Executive Director - Finance Planning Group (APAC) - SMBC

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; Singapore; On-site; SGD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Singapore is seeking a strategic financial leader to shape and execute financial strategies, oversee regional governance, and develop a high-performing finance team. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in finance, with at least 5 years in leadership roles within banking or financial services. This position requires strong analytical thinking and excellent communication abilities.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in finance, ideally in a regional leadership role.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and financial control.
• Experience in banking or financial services is essential.

Responsibilities

• Partner with business heads to shape financial strategies.
• Oversee managerial accounting reporting and internal controls.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse finance team.

Skills

Strategic and analytical thinking

Excellent communication and presentation abilities

Leadership and team management skills

Agile and collaborative mindset

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field

CPA, CA, or MBA

Job description

1. Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with APD business heads and regional CFO function to shape and execute financial strategies aligned with SMBC's regional and global objectives.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes across multiple APAC jurisdictions.
• Provide commercial insights and financial analysis to support business decisions, pricing strategies, capital allocation and cost rationalization.

2. Regional Oversight & Governance

• Oversee managerial accounting reporting and internal controls across APAC branches and subsidiaries.
• Ensure alignment with global / regional managerial accounting policies and local regulatory requirements.
• Drive standardization and efficiency through shared service models and digital finance transformation.

3. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse regional finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong succession pipelines and talent development programs within Finance Planning Group.
• Promote cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing across jurisdictions.

4. Business Partnering & Performance Management

• Act as a strategic advisor to business units, providing financial guidance on new initiatives, investments, and risk-return assessments.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), profitability, and cost optimization efforts.
• Lead or support regional projects such as re-organization or system implementations.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with Tokyo HQ and regional offices on financial matters.
• Prepare and present financial updates to senior management, regional committees, and board-level forums.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field; CPA, CA, or MBA is an added advantage.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in finance, with at least 5 years in a regional leadership role within banking or financial services.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial control, and stakeholder management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, demonstrated success in leading and managing regional teams.
• Experience working in a Japanese financial institution or with Japanese stakeholders is a plus; Japanese language proficiency is advantageous but not essential
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• High integrity and commitment to compliance
• Agile and collaborative mindset