Enhancing Organizational Capability to Become a World-Class Finance Team

Timely and appropriate disclosure of financial results made possible by regular communication with our businesses and the relevant departments.

I work in the Global Accounting Governance Group which collects data compiled by Recruit Group’s three Strategic Business Units (SBUs) that is necessary for making consolidated financial statements (consolidation packages) for appropriate and timely financial disclosures. In addition, we also communicate with the frontline of each business unit to strengthen accounting governance for the entire group. Within my unit, my function is to liaise with the HR Technology SBU led by Indeed and Glassdoor. I am involved in the effort to make earlier earnings disclosure and improve the quality of financial statements. My job is to build good relationships with my counterparts in the U.S. through regular communication, and to improve the workflow to ensure the smooth collection of necessary data without delay.

With regards to governance, we are looking into implementing digital audits to quickly detect abnormalities and fraud based on accounting data. To this end, we have started to discuss the future of accounting governance with our partner auditing firms and the Internal Audit Department. Financial data for the entire group is gathered by the Accounting Department. Therefore, we will be able to offer added value in many ways by collaborating with different units, not only with the Audit Department. Through trial and error, and by consulting with the involved parties, we are moving to see how we should process and how we can share the data we have to provide value to our counterparts.

I am also involved in calculating consolidated corporate tax for the current fiscal year. This job is primarily handled by the Financial Accounting Group within the Accounting Management Department, however, because my head knew my desire to take on new challenges from our discussions about my career, he kindly asked me if I was interested. Each business unit has its own issue and the work files are complex, and my head thought that it would be a great advantage to have someone like me, who communicates with SBUs on a daily basis, handle the calculation of corporate tax. That’s how I was assigned this new task. To tell you the truth, I did not have much knowledge of closing consolidated accounts because I had been in charge of non-consolidated accounts since I had been transferred into the Accounting Department. I am learning the methods and key points for closing consolidated accounts for the first time through this work. This has turned out to be a precious opportunity for me to expand my career horizon.

Globalization has progressed rapidly in the last few years, and accounting operations and workstyle have also undergone major changes. My English skills were not very strong before this, but amazingly, I have regular meetings with staff in the U.S. now. The fact that I am assigned wide-range of responsibilities such as governance and corporate tax calculation seems to have resulted in the combined effect of enriching conversation with my counterparts and developing a good relationship with them. The changes have been drastic, and everything is new to me, but it is exciting to see my horizons expanding as a result of this bold decision. In my case, particularly, I am curious about everything but easily bored, and I am lucky to have an environment where I can take on various new challenges.

Creating a strong team where everybody enjoys working.

During my job search, I became interested in the media and advertising industry. I joined the Company because I liked the Ribbon Model; a business model that connects users with clients. Initially I toyed with the idea of working in sales, but I received a job offer from Recruit Administration Co., Ltd. (currently Recruit Co., Ltd.) which was doing administrative work such as accounting, legal, and general affairs for the entire group. For the first three months, I worked in the sales department of Hot Pepper Gourmet as part of training. Having experienced sales related roles, I began to realize that I may be more suited to playing a supporting role behind the scenes than driving sales in the frontline. After the training, I was officially assigned to the Accounting Department. I was happy to come across a job that, I believed, suited my personality. Today, I am sincerely grateful to have been hired after a thorough assessment of my suitability.

Throughout my experience with different teams and projects, I have always been conscious of creating a pleasant workplace and team environment for my teammates. A colleague who used to work with me once described everyday work at Recruit, saying that it was just like preparing for a school festival. I like that expression a lot. I really like the sense of unity that is created when everyone demonstrates his/her personal strengths and works together to get the job done. Currently, I am involved in many projects: organizational development of the entire Finance Division which is made up of three departments that are treasury, accounting, and tax; planning seminars where external experts are invited; organizing management meetings; and supporting the global conference for finance which includes people in charge of finance from the entire Recruit Group, including from overseas. While accounting does involve some low-profile work, the process of building myself an environment where I can take on each job in a positive way is very enjoyable. Respecting the individual and putting energy into building an organization that leverages diversity are also the characteristics of Recruit’s corporate culture.

With the rapid globalization we’ve seen in recent years, people of diverse backgrounds are joining one after another. I believe a strong team with a good vibe is taking shape. Collaborations and projects that cut across organizations and national borders are also increasing, and we are also actively engaging in operational reforms leveraging technology. All of us together are taking on the challenge of evolving into a world-class finance team. I want to expand my capability by taking advantage of my experience and, with my teammates, take on assignments which will have a greater impact on society.

Each person’s desire to do something is what drives the company forward.

The Accounting Management Department holds a quarterly meeting to confirm the ambitious goals we've set. Team members write down “ambitions” that are not yet listed in their daily agenda with a tone like “I want to do this at some point in the future” and “This is how I want to be ideally.” These ideas are collected, reviewed, and updated regularly at the get-together. The value to “BET ON PASSION” has taken root in Recruit. This means that each person’s passions are the starting point to move things forward. In my case, I have never been rejected by my supervisors and colleagues when I tell them that I want to do something. Regardless of your seniority or experience, they assign you one job after another with a discretionary power, and when you want to try something new, they always encourage you to go ahead. They draw out your potential in this way and, as a result, it will broaden your career options. This is the most appealing point of working for Recruit. I will keep telling people proactively what I want to do and support anybody when he/she wants to do something.

If you are seeking an environment where you can try something you’ve been wanting to do, or if you appreciate new opportunities and changes, you will be definitely satisfied with our environment. Or, as in my case, even if you are still not sure what you want to do, they will assign you one challenging task after another. As you take on the job in front of you one by one, you will eventually discover what you want to do. If you are interested, please do apply. Let’s have fun working together towards the goal of becoming a world-class finance team!