VP, Principal, Corporate Planning & Governance (JRI-6606)

The Japan Research Institute (JRI) Limited is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Group. SMBC Group is a Tokyo-based bank holding company that is ranked among the largest 25 banks globally by assets under management. JRI provides comprehensive, highly value-added information services through the coordinated application of its 3 functions. i.e. information systems, consulting and think-tank. As a system integrator, JRI offers services in IT strategy planning, implementation and outsourcing to a broad range of industries and activities. JRI Singapore currently supports the overall IT functions of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) in Asia Pacific Region.

Responsibilities

Audit, Compliance & Risk

• Support internal and external audit processes, ensuring timely delivery and effective closure of findings.
• Address compliance issues and respond to risk management findings, ensuring effective resolution and reinforcement of internal controls.
• Ensure strong governance, tracking and reporting of key initiatives.

Corporate Operations & Process Improvement

• Identify corporate operational and process issues, coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure timely resolution and strengthen controls.
• Partner with departments to maintain consistency, efficiency, and alignment across corporate initiatives.
• Support the development and execution of corporate strategy, including mid to long term planning initiatives.
• Review and enhance standard processes and internal controls to improve governance, transparency, and operational integrity.

Financial Planning & Management Accounting

• Support management accounting by coordinating branch budget planning, ensuring alignment with corporate financial objectives for bank-related service offerings.
• Monitor budget performance and analyse variances to detect and address potential financial risks or inefficiencies.
• Facilitate budget control processes, collaborating with internal stakeholders to enforce financial discipline and optimize resource allocation.

Head Office Coordination & Policy Alignment

• Coordinate with global offices to align business priorities and ensure consistent execution.
• Coordinate and support cross-border talent initiatives overseas talent exchange programs collaborating with internal teams and headquarters to ensure seamless execution.
• Review Japan-side corporate policies, ensuring alignment with Singapore Branch requirements and addressing branch-level policy queries.

Reporting & Decision Support

• Analyse organizational performance and propose data driven improvements.
• Support expansion initiatives, including outsourcing strategies and resource planning.
• Deliver accurate and insightful reports to support informed strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. 
• Perform any other adhoc duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Understanding of financial management, management accounting, and budgeting processes.
• Proficiency in Japanese is preferred as this role needs to prepare reports in Japanese for reporting to Head Office in Japan. 
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in corporate planning, governance, risk management, financial management, or internal audit.
• Good knowledge of system project management.
• Experience coordinating internal and external audits.
• Prior experience in banking or financial services is an advantage.
• Background in liaising with cross-border or cross-cultural teams.
• Possess knowledge of corporate functions.
• Proficiency in budget planning, financial analysis, and management reporting.
• Understanding of compliance, risk issue remediation, and internal control mechanisms.
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Strong analytical ability to interpret financial, operational, and risk-related data.
• Ability to develop documentation, governance reports, and audit-related materials.
• Effective communication with senior management and HQ counterparts.
• Capability to manage sensitive information and uphold organizational integrity.
• Project leadership experience, including planning, mobilizing, and delivering outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal communication and written skills
• Possess strong strategic, logical and analytical thinking skills
• Proactive, self driven, and able to work independently.
• Collaborative mindset with a service-oriented attitude.