Location:

Botanica Ditton Park

Job ID:

R0060028

Date Posted:

2024-08-27

Company Name:

HITACHI EUROPE LTD.

Profession (Job Category):

Finance

Job Schedule: 

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

Our Company

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” - supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Hitachi Europe is made up of 5 legal entities in Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain). The total revenue for Hitachi Europe is approximately £180 million.

Hitachi Europe Ltd. is a social innovation company with headquarters based in England. The company’s European operations employ over 550 people to deliver services and solutions to customers in several key business areas. The company's portfolio includes digital media products, industrial components and equipment, European procurement and sourcing, research and design and information systems.

HEU is also responsible for managing a Shared Services Group that provides the Company's business units with a range of innovative and effective common services that deliver value, create ‘lean’ processes and support growth and development - including HR, IT, Legal, Finance, Public Affairs and Business Development.

What you’ll be doing

The Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Systems will, under the direction of the Finance Director provide insightful financial guidance, support strategic decision, and drive growth. They will lead the FP&A team and Systems processes in driving financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic analysis and delivering more efficiency through reporting automations across the organization.

This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership and communication skills and the ability to understand the commercial value drivers of the organisation and influence decision-making at all levels of the company. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of financial principles, accounting, and financial modelling, proficiency in analysing large datasets, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions, Expertise in creating accurate forecasts and budgets, and adjusting them based on changing business conditions, Familiarity with financial software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel skills including knowledge of data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau, and a proven track record of managing complex financial processes.

This role involves managing reporting automations, process improvements, ensuring data integrity, and providing user support and training. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

• Development and execution of the annual budgeting process and long-term strategic planning.

• Collaborate with senior management to establish financial goals and objectives aligned with the company’s strategic plan.

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Financial Analysis:

• Oversee the preparation of financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses.

• Conduct in-depth analyses of financial performance and key business drivers.

• Develop financial models to evaluate new business opportunities and investments.

Business Partnering:

• Work closely with business units to provide financial guidance and support.

• Serve as a key liaison between finance and other departments to ensure alignment on financial goals and initiatives.

• Present financial results and strategic insights to senior leadership and the board of directors.

Performance Management:

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive business performance.

• Identify areas for cost optimization and efficiency improvements.

• Lead initiatives to improve financial processes and systems.

Team Leadership:

• Manage the FP&A Manager and Systems Analyst.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.

• Manage workload and priorities to ensure the timely delivery of accurate financial information.

Systems & Automations Management:

• Oversee the enhancement of the financial systems.

• Ensure that financial systems are aligned with organizational goals and processes.

• Design and develop automated reporting solutions.

• Create and maintain data pipelines to ensure accurate and timely data delivery.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation within financial systems.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement system enhancements.

• Analyse system performance and make recommendations for optimization.

Data Management:

• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data across all systems.

• Develop and maintain documentation for system processes and procedures.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather reporting requirements and translate them into technical specifications.

• Monitor data flows between systems to ensure consistency and accuracy.

• Ensure the accuracy and consistency of data across reports and dashboards.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate existing reporting processes.

• Implement best practices for data management and reporting automation.

• Continuously evaluate new tools and technologies to enhance reporting capabilities.

Project Management:

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure project objectives are met.

• Track project progress, manage timelines, and report on project status to stakeholders.

• Work closely with IT and data teams to ensure data integration and compatibility.

What you bring to the team 

We’re looking for a team player, who is motivated by delivering great work and the Hitachi vision. The role will be a mixture of remote-hybrid work with days in the Hitachi Office.

The office location is at Sefton Park, Slough, soon moving to Hitachi Europe Ltd, Botanica Ditton Park, Riding Court Road, Datchet, SL3 9LL

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and background:

Technical and Analytical Skills:

• Financial Acumen: Deep understanding of financial principles, accounting, and financial modelling.

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in analysing large datasets, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions.

• Forecasting and Budgeting: Expertise in creating accurate forecasts and budgets and adjusting them based on changing business conditions.

• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with financial software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel skills. Knowledge of data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau is also beneficial.

Strategic Insight:

• Business Acumen: In-depth understanding of the business, industry, and market dynamics.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, connect financial insights to broader business strategies, and influence long-term decision-making.

• Risk Management: Skill in identifying financial risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.

Leadership and Communication:

• Effective Communication: Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including operations, marketing, and executive leadership.

• Influence and Negotiation: Capability to persuade and influence senior management and stakeholders to adopt financial recommendations and strategies.

Personal Attributes:

• Problem-Solving: Innovative and resourceful in finding solutions to financial challenges.

• Attention to Detail: Precision in financial reporting and analysis to ensure accuracy.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing business environments and priorities.

• Integrity and Ethics: Commitment to ethical standards and integrity in financial reporting and decision-making.

Leadership Qualities:

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to inspire and lead the FP&A team towards achieving the company’s financial goals.

• Mentorship: Willingness to mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

• Results-Driven: Focused on delivering results and driving performance through effective financial management and strategic planning.

Benefits Package

Along with a market competitive salary and discretionary bonus scheme, employees have the option to work flexibly in line with our hybrid working model and we would be happy to discuss this with you during the hiring process.

Benefits Package
Company Funded Benefits

• Market competitive salary and discretionary bonus scheme

• Generous holiday entitlement - with the option to buy up to an additional week per year.

• A Holiday Banking scheme allowing you to bank untaken holiday to use another year.

• Group Personal Pension

• Private Medical Insurance

• Employee Assistance Programme available to all employees

• Personal Accident Insurance

Voluntary Benefits (funded by employee) including.

• Cycle To Work scheme.

• Gym Membership

• Dental Insurance with option to include dependent children.

• Health screening

• Dining card

Our Values

We are proud to say we are an equal opportunity employer and welcome all applicants for employment without attention to any factor that doesn’t impact your ability to do the job, including race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.  We are proud of Japanese heritage, with our values expressed through the Hitachi Spirit:

Wa – Harmony, Trust, Respect

Makoto – Sincerity, Fairness, Honesty, Integrity

Kaitakusha-Seishin – Pioneering Spirit, Challenge

If, like us, you’re motivated by delivering first class services, thrive in a fast paced and supportive environment and want to help Hitachi to drive social innovation, we’d love to hear from you.