Zen Ikeda

Background

About Zen Ikeda

ITFP & A KPI/ USCPA2FAR ExcelPower QueryAI NPO 10 I currently work in the FP & A team at a global IT infrastructure company. Through KPI operations and budget-to-actual performance monitoring, I support management decision-making around prioritization, resource allocation, and improvement initiatives. I reframe project- and contract-level data through the lenses of profitability, growth, and cash generation, identify key issues, and help translate insights into execution. I am currently studying for the USCPA and plan to take the FAR exam in February. I have strong technology skills—including Excel, Power Query, and generative AI—and I am particularly strong in understanding and improving business processes. At university, I studied philosophy and joined an exchange program at the University of Maribor in Slovenia, where I studied criminology and security. After graduation, I used my free time to complete an internship at an NPO in South Africa, supporting fundraising activities. Outside of work, I have trained in combat sports (MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) for over 10 years. In competition, I defeated an All-Japan champion, and I hold a BJJ blue belt.