FP&A Transformation in Japanese Corporations with Chie Ikegawa
In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David Sweet welcomes Chie Ikegawa, an expert in finance and FP&A, to discuss the evolution of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) in Japanese companies. Chie explains the unique challenges Japanese companies face in adopting FP&A practices compared to American companies, highlighting the cultural and structural differences. She shares her experiences in transforming FP&A departments, emphasizing the importance of leadership commitment, role definition, and effective training. Chie also outlines the future of FP&A, including the impact of AI and data analytics on the function. Ultimately, she advocates for tailored FP&A solutions that fit the specific needs of Japanese companies.
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In this episode you will hear:
- Chie's career journey and her advocacy for establishing strong FP&A functions.
- The evolution of FP&A in Japanese companies and why it's essential for growth.
- The key differences between US and Japanese FP&A models and their implications.
- The process of transforming traditional management accounting into modern FP&A functions.
- Real-world case studies from Fujitsu, Ajinomoto, and Kirin that highlight successful transformations.
- How AI and digital tools are reshaping the future of FP&A in Japan.
About Chie:
Chie Ikegawa (PhD in Professional Accounting, MBA) is a finance professional who has served as CFO and FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) leader at the Japanese subsidiaries of global companies such as P&G, McDonald’s, Lenovo, and Kellogg. She now helps Japanese companies establish and strengthen their FP&A functions to maximize corporate and business value. She also serves as a board member of listed Japanese companies. She teaches management control, management accountants, and corporate governance at a business school.
She started golf 2 years ago and enjoys almost every weekend.
Her books are;
The Changing Roles of Management Accountants: A Japanese Perspective (2023)
Practical Implementation of FP&A in Japanese Companies (2025)
Connect with Chie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chie-ikegawa-1ba765b/
Website: http://strat.jp/
実践 日本版FP&A(her new book)
Connect with David Sweet:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp
Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/
Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/
This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.
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