• Prepare internal and external nonprofit financial statements in accordance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standard along with actual-budget variance analysis.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget.
• Prepare financial proposals and financial reports for funders when needed.
• Assist in annual audit, tax filing, and any other tax filings.
• Manage all payables.
• Support the grantmaking team in the grantmaking process and coordinate grant payments.
• Manage the expense reporting process and ensure reconciliations capture transactions from the credit card and expense report systems.
• Assist in the development of internal controls and policies and procedures.
• Manage organisational cash flow and forecasting.
• Handle day-to-day finance administrative tasks, such as invoice and expense approvals and disbursement.

Miscellaneous:

• Promote a culture of excellence, service orientation, high performance, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate Tara Values in every action.
• Actively participate in Program Team activities.
• Abide by Tara’s policies, procedures and practices.
• As and when required, other responsibilities and projects will be allocated by line management.

Excited by the prospect of working for a dynamic and fast-growing international organisation with a mission to solve the climate crisis, the ideal candidate will have:

Skills & Experience:

• At least 15 years' relevant hands-on experience with 7 plus years of management experience.
• Prior experience in an international environment and non-profit organisation is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deal with senior stakeholders, internal and external parties.
• Strong ability to multitask and able to work in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Improvements and solutions-driven, detail-oriented and collaborative working style.
• Strong critical and strategic thinking skills.
• Able to work flexibly at a fast pace in remote settings with multi-cultural teams across time-zones.
• A drive to achieve results; a high level of personal energy and pro-activity, demonstrated by concrete examples of achievement and initiative taken in previous roles.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and an Asian language would be an asset.

Reliable computer skills with standard applications (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Embrace Tara’s mission and identify with and commit to living the Tara Values.

Education:

• Minimum of a degree in accountancy or CPA/ACCA equivalent, expert in Singapore FRS and IFRS.

Location requirements:

The candidate must have residency status with legal permit to reside and work in Singapore.

What Tara offers:

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international team who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work.
• A flexible work environment.
• Opportunities for career development and to challenge yourself.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• A collaborative, fun and thriving team, driven by our mission and living our values.

To Apply:

Please submit an A4 covering letter outlining your skills and achievements against the role responsibilities, why you would like to join us and your salary expectations, along with your up-to-date CV at Recruitment@taraclimate.org. Please use the job title: Financial Controller as the subject in your email. Applications without a cover letter will not be assessed.

Tara is committed to building leadership capacity within Asia. This position is based in Singapore. Applicants must have the right to work in the country.

We appreciate everyone's application, but only have the resources to respond to shortlisted applicants. If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful for this role. If this is you, we appreciate your support and consideration and hope you will continue to consider roles with Tara in the future!