NELSON CHAN
Singapore
Summary
Strategic finance leader with over 20 years of experience driving financial operations, strategy, and risk management across APAC for multinational corporations. Successfully steering financial health through robust budgeting, forecasting, and M&A expertise, while effectively resolving multimillion-dollar disputes and optimizing processes. Skilled in fostering team collaboration to deliver impactful results in dynamic business environments. Leveraging an MBA and FCCA certification, as well as a foundation from KPMG, to align operational efficiency with compliance and governance. Adaptable, reliable, and committed to enhancing stakeholder value through data-driven financial leadership.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Finance
JEWISH WELFARE BOARD
11.2021 - Current
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and statutory reporting, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance
- Manage cash flow, donations, and revenue streams, optimizing financial resources for the operation and maintenance of multiple facilities, including synagogues, schools, museums, and elderly care centers
- Streamline inventory control and procurement to enhance operational efficiency
- Serve as the primary liaison for auditors, board members, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and adherence to financial best practices
Finance Director – Asia Pacific & Japan
DELL SOFTWARE PTE LTD (Formerly Quest Software Singapore Pte Ltd)
05.2012 - 07.2019
- Led finance teams across China, Singapore, Australia, India, Japan, and Korea, overseeing statutory reporting, financial controls, and regulatory compliance
- Directed M&A activities, corporate restructuring, and system consolidations, ensuring seamless integration and operational continuity
- Provided strategic financial advisory to sales and operational teams, supporting complex deal structuring and revenue recognition
- Standardized financial processes and policies across APAC to align with US GAAP and IFRS
- Spearheaded budgeting and forecasting initiatives to drive financial performance
- Resolved a USD 4M distributor dispute, securing a USD 2M settlement through innovative solutions
- Conducted an extensive audit of sales authenticity, leading to a USD 600K write-off and improved internal controls
- Implemented standardized financial processes, enhancing efficiency and compliance across APAC
Finance Director – Asia
ATS AUTOMATION ASIA PTE LTD
02.2008 - 05.2012
- Led finance, IT, and HR functions across Asia, driving operational and financial excellence
- Oversaw corporate reporting, treasury management, and project financing
- Played a key role in M&A activities and change management, driving strategic growth initiatives
- Introduced Project Accounting & Management Systems, improving financial oversight of project margins
- Successfully executed a workforce restructuring initiative, enhancing productivity and cost efficiency
- Led due diligence and acquisition of a targeted company, strengthening market position
Regional Finance Director – Asia Pacific
ASPEN TECHNOLOGY INC.
02.2004 - 12.2007
- Managed a 20+ member regional finance team across Singapore, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, and China
- Served as a strategic business partner to APAC leadership, optimizing sales and financial operations
- Implemented robust revenue recognition processes, ensuring alignment with global compliance standards
- Led financial planning, forecasting, and commercial finance initiatives
- Oversaw APAC facilities management, lease negotiations, and treasury functions
- Developed a comprehensive revenue recognition framework, minimizing contractual misinterpretations
- Strengthened business structures and internal controls, supporting regional expansion
- Successfully implemented SOX compliance across APAC, enhancing corporate governance
Finance & Operations Director
ASSA ABLOY SINGAPORE PTE LTD
10.2000 - 02.2004
- Directed finance, tax, treasury, logistics, IT, HR, and customer service functions across multiple Asian markets
- Spearheaded cost control initiatives and optimized inventory management for newly acquired facilities
- Led the successful ISO 9001 certification process, ensuring operational excellence
- Reduced AR collection period from 150 to 70 days, enhancing cash flow and financial efficiency
- Implemented improved inventory tracking systems, optimizing procurement and resource management
Regional CFO
INVENSYS PTE LTD (Formerly Foxboro Far East Pte Ltd)
07.1998 - 10.2000
- Managed financial operations for six business units across China, India, Korea, Japan, ASEAN, and ANZ
- Led M&A transactions, corporate finance initiatives, and regional integration strategies
- Established a customer financing program, enhancing sales growth and market penetration
- Successfully negotiated and executed multiple M&A transactions, driving strategic expansion
- Spearheaded post-merger integration, optimizing operational synergies
Director of Regional Business Operations
IOMEGA PACIFIC PTE LTD
06.1997 - 07.1998
- Oversaw finance, tax, treasury, IT, and administration functions across APAC
- Built and scaled regional finance and logistics teams from the ground up
- Led the implementation of ERP systems, integrating financial processes across global operations
- Established 9 legal entities and 3 representative offices within 1.5 years, facilitating regional expansion
- Implemented enhanced financial controls, aligning regional and corporate financial strategies
Controller – Finance & Administration
ENERGIZER RECHARGEABLE PRODUCTS AP LIMITED
02.1993 - 10.1995
- Led finance, HR, IT, and administrative functions, ensuring operational efficiency
- Managed due diligence for Eveready’s acquisition of Gates Energy Products, overseeing a seamless transition
Retail Accounts Manager
WHITBREAD CO PLC
07.1989 - 12.1992
- Managed the P/L for over 100 Pubs/ Restaurant in London and Kent area in England
Senior Auditor
KPMG
10.1985 - 06.1989
- Worked in big five audit firm and promoted to Senior Auditors
Education
MBA - Business Finance And Organization Management
University of Wales (Bangor)
United Kingdom01-1998
Bachelor of Arts - Accountancy And Finance
University of Exeter
England, U.K.01-1985
Skills
- Strategic Financial Planning
- Project Funding Administration
- Strategic Cash Flow Planning
- Expertise in Revenue Recognition
- Financial Data Analysis
- Budget Management
- Fintech Integration
- ERP System Management
- Establishment of Internal Controls
- Regulatory Tax Management
Certification
- ACCA Fellowship Member - 1988
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Chinese (Cantonese)
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Chinese (Mandarin)
Advanced (C1)
Timeline
Head of Finance
JEWISH WELFARE BOARD
11.2021 - Current
Finance Director – Asia Pacific & Japan
DELL SOFTWARE PTE LTD (Formerly Quest Software Singapore Pte Ltd)
05.2012 - 07.2019
Finance Director – Asia
ATS AUTOMATION ASIA PTE LTD
02.2008 - 05.2012
Regional Finance Director – Asia Pacific
ASPEN TECHNOLOGY INC.
02.2004 - 12.2007
Finance & Operations Director
ASSA ABLOY SINGAPORE PTE LTD
10.2000 - 02.2004
Regional CFO
INVENSYS PTE LTD (Formerly Foxboro Far East Pte Ltd)
07.1998 - 10.2000
Director of Regional Business Operations
IOMEGA PACIFIC PTE LTD
06.1997 - 07.1998
Controller – Finance & Administration
ENERGIZER RECHARGEABLE PRODUCTS AP LIMITED
02.1993 - 10.1995
Retail Accounts Manager
WHITBREAD CO PLC
07.1989 - 12.1992
Senior Auditor
KPMG
10.1985 - 06.1989
MBA - Business Finance And Organization Management
University of Wales (Bangor)
Bachelor of Arts - Accountancy And Finance
University of Exeter
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