Q:Please tell us about your experience since joining the company, including your job description.

Job rotation for a fulfilling career

Since I joined Ajinomoto Co., Inc. as a new graduate, I have dedicated myself to the finance department and have experienced four different departments through job rotations. I was first assigned to a department in charge of cost accounting, which was known as a gateway to success for newcomers. Through supporting the factory's cost management, I was able to experience being involved in the business and discover how interesting the work of finance and accounting can be.

In my fifth year, I was transferred for the first time to Non-Consolidated Accounting Department. During my time there, in addition to routine work, I was assigned to a project to introduce an upgraded version of the accounting system to our group company, where I had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people from factories, business departments, group companies, and external consulting firms. At this time, the network of contacts I had made in my previous department helped the project progress, and it was a great boost to my personal growth to realize that any job could eventually be useful to me.

Next, I was transferred to the Group Companies Accounting Department and then to my current position in the Finance Department. I am sure that there must have been hardships and difficulties as I went through job rotations, but no matter what I recall, all I have are good memories of being blessed with good people around me and having a fulfilling job. For me, job rotations are opportunities to acquire new experiences and knowledge, and its value lies in enabling me to apply what I have acquired previously to my next job.

Before I know it, I find myself on a stage where I can tap into my potential.

When I was transferred to the finance department, my job description changed dramatically from my previous department, and the scope of my work expanded more than ever. One of them is sustainable finance operations.

Environment Social Governance (ESG) has recently been emphasized in corporate management, and investors are demanding sustainable finance that incorporates ESG factors in fundraising as well. The finance department has launched a project to shift loan agreements with banks to sustainable finance as well, and I have been invited to participate in this project.

To establish commitment line of credit for a sustainability-linked type of loan with a bank, we first signed an agreement and requested a third-party evaluation agency to evaluate the loan. Following that, we prepared a press release, and created a website as a place to promote our company's sustainable finance activities. In the course of such a major project, I experienced a state of adrenaline rush, and was relieved when the project was completed, with a very great sense of satisfaction. This experience has also made me aware of skills that I need to develop further, and I am now able to work on my daily tasks with an awareness of improving those skills.

I believe that it is thanks to the guidance of my supervisors that I am able to stand up to these challenges. AFS is a very people-oriented company, and the managers look at the employees more closely than what we might have imagined in terms of helping them to develop their individual abilities and expand their potential in pursuing a career. For this reason, I feel that this is a company that can provide me with growth opportunities should I seek them out on my own.

Q:What makes AFS attractive?

A comfortable work environment with no gender bias.

There is no gender bias at AFS, making it a comfortable work environment for females. Managers evaluate employees based on their work efforts and results, and opportunities for new challenges are presented to both male and female employees regardless of gender. I have never felt that because I am a female that I have fewer opportunities or that I cannot thrive. I have been given many opportunities to take on new challenges, and I am enjoying a fulfilling career while achieving personal growth.

In addition, AFS has a high female employee population, who are working actively regardless of their various stages of life, such as those who are juggling between work and child raising with their partner. I can easily envision my career when I have a family in the future, which motivates me to continue working at AFS.

Another feature of AFS in terms of ease of work is the ease to take time off. The company encourages employees to take time off by encouraging them to take five days off during the first half of the year and by setting up "paid leave incentive days". In addition, if there are work-related issue that needs to be addressed during my time off, other members of the department naturally work together to cover for me, allowing me to take time off without any concerns. Also, I think that the flexibility to incorporate work-from-home contributes to the ease of work as well.

Generous support for those who are pursuing qualifications

One of the features of AFS is the generous support provided by the company for those seeking to obtain finance and accounting-related qualifications. For example, there is a scheme to subsidize the cost of attending various seminars to obtain U.S. Certified Public Accountant and Japanese Certified Public Tax Accountant qualifications. In addition, the cost for taking certification exams are subsidized, which of course shall be passed, but I think these AFS educational subsidy coverages are more generous than one might imagine.

If you are looking to obtain a qualification while working, this is another advantage that AFS has to offer. This is why there are so many qualified employees within the company. You will also benefit from useful and effective study advice to pass the exams. This is a company where you can realize your vision of yourself as a finance and accounting professional while gaining practical experience.

Q:In your words, what is AFS to you?

A company that values people, allowing them to reach their potential and grow.