Finance Senior Director

Nice to Meet You! We are Ascenda
Ascenda provides the rewards infrastructure for leading financial services brands across the world.Our clients include the world’s largest banks, top tier card issuers and fintechs who utilise our rewards infrastructure to power their earn & burn rewards programs. These include American Express, CapitalOne, HSBC, Brex, Virgin Money, SMBC, ICBC, Bradesco, ANZ, HDFC and Top 10 financial services brands in many other countries.With a best-in-class technology suite and the world’s broadest rewards content marketplace, we are the engine behind winning premium rewards propositions for financial services all around the globe.Our clients are spread across continents, and we serve over 1 billion customers globally. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll recognize our footprint!We believe that nothing should stand in the way of companies who strive to drive growth via compelling and effortless rewards propositions that their customers love.Welcome to the future of customer growth. Join us as we shape the future of rewards in financial services!

Join our team as a Senior Director of Finance at Ascenda, where you will step into a leadership position that will build the foundation for our next stage of growth, this is an exciting time to join us!. Leading a team of finance professionals you will be accountable for the day to day financial management of the company, including accounting, tax, treasury and reporting.

You’ll report directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) driving financial and commercial excellence and make a real impact to Ascenda’s success on a global scale. Here’s an outline of the areas you’ll have responsibility for:

1. Strategy & Planning

   • Work closely with the CFO in developing the finance strategy for growth and scaling

2. Financial Reporting and Analysis:

   • Prepare and present accurate and timely financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements on a consolidated basis.

   • Conduct comprehensive financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and areas of improvement.

   • Monitor key financial metrics and provide regular updates to the CFO and the leadership team more broadly.

3. Budgeting and Forecasting:

   • Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, working closely with department heads to establish financial targets.

   • Monitor and analyze budget variances, provide explanations, and recommend corrective actions as necessary.

   • Develop financial models and scenarios to support decision-making and evaluate business opportunities.

   • Review, analyze and optimize cost to achieve cost efficiency

4. Cash Flow Management:

   • Manage and optimize the company's cash flow, including cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and working capital optimization globally across the Ascenda Group.

   • Implement effective financial controls and processes to minimize financial risks and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

5. Financial Operations:

   • Manage and oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and general ledger globally across the group.

   • Ensure timely and accurate processing of financial transactions and adherence to accounting principles and policies.

   • Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory bodies during financial audits and examinations.

   • Monitor financial operations and data periodically to ensure tax controls and other tax risk policies are adhered to

   • Supervise internal financial control processes.

   • Prepare and review quarterly GST returns, annual income tax and other relevant tax returns across the Ascenda Group.

6. Team Leadership and Development:

   • Manage and develop a high-performing finance team, providing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.

   • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration within the finance department.

   • Oversee and manage relationships with external accountants globally for Ascenda’s subsidiaries.

   • Stay abreast of industry trends and changes in regulations to ensure compliance and inform strategic decision-making.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience of at least 12 years’ in a senior finance leadership role in a tech and/or startup environment that has rapidly scaled, preferably in the loyalty, fintech or related industry, with exposure across multiple geographies

• Has scaled a finance function, implemented new finance systems and continuously improved operational efficiencies

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA, CFA) is highly desirable.

• Strong financial acumen and expertise in financial planning, analysis, and reporting.

• Excellent knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, tax and compliance requirements in Singapore and internationally.

• Proficient in financial modeling and analysis, with advanced Excel skills.

• Proficient in MS office and accounting software (experience with Xero is a plus).

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with the capacity to inspire and develop a high-performing finance team.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

What Matters At Ascenda

We are passionate, we keep things simple, we focus on results, we work together & we innovate!

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits

• Travel perks

• Flexible working arrangements

• Diverse and friendly working culture