IT Finance Transformation Lead - Financial Strategy Section, IT Planning Department (ITPD)

Job Description

Business Overview

The Technology Management Division (TMD) provides Corporate IT, and Cyber Security & Privacy Governance to Rakuten Group companies and essential business management for technology organizations, thereby enabling innovation and strengthening the technology foundation.

Within TMD, the Technology Management Services Supervisory Department (TMSSD) plays a vital role in CIO Governance, IT financial management, IT procurement, Quality Management System (QMS), technology-related public relations, and human resources strategy. By promoting efficiency, quality, risk management, and organizational strength, we ensure that Tech Divisions remain agile and at the forefront of technological advancement.

Department Overview

The IT Planning Department (ITPD) plays a critical role in contributing to Rakuten Group's business success through effective IT finance management. We are responsible for the management accounting of development costs (Tech costs), encompassing budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and comprehensive reporting.

This ensures financial transparency, accuracy, operational efficiency through system development, and the strategic alignment of IT investments with organizational objectives.

Position:

Position Details

As a key partner to the Finance Department Head, you will be responsible for the hands-on execution of a comprehensive transformation of our finance and accounting operations. Your mission is to resolve issues stemming from process opacity and departmental silos, building a robust and efficient financial foundation rooted in sound accounting principles.

We are seeking a "Transformation Execution Partner" who can translate leadership’s vision into actionable tasks, work closely with team members on the ground, and drive the visualization, standardization, and automation of processes with a logical, hands-on approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Visualization & Analysis: Under the direction of the Department Head, conduct a thorough "as-is" analysis of end-to-end (E2E) processes. Visualize workflows, system interactions, and data flows to identify the root causes of inefficiencies
• Process Re-design & Implementation: Design and implement new, optimized workflows to address identified bottlenecks. Drive the reduction of manual tasks by integrating technologies, including Generative AI, into daily operations
• Strengthening Accounting & Tax Governance: Embed accounting principles into operational workflows to ensure that decisions are based on professional standards rather than arbitrary or ad-hoc justifications
• Documentation: Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to eliminate reliance on tribal knowledge and individual expertise
• Change Management & Stakeholder Engagement: Lead constructive process improvements through direct dialogue with team members. Navigate resistance and friction to ensure the successful adoption of new processes

Mandatory Qualifications

• More than 5 years of experience in corporate accounting, finance, or management accounting
• Proven experience in visualizing, auditing, or re-designing complex end-to-end (E2E) business processes
• Experience in building and operating workflows based on accounting and tax principles
• High-level logical communication skills in Japanese (ability to structure complex issues and convey them accurately to others).
• Business-level English proficiency (TOEIC 800+ or equivalent; capable of facilitating meetings, drafting documents, and understanding complex discussions)
• Strong analytical skills using Excel to identify issues and quantify the current state based on data

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in IT Finance or participation in finance-related system implementation/refresh projects
• Experience in finance operations within a global organization involving overseas offices
• Proven track record of process automation using Generative AI, RPA, or BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Professional accounting qualifications (e.g., CPA, USCPA, Licensed Tax Accountant)
• Project experience in a consulting firm (BPR, PMO, etc.) focused on the finance sector

#engineer #finance #accounting #technologymanagementdiv

Languages:

English (Overall - 3 - Advanced), Japanese (Overall - 3 - Advanced)