Assistant Head/Payroll (Finance Department) [NIE]

ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (NIE)

The National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore, is Singapore’s national teacher education institute and we are proud to be an integral part of the nation’s education service. We play a key role in the preparation of teachers and in the provision of teacher professional and school leadership development programmes. We are committed to our vision of being An Institute of Distinction: Leading the Future of Education and our mission to Inspire Learning, Transform Teaching and Advance Research. Read more about NIE here.

NIE invites suitable applications for the position of Assistant Head/Payroll with the Finance Department.

Responsibilities

Reporting to Head/Finance, you will play a key role in supporting payroll administration, budget monitoring, financial operations and related governance matters. Your responsibilities will include:

• Oversee and administer the full spectrum of payroll operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing of salaries, payments and related payroll transactions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, including the CPF Act, Employment Act, Income Tax Act and other applicable payroll-related legislation.
• Monitor manpower budgets, track utilisation and prepare manpower expenditure forecasts to support financial planning and management reporting.
• Administer the Institute’s Operating budget, including budget allocation, utilisation review and follow-up on variances or funding requirements.
• Oversee the processing, review and governance of overseas travel claims, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and financial guidelines.
• Oversee accounting matters relating to self-financing programmes and conference funds, including fund monitoring, reconciliations and financial reporting.
• Administer NIE’s insurance policies, including policy renewals, claims coordination and liaison with relevant stakeholders on insurance-related matters.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to improve finance processes, strengthen controls and support the effective delivery of finance services.

Requirements

• A university degree in Accountancy.

• At least 8 years of relevant accounting and finance experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a team leadership role with direct responsibility for supervising, coaching and developing staff.

• Membership of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of end-to-end payroll operations, payroll reconciliation and Singapore statutory requirements.

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, reconciliations and month-end closing.

• Strong conceptualization, analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.

• Highly Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, PivotTables, data analysis and other Microsoft Office Applications, with hands-on experience using ERP systems.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work across functions and manage competing deadlines.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently while leading and contributing effectively within a team, with a strong commitment to continuous process improvement and operational efficiency.

• Experience with SAP S/4Hana would be an advantage.

• Closing Date

• The closing date of the advertisement is 30 November 2026. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

• Other Information

• NIE staff can take chartered buses at their own expense from or near their homes to NIE campus. This is subject to the availability of seats.

• Hiring Institution: NIE