Accounting & Controlling Assistant Vice President

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Business Area

Job Title / Corporate Title - STPD F&C Financial Reporting - AVP

Department / Group - Strategic Planning Department/ Finance & Control/ Financial Reporting Team

Responsible to / Line Manager - STPD F&C Financial Reporting - VP

Purpose of Job

The role is to work within the Finance & Control - Financial Reporting & Expenses team, supporting & assisting the wider team in ensuring the integrity of general ledger balances & controls, ensuring reporting obligations to all stakeholders are met in a timely and efficient manner, and participating in projects to enhance the reporting landscape

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external auditors, regulators and Head Office stakeholders to strengthen governance, controls and reporting accuracy, and aid their understanding of F&C controls, processes and reporting
• Promote cultural cross collaboration and challenge silos within the bank with regards to colleagues in other geographies or locations, to bridge the gap between Tokyo Head Office and SMBC BI London for enhancement of communication
• Support management with analysis of monthly expenses, headcount and fixed asset reporting, including commentary and insights for decision-making
• Identify issues, propose solutions, and implement process improvements, including automation initiatives and upgrades to enhance efficiency of BAU activities at a local level
• Partner with front and non-front office departments (OAD, F&C, IT, HR) to provide financial accounting support, advice and clear communication of expense results
• Draft, review and update policies and procedures, embedding strong controls to ensure completeness and accuracy of financial statements

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Manage competing priorities and tight deadlines effectively, maintaining strong working relationships to meet ad-hoc needs of stakeholders and yet maintain focus on the timely delivery of BAU tasks
• Provide guidance, training and coaching to junior staff to support professional development and strengthen team capability
• Perform self-attestation for a series of specified general ledger accounts (i.e. non-CIF), as well as justify and explain balances in order to provide assurance as to the contents of the accounts
• Control entries across the Oracle general ledger, including monthly accrual entries and pass manual journal adjustments/ADIs as required
• Maintenance and reconciliation of SMBC BI’s fixed asset registers, ensuring all bookings are compliant as per the fixed assets policy, and preparation of fixed asset notes within the financial statements
• Support the analysis of monthly expenses and headcount for management including production of commentary and tables
• Implement controls to reinforce and enhance the governance and the control environment

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified/Part-qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• 5+ years’ experience in Finance, with strong exposure to financial and management reporting within preferably in a Banking environment
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, large dataset manipulation); Power BI/Power Query knowledge desirable
• Experience with reporting systems, general ledger and sub-ledger processes (system upgrades/migrations a plus)
• Strong technical knowledge across period-end close, reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets and break investigations
• Proven ability to analyse financial data, identify issues and deliver effective solutions
• Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working with internal/external auditors and supporting statutory/reporting requirements
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines
• Collaborative team player with the flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs, and promote growth as a subject expert
• Prior experience contributing to process improvements, controls and automation initiatives preferred

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!