Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis, Strategic Planning Department

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.   SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

Job Responsibilities

Financial Analysis & Performance Management

• Perform in‑depth financial and management analysis with a focus on:
• Efficiency of resource utilization
• Cost efficiency and expense optimization

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Active involvement in the preparation of annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and medium‑term financial plans, ensuring alignment with business strategy and Head Office directives.
• Actively engage Head Office and departments to coordinate, negotiate, and finalize budget allocations.
• Monitor actual performance against budget and forecast, conduct variance analysis, and recommend corrective actions where required.

Management & Head Office Reporting

• Prepare high‑quality regular and ad‑hoc financial reports for management and Head Office, including:
• Budget progress and financial performance updates
• Forecast of achievement and outlook assessments
• Profitability and cost performance analysis
• Present financial insights clearly and concisely, supporting strategic and operational discussions.

Business Partnering & Profitability Framework Execution

• Support the execution of the bank’s profitability framework by partnering closely with all departments to:
• Ensure financial targets are met
• Monitor progress of planned improvement initiatives
• Promote cost awareness and disciplined resource allocation
• Act as a trusted finance partner, balancing business growth objectives with financial control and Head Office expectations.

Stakeholder & Governance Management

• Serve as a key point of contact for finance‑related matters with Tokyo Head Office, regional teams, and internal stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with internal governance, reporting standards, and approval processes consistent with Japanese banking practices

Required Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification such as CPA, CA, ACCA, or CFA is a plus
• Strong technical knowledge of management reporting, and financial control frameworks in a banking or financial services.

Experience

• 8–12 years of relevant experience in financial planning & analysis, financial control, or management reporting, primarily within banking or financial services.
• Strong working experience in budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Strong working experience in working with business units to drive profitability, cost efficiency, and performance improvement initiatives.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, including assessment of cost drivers, resource efficiency, and profitability.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for business analysis and management presentations.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage confidently across all levels in the organisation/
• Sound judgment, strong ownership mindset, and the ability to balance local business needs with Head Office requirements.
• Proactive, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English and proficiency in Japanese is required, as the role will need to communicate frequently with HO, and/or prepare information or materials in Japanese when required.