Sr. Director, FP&A

Rakuten Kobo Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 136,485 - 254,664; Full time

Job summary

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is seeking a Senior Director, FP&A to lead financial planning and analysis functions. This role partners with executive leadership to drive financial performance, optimize resource allocation, and build high-performing teams.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of FP&A experience, including 5 years in leadership, with a strong background in financial modeling and analytics. Competitive compensation is offered, with an annual salary range of USD $136,485.00–$254,664.00.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in FP&A, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to think strategically and translate business objectives into financial plans.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company's financial planning processes.
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to executive leadership and department heads.
• Oversee preparation of comprehensive financial reports and dashboards.

Skills

Strategic Thinker

Financial Acumen

Analytical Prowess

Leadership & Communication

Systems Proficiency

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field

MBA or CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems (e.g., Oracle)

Microsoft Excel

Business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau)

Job description

Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Director, FP&A to lead our financial planning and analysis functions. Reporting to the CFO of Rakuten Rewards, this critical leadership role will partner closely with executive leadership, marketing, sales, and other departmental heads to drive financial performance and optimize resource allocation. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of financial modeling, forecasting, and business analytics. You will be a hands‑on leader, capable of building and developing high‑performing teams, while also providing strategic guidance and actionable insights to support the company's objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company's financial planning processes, including annual budgeting, long‑range strategic planning, and monthly forecasting.
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to executive leadership and department heads, providing critical financial insights, variance analysis, and recommendations to drive performance and achieve strategic goals.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models (e.g., P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, unit economics, ROI, LTV) to support strategic initiatives, investment decisions, and scenario planning.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of comprehensive financial reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to the executive team highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, revenue enhancement, and process improvements across the organization.
• Review and evaluate contracts, proposals, and agreements to assess financial implications, ensure alignment with budgetary constraints, and verify compliance with organizational financial policies.
• Collaborate with legal, procurement, and department heads to provide financial analysis and recommendations prior to contract approval and execution.
• Drive the continuous improvement of FP&A systems, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability including AI.
• Partner with the Strategic Business Operations team for special projects requested from the international parent company.
• Create a collaborative, engaging, and results‑oriented team environment that encourages continuous learning and professional growth.
• Drive effective collaboration and communication between the FP&A team and other departments.
• Manage the company's sales compensation process, including plan design, modeling, administration, and performance tracking.
• Partner with Sales Leadership to analyze incentive effectiveness and recommend adjustments to drive performance and profitability.

Qualifications

• Strategic Thinker: Proven ability to think strategically, translate business objectives into financial plans, and provide actionable insights.
• Financial Acumen: Deep understanding of GAAP, financial modeling techniques, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Analytical Prowess: Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to build, motivate, and manage high‑performing teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Systems Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Oracle) and Microsoft Excel. Experience with business intelligence and analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau).
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic, and evolving environment with roll‑up‑your‑sleeves attitude.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• MBA or CPA preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in FP&A, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Compensation: USD $136,485.00–$254,664.00 annually.

Rakuten provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.