Divisional Director, Standards & Surveillance

Type: Permanent

Job Title: Divisional Director, Standards & Surveillance

Location: Central Singapore

Salary: Up to $18k/month + Bonuses (approx. 5.5 months)

About the Role

A government statutory board is looking for a Divisional Director to lead its standards-setting and regulatory surveillance functions. You will oversee two key departments and play a critical role in upholding the quality of financial reporting and public accountancy in Singapore.

You won't just be managing operations. You'll be setting the strategic direction for how public accountants are regulated, driving transformation, and representing Singapore on the international stage.

This role reports to the Chief Executive and sits on the organisation's Senior Leadership Team.

What You'll Actually Do

Lead & Direct Regulatory Oversight

• Oversee the Practice Monitoring Programme and Financial Reporting Surveillance Programme
• Ensure high-quality inspections of public accountants and public accounting entities
• Make recommendations to the Public Accountants Oversight Committee on inspection outcomes

Set Standards & Shape Policy

• Provide strategic and technical accounting advice to the Accounting Standards Committee
• Lead periodic reviews of legislation and policies to keep them relevant and robust
• Liaise with the Ministry of Finance and other government agencies to advance the organisation's mission

Engage Internationally

• Represent the organisation at IFIAR, IASB, AARG, and other international regulatory forums
• Build relationships with key stakeholders in the international regulatory community
• Strengthen international cooperation and alignment with the organisation's interests

Drive Transformation

• Lead process improvements and adoption of AI and data-enabled approaches
• Strengthen regulatory effectiveness and operational efficiency
• Build capabilities — deepen technical skillsets, strengthen leadership bench, and develop a sustainable talent pipeline

Contribute at Enterprise Level

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, provide strategic direction beyond your division
• Contribute to organisation-wide priorities and outcomes

Who We're Looking For

You must have:

• Extensive accounting and auditing experience — deep technical knowledge of accounting standards (SFRS/IFRS) and auditing standards (SSA/ISA)
• Senior leadership experience — you've led teams or departments at director level, not just coordinated them
• Regulatory or standards-setting exposure — you understand how policy, enforcement, and compliance work in a regulatory environment
• International engagement experience — you've worked with or represented your organisation at international regulatory bodies (IFIAR, IASB, or similar)
• Strong stakeholder management skills — you're comfortable engaging with government agencies, professional bodies, and senior industry leaders

It would be a plus if you have:

• Experience driving AI or data-enabled transformation in a regulatory setting
• Familiarity with the Accounting Standards Act and Public Accountants Oversight Committee framework
• Existing relationships with the Ministry of Finance, the statutory board, or local accounting bodies
• A professional qualification (CA Singapore, CPA, ICAEW or equivalent)