
Business Overview
The Technology Management Division (TMD) provides Corporate IT, and Cyber Security & Privacy Governance to Rakuten Group companies and essential business management for technology organizations, thereby enabling innovation and strengthening the technology foundation. Within TMD, the Corporate IT Supervisory Department (CITD) drives Rakuten Group’s global corporate IT services and infrastructure. Our mission is to empower Rakuten through innovative and secure IT solutions that enhance efficiency and foster productivity.
Department
The Corporate IT Infrastructure Department (CITID) provides the stable and reliable technological foundation that supports Rakuten's global business operations. We deliver simple, secure, and robust infrastructure services with operational and engineering excellence, managing core infrastructure, enterprise collaboration platforms, development support tools and project management.
Position
Position Details
The SAP Senior Application Specialist plays a critical role in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of SAP solutions across business units. This role requires deep expertise in SAP modules (e.g., S/4HANA FI/CO, AA, PS), strong business process understanding, and the ability to translate business requirements into scalable SAP solutions. The specialist will collaborate with internal stakeholders, external partners, and global teams to ensure SAP systems support strategic goals and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, configuration, and deployment of SAP modules, particularly in areas such as Materials Finance(FI/CO), Asset Accounting(AA), and Project Management(PS).
- Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for SAP application architecture and integration points.
- Analyze business requirements and translate them into functional specifications and technical solutions.
- Drive system enhancements, upgrades, and transformation initiatives (e.g., migration to S/4HANA).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between IT solutions and business processes.
- Manage and resolve complex incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement preventive measures.
- Support audit and compliance activities, including documentation and system validation.
- Mentor junior SAP analysts and provide training to end-users as needed.
Mandatory Qualifications
- 7+ years of hands-on experience in SAP ERP (ECC or S/4HANA) with at least two full-cycle implementations.
- Deep knowledge of SAP modules such as FI/CO, AA, or PS.
- Strong understanding of business processes in finance.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills in both Japanese and English.
Desired Qualifications
- SAP certification in one or more modules.
- Experience with SAP development tools, integration tools, and middleware (e.g., ABAP, BTP, PI/PO, IDoc, BAPI).
- Experience with SAP Fiori, SAP Analytics Cloud.
- Familiarity with ITIL practices and project management methodologies (Agile/Waterfall).
- Knowledge of Japanese business practices and regulatory requirements.
- Experience working in a global or matrixed organization.
#engineer #applicationsengineer #technologymanagementdiv
Languages:
English (Overall - 3 - Advanced)

SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 150 offices and 120,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG's shares trade on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges, and its ADRs trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SMFG).
Americas: https://www.smbcgroup.com/
EMEA: https://www.smbcgroup.com/emea/
APAC: https://www.smbc.co.jp/asia/
Tokyo: https://www.smfg.co.jp/english/