【Fully Remote + Flexible Hours】Offshore Wind Business Controller / Senior Accountant

*Applicants are advised to submit both English and Japanese CVs if possible*

Shizen Energy Group is a top and rapidly expanding renewable energy developer headquartered in Japan, backed up by government and private funding, and a member of J-Startup, a global startup support program operated by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. We create and operate solar, wind, and small hydroelectric power plants in Asia and South America and are actively expanding our EnergyTech activities with the aim of making renewable energy within easy reach for everyone. With the help of our colleagues and partners in Japan and around the world, we take action for the blue planet.

This time, we are urgently searching for a motivated and experienced bilingual accountant to join the Offshore Wind team, who will be able to work across departments in order to control the growing team's finances.

Since its creation in 2011, Shizen Energy Group has always been proud to offer outstanding career development opportunities in a highly diverse environment with a strong startup culture. We also support remote and fully flexible working, although a successful candidate would need to be based in or relocate to Japan to attend face-to-face meetings.

Learn more about our Purpose

Key Appeal Points

About us:

- Exposure to the growing renewable energy business in Japan and overseas markets and an opportunity to learn more about the rapidly growing offshore wind business
- Collaborating with our international members from various countries and backgrounds
- Flexible working style (flexible hours and remote working permitted) 

About you:

- Highly motivated individual that is purpose-driven and acts on the organization's key values of trust, integrity, challenge, and to enjoy our blue planet while pursuing our daily activities
- Adhere to and contribute to building the overall culture of the organization, not limited to just those within your team but across the wider work community
- Respect the importance of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in daily work with internal and external stakeholders.

Job Description

Successful candidate will join the Offshore Wind Department in a Business Controller position, and oversee all key aspects of financial work in the department. Some elements are performed in coordination with an outside contracted financial firm, whilst internally you will report to both the Head of Offshore Wind as well as the Head of Finance in the International Business Department, to ensure that the department's activities are compliant and within budget. You can expect to use a lot of both English and Japanese, working with a very diverse set of colleagues.

Key elements include:

Financial Reporting and Analysis
○     Prepare monthly and annual financial statements and reports on offshore wind projects and SPCs by managing the outsourced accounting provider and other consultants.
○     Analyze financial data to provide insights and recommendations for optimizing projects and SPCs.
○     Monitor project financial performance and report on any deviations from budget.

Payment Arrangements
○     Arrange regular and irregular payments by managing the outsourced accounting provided.

Tax Compliance
○     Ensure compliance with all tax obligations.
○     Support tax filing.
○     Coordinate with external tax advisors to maximize tax benefits and minimize liabilities.

Budgeting and Forecasting
○     Develop and maintain detailed budgets for offshore wind projects and SPCs, including capital expenditures, development costs, and operational costs.
○     Create financial forecasts and conduct actual and variance analyses.
○     Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend budget adjustments when necessary.

Audit and Compliance
○     Prepare financial documentation for internal and external audits.
○     Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
○     Assist in resolving audit findings and implementing corrective actions.
○     Responding to SE Group requests for information relating to SE’s consolidated financial results.

Documentation and Recordkeeping
○     Maintain accurate and organized financial records for offshore wind projects and SPCs.
○     Ensure all financial transactions are appropriately documented and recorded.
○     Prepare and document BOD and SHM documents per the Companies Act.

Position Requirements

【Required】

Skills and Experiences

・Working experience as an accountant or controller (5 years or more)
・Bookkeeping certification (Boki) Level 3 or similar
・Good communication skills, ability to keep up constant and quality communication with colleagues from a variety of teams and backgrounds

Language

Working proficiency in English and Japanese (ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders through emails or speaking, understanding of financial terms).
Although a reasonably high standard is required, native level proficiency is not required.

【Preferred】

・Bookkeeping certification (Boki) Level 2 or higher
・Accounting or finance related degree
・Keen and proactive personality, desire to navigate through ambiguity and improve matters