Haruki Sugiyama moved to Australia in 2019 to take on the role of Finance Manager for Hydrogen Engineering Australia (HEA). He was motivated to move overseas and work on a future-focused business, like the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) Project.
He studied accounting and economics at a university in Japan, before working at a large accounting firm for 7 years. Haruki says experience in accounting, tax, and communication is key to managing the finances for HEA as part of the HESC Project.
“A significant part of my role is communicating with all the HESC Project Partners and managing the collective budget for this project,” Haruki said.
With experience working on many accounting and tax-related projects in his career, he is well-placed to manage project financials.
When asked what the greatest challenge working on the HESC Project is, Haruki said, “HESC is a world-first project that is creating a hydrogen supply chain from Australia to Japan. Sometimes we face unexpected issues, but the most rewarding part of my role is working with and receiving the support of HESC Project Partners to overcome these unexpected challenges.”
Having lived in Melbourne for the past two years, Haruki shares how different his life in Australia is compared to living in Japan.
“I enjoy not worrying about earthquakes and squishing into unbelievably packed trains,” he said.
“I also enjoy going for drives with my wife in Victoria and discovering new places we haven’t visited before. Australians are really friendly and have really good wine.”
Haruki looks forward to working on the HESC Project as it works towards commercialisation over the coming years.