Accounting & Controlling Assistant Vice President

Who we are

Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited (“SMFL”), established in 1963, is one of the leading leasing companies in Japan. As a strategic joint venture between Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation, SMFL leverages the broad and robust customer bases and networks of a megabank group and a general trading company to offer high-value-added financial services by combining respective strengths of both shareholders.

In the global marketplace, SMFL has rapidly expanded its business in the transportation sector, starting with acquisition of SMBC Aviation Capital in 2012, followed by entering aircraft engine leasing and helicopter leasing businesses in collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation to further strengthen initiatives in the growing market.

SMFL London Branch was initially established to enhance the group’s Transportation Business Unit’s aviation leasing businesses, including its aircraft credit team (10 staff) and growing aviation and transportation team (10 staff).  It now intends to expand its Overseas Business Unit through new investment and finance activity both in UK and EU areas. SMFL London Branch will mainly provide corporate functions to support the development of both Business Units to develop further. As leasing, financing and investment business becomes more diverse and sophisticated in Europe, SMFL London Branch should play an active and central role in building and expanding the infrastructure of corporate functions, especially in the tax and accounting function internally within the branch

Business Area

SMFL London Branch will mainly provide corporate functions to support the development of both Business Units to develop further. As leasing, financing and investment business becomes more diverse and sophisticated in Europe, SMFL London Branch should play an active and central role in building and expanding the infrastructure of corporate functions, especially in the tax and accounting function internally within the branch..

Role Summary

Key Responsibilities:

 Tax

• Handle all tax-related and transfer pricing activities, and report to the manager of the branch and SMFL Tokyo.
• Respond to inquiries from external tax and accounting advisors, tax authorities in UK and other EU countries or other parties related to tax and accounting, when it is requested.
• Review tax calculation provided by the agents and authorities, contact them to correct it, if necessary.
• Research on recent tax issues related to SMFL  business activities or others.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, statutory requirements, and internal policies.
• Collaborate with various third parties (tax and accountant offices, etc.)
• Perform other duties related to tax as assigned by branch managers.

 Accounting

• Handle accounting-related activities including budget management in the branch, and report to the manager of the branch and SMFL Tokyo.
• Conduct the branch financial closing operations, consolidated account settlements and cash flow management for the branch.
• Collaborate with various third parties (tax and accountant offices, etc.)
• Perform other duties as assigned by branch managers.

 Others

• Regular report to SMFL Tokyo.
• Educate and train young talents in the team.
• Make recommendation on process improvement.
• Administration related to any kinds of local taxes in conjunction with external advisors.
• Assist various supporting services related to tax and accounting for SMFL subsidiaries (consolidated/equity method) and group companies in Europe.
• Perform other duties as assigned by branch managers.

Position Description

Assistant Vice President position for tax and accounting 

• Main contacts of the team are:
  • SMFL Finance and Planning Department and Accounting Department (Tokyo)
  • SMFL Global Business Planning Department (Tokyo)
  • SMFL Transport Business Unit and Overseas Business Unit (Tokyo)
  • SMFL London Branch – all departments (London)
  • SMFL Dublin Branch (Dublin)

SMBC BI – various departments (London)

Required Qualifications & Experience

• More than 7 years of experience in the following business fields:

- Tax operations, transfer pricing, finance controller.

- Accounting operations, including settlement of accounts and consolidated settlement of accounts.

• Native level Japanese proficiency (for non-native speaker, Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1)
• Excellent communication skills in English (verbal and written, minimum CEFR C1)

• Proficient computer skills with high level of competency in Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, PowerPoint and Word in particular.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in the end-to-end process of introduction and implementing of a new accounting system.
• Experience as a finance controller supervising all accounting and tax -related activities.

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!!