Deputy Finance Manager

Our client is a Singapore-headquartered social enterprise that develops frontline workers and their managers across Southeast Asia. We've operated in the Philippines since 2012.

Their results are concrete. With NWTF, one of the country's largest micro finance institutions, they helped improve staff retention from 30% to 85% while they scaled from 2,000 to 5,200 people. Their programs have saved partners hundreds of millions of pesos in turnover costs.

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced finance professional for a defined succession role. The Deputy Finance Manager will be engaged to learn the organization's finance function directly from the current Finance Manager, who has established a strong compliance record, including clean audits, robust systems, and sound working relationships with the BIR, SEC, and the organization's external auditors.

The role follows a structured handover over a period of approximately 1 to 2 years, culminating in a transition to the Finance Manager title, at which point the incumbent will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer as a finance business partner.

They operates as a lean organization, this position combines strategic responsibility with hands-on execution, encompassing both operational tasks such as payroll review and advisory functions such as cash flow planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Operations Management
• Own month-end close, reconciliations, financial statements, and payroll review.
• Deliver monthly reports to the CEO with clear analysis, proactively identifying cash flow risks.
• Bring issues and recommendations to leadership in a timely and proactive manner.
• Compliance
• File accurately and on time with the BIR, SEC, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, DOLE, and TESDA.
• Coordinate the external audit process from planning through resolution.
• Monitor regulatory developments, such as VAT rulings, and update organizational practices accordingly.
• Team Leadership
• Manage the Finance Officer and Finance Assistant throughout the phased handover.
• Establish clear performance standards, provide direct feedback, and hold the team accountable to deadlines.
• Balance a supportive team culture with a strong standard of accountability.
• Systems and Tools
• Optimize the use of NetSuite, ClickUp, and other reporting tools, automating manual processes where possible.
• Serve as a champion for the adoption of new tools and systems across the team.
• Strategic Support
• Develop budgets, rolling forecasts, and scenario models to support executive decision-making.
• Contribute to the evolution of the finance function as the organization expands into Singapore and prepares for a future equity raise.

Winning-factors: Must have Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 5 to 8 years of professional experience, including at least 2 years in a people management capacity.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of BIR, SEC, and Philippine statutory requirements.
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite, QuickBooks Online, or comparable systems, with the ability to adapt quickly to new tools.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets, with the ability to build financial models independently.
• Demonstrated ability to provide direct feedback and hold a team accountable, including in difficult conversations.
• A proactive approach to identifying issues early and presenting recommendations without prompting.
• A genuine interest in workforce development and a desire to apply financial expertise in service of a mission-driven organization.