Accountant

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Accountant with a minimum of 3 years of relevant accounting and tax compliance experience to oversee financial accounting, tax compliance, and reporting operations for our newly established entity in Singapore.

The role involves setting up and consolidating accounting systems in Xero, managing tax filings with IRAS, reporting monthly P&L to Japan HQ and local management, and acting as the main point of contact for local auditors and tax authorities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accounting System Setup & Consolidation

Set up, structure, and consolidate the chart of accounts and financial system in Xero for the newly established company.

Maintain full set of accounts, general ledgers, subsidiary ledgers, and voucher/supporting document archives in compliance with local regulations and 7-year record retention rules.

Perform monthly bank reconciliations and cash flow management.

2. Tax & Compliance Management (IRAS)

Prepare and file GST (Goods and Services Tax) returns (GST F5) in accordance with IRAS requirements and deadlines.

Handle Corporate Tax filings, including Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) submission and Corporate Income Tax (Form C/C-S).

Manage Corporate Tax Clearance procedures (e.g., Form IR21 for foreign employee tax clearance where applicable).

Act as the primary liaison with IRAS for any tax inquiries, notices, or audits.

3. Financial Reporting & HQ Coordination

Prepare accurate monthly Profit & Loss (P&L) statements, Balance Sheets, and cash flow reports.

Submit monthly financial reports and budget vs. actual variance analysis to Japan HQ and local management.

Align reporting formats and closing schedules with Japan HQ requirements.

4. Audit & External Stakeholder Management

Liaise with external local auditors for year-end audit preparation, providing required documentation and schedules.

Coordinate with legal/corporate secretarial and tax advisory partners as needed.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in full-set accounting, tax compliance, and financial reporting (preferably in Singapore).

Software Proficiency: High proficiency in Xero cloud accounting software is mandatory.

Tax Knowledge: Strong knowledge of Singapore tax regulations, GST rules, corporate tax rules, and IRAS portal procedures (myTax Portal / Corppass).

Cross-Border/HQ Reporting: Experience reporting to overseas headquarters (specifically Japan HQ) is highly preferred.

Qualifications: At least diploma in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent professional qualification.

Skills: High attention to detail, strong communication skills in English, ability to work independently in a freelance/contract capacity, and meet tight monthly closing deadlines.

Additional Details & Terms

Engagement Period: Contract basis, renewable based on operational needs and performance.

Primary Work Location: Remote work with occasional on-site meetings at Tai Seng Office as required.