ABOUT THE COMPANY
Sojitz Asia Pte. Ltd. is a global general trading company that provides a wide range of commercial services and projects across various industries, including chemicals, new energy, healthcare, and foodstuffs. With a strong global presence, Sojitz Asia serves customers worldwide, delivering innovative solutions and comprehensive support to meet diverse business needs.
JOB SUMMARY
The incumbent is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, managing and oversight of all the finance activities for the company, its subsidiaries and group of companies. This includes business planning, budgeting, forecasting, risk management, governance, and negotiations. Key responsibilities encompass monitoring of cash flow, financial planning, analysing the company's financial strengths and weaknesses, and to recommend corrective actions. Additionally, the incumbent will oversee the finance and accounting divisions to ensure that financial reports are accurate and submitted in a timely manner.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
● Oversee the financials, investment portfolios, tax matters, and overall performance of 20 Sojitz regional offices and branches across the Asia and Oceania region, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and any newly developed businesses or countries.
● Supervise personnel transfers, HR systems, staff training, and the overall functions of the Human Resources Department.
● Ensure the functionality and performance of Sojitz offices, aligning financial results with corporate strategies.
● Develop and implement company-wide business strategies, ensuring their execution at local offices.
● Evaluate company performance and provide strategic proposals for further growth at board meetings.
● Manage risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies across the Asia and Oceania region to safeguard the company’s financial health and operational stability.
● Ensure compliance with regional financial, accounting, and tax regulations across Sojitz offices.
● Anticipate regulatory changes that may impact business operations and develop contingency plans to mitigate potential losses.
● Conduct frequent travel (approximately twice a month) to regional offices and subsidiaries—primarily in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and India. The duration of travel varies from one-day trips to one-week stays, depending on the nature of work.
● Undertake frequent business trips to the above-listed countries to complete and finalize investment deals and project closures.
● Collaborate with the company’s business unit heads to ensure alignment with financial strategies and report to the CEO for Asia & Oceania, as well as the headquarters in Japan.
● Engage with external investors, customers, government officials, and regulatory agencies.
● Monitor financial performance, implement corrective measures as necessary, and prepare detailed reports for the management team, headquarters in Japan, and other relevant stakeholders.
● Manage finance personnel and ensure compliance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidelines, tax regulations, and other applicable financial regulations.
● Identify revenue opportunities and regional economic trends, analyze internal operations, and identify areas for cost reduction and process improvement to achieve financial targets.
● Manage all administrative units, including HR, Corporate Planning, Legal, Risk Management, IT, Finance, Accounting, and Treasury functions.
● Oversee all accounting functions, including ledger accounts, financial statements, and cost control systems, ensuring regulatory compliance and best practices.
JOB SPECIFICATION
● Minimum of 10 to 15 years of relevant work experience, with at least 5 years of experience in a senior financial leadership role such as Controller, Chief Accounting Officer (CAO), or Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
● At least 5 years of experience leading regional teams in APAC or Japan, preferably with a focus on corporate planning and/or financial control.
● A minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification, with a strong background in finance and accounting-related functions.
● Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 level or equivalent proficiency is required, as documentation and reporting on investments will be conducted in Japanese for evaluation by Japan HQ.
● Strong ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment and meticulous in reviewing financial operations and compliance.
● Proven track record in managing senior executive stakeholders and building strategic relationships.
● Experience in multicultural environment with a strong understanding of various business processes, including but not limited to international trade administration, accounting, tax requirements, and financial compliance.
● Commercial acumen with the ability to understand broader business challenges and regional business diversity, including geographical and cultural differences, to effectively oversee regional offices.
● Proficiency in SAP ERP systems is required, with a strong understanding of financial modules and reporting functionalities.
● Proven leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams.
● Willingness and flexibility to travel frequently for business purposes.
● A demonstrated ability to apply financial expertise effectively.
