Finance Manager

Who are Eku Energy....

Eku Energy is a leading global energy storage business working across the full project lifecycle to develop, build and manage utility scale energy storage assets for the long term.

Our portfolio of digitally enabled, flexible utility-scale storage projects will provide vital grid services in key markets around the world including Australia, Italy, Japan and the UK.

Initially established by Macquarie’s Green Investment Group, Eku Energy is jointly owned by a Macquarie Asset Management managed fund and British Columbia Investment Management, two financial powerhouses advancing the renewable energy transition.

Due to Eku’s accelerated growth period since launching in November 2022, the company now has 4.6GWh in development, construction and operation across the UK, Australia, Italy and Japan with the aim of delivering 9GWh by 2028.

Introduction to the role

The Finance team has responsibility for:

·       Direct and control of all aspects of the group finance function, including Accounting, Budget and Reporting, Tax, Treasury and Audit, ensuring compliance with Group tools, processes and policies/rules.

·       Coordinating the Company’s financial performance monitoring process, contributing to the company’s decision-making processes and to the definition of long-term strategies.

·       Internal control, ensuring compliance with a direct responsibility over accounting, cost control, and treasury.

·       Ensuring management and financial systems are in place and compliant with Eku Group recommended tools.

Responsibilities of the role

Core Accounting

·       Completion of the month end and year-end financial close and balance sheet reconciliations with support from the outsourced service provider.

·       Manage the year end audit with the statutory auditors and liaise with Group finance to ensure completion to Group reporting deadlines.

·       Review and finalise management accounts in both JGAAP and Group IFRS format, to agreed Group reporting deadlines.

·       Ensure regulatory compliance deadlines are met, including tax.

Project cost control

·       Maintain the Japan DEVEX spend tracker and periodically update forecasts in collaboration with the Development team.

·       Cost control – ensure proper allocation of costs via PO’s/invoices to all cost centre and project cost codes.

·       Maintain, update and run asset financial models to support the assets under construction, including modelling adjustments for actuals, and forecast changes.

·       Control and analyse project cost variances compared to approved budgets and assess project costs to complete.

Financial planning

·       Preparation of budget and ongoing monitoring of performance compared to the budget.

·       Support cost centre managers and project managers with budget and forecast tracking.

·       Support in preparation of financial forecasts and projection.

Treasury management

·       Manage all operational bank accounts including internet banking.

·       Ensure payments are processed in accordance with the Group delegation of authority.

·       Manage loan repayment, information covenant, hedging payments/receipts and communicate with the hedging provider, including obtaining regular mark to market calculations.

·       Prepare debt drawdown and withdrawal notices, including the remaining costs to completion calculations.

·       Manage securities (bank guarantees, security deposits and parent company guarantees for the project.

·       Provide hedge accounting in relation to the interest rate swap, fx hedge and commodity hedge.

Systems and Process Improvement

·       Provide support to all system development activities and ensure localised ERP system meets local requirements.

·       Drive process improvement projects and other adhoc project work.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

·       Provide comprehensive accounting and management reporting services that support the activities and needs of the Japan business and the wider Eku Group.

·       Ensure all reporting from Japanese entities is accurate and produced on a timely basis.

·       Ensure all financial related activities in Japan are conducted in accordance with the Group delegation of authority.

·       Qualified Finance Professional (ACCA/CA/CPA).

·       Ideally of 5 years post-qualification experience, preferably in the energy industry.

·       Considerable knowledge of IFRS and Japan accounting standards.

·       Working knowledge of Japan Corporate tax and JCT regulations.

·       Computer literate with excellent skills in accounting software & Excel.

·       Strong ability to work cross-functionally.

·       Strong communication skills.

·       Fluent in Japanese and English.

• 25 Days of annual leave
• Flexible working arrangement
• Short Term Incentive bonus based on company and personal targets
• Great working culture globally
• Attractive remuneration package

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  

The diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. An inclusive and equitable workplace enables us to embrace that diversity to deliver more innovative and sustainable solutions for our people, clients, shareholders, and communities. At Eku Energy, you will be encouraged to be yourself and supported to perform at your best. We want you on our team. If you need adjustments made to the recruitment process or while you are working with us, please let us know. 

As an inclusive employer, we do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief. 

Joining Eku Energy means you will be able to work in a way that suits you best. With the right technology, support and resources, our people can work in a range of flexible ways. Talk to us about what working arrangements would help you thrive.