Business Finance Manager/Analyst, Budget Planning and Cost Control Section -Cost Management Strategy Department (RS Business Strategy & Portfolio Div)

Job Description:

About Organization

The Cost Management Strategy Department within Rakuten Symphony's Business Strategy & Portfolio Division is at the forefront of driving financial excellence and cost competitiveness across our diverse portfolio of cloud, OSS (Open Source Software), RAN (Radio Access Network), and internet service offerings. We are responsible for Budget Planning, Cost Control, Procurement, and Finance functions. This role specifically enhances end-to-end visibility on cost structures, proof-of-concepts (POCs), intercompany transactions, and business investments that shape the future of Symphony’s technology and service roadmap. The team partners closely with engineering, procurement, delivery, and product units to deliver financial insights that power strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

Job Duties

We are seeking a Business Finance Analyst to develop and maintain robust financial frameworks, with a special focus on cost tracking, forecast, and budget management. This role provides the financial backbone for strategic decisions, ensuring Symphony’s offerings remain cost-competitive, scalable, and aligned with market benchmarks. You will partner with business unit Person-in-Charge (PICs) to deliver actionable insights, implement financial processes for high-speed projects, and strengthen cost discipline across business units.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Cross-Functional Cost Analysis:

• Work with engineering, procurement, product, and operations teams to validate assumptions and consolidate cost data across different geographies.

Reporting & Insights:

• Deliver executive-ready dashboards and presentations to business and finance leadership, providing clear, actionable insights.

Automation & Process Improvement:

• Lead automation initiatives in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations, dashboards, and reports using tools such as Excel VBA, Power BI, Tableau, or Python.

Financial Oversight of POCs:

• Track and govern Proof-of-Concept (POC) budgets versus actuals across various Business Units (Cloud, OSS, RAN, Internet Services).

Cost Bucket Management:

• Establish frameworks for monitoring key cost categories, including travel & logistics, internal workforce, third-party vendors/tools, contractors, and consultants.

Budget Governance:

• Drive budget setting, approvals, and governance processes for POCs and other business initiatives.

Intercompany Transactions Tracking & Management:

• Generate regular dashboards and variance analyses highlighting risks, gaps, and optimization opportunities for intercompany transactions.

Process Development:

• Standardize and implement scalable, repeatable financial processes for short-cycle projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 5–10 years of proven experience in budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis within the telecommunications industry, or a related technology sector.

• Education: Bachelor of Engineering or MBA in Finance.

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.

• Communication: Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.

• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in ERP systems, advanced MS Excel; working knowledge of Power BI/Tableau is preferred.

• Work Ethic: Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy and process improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as CPA, CMA.

Languages:

English (Overall - 4 - Fluent)