Job Title
Finance Director
Location
Tokyo, Japan
Workplace Type
Hybrid
Reporting Line
Reports to Managing Director, Japan
Company Overview
A global premium consumer goods organization is seeking a Finance Director to lead financial strategy, business partnering, financial planning, compliance, and governance for its Japan business. The company operates internationally across multiple markets and maintains a portfolio of premium consumer brands distributed worldwide.
This leadership position plays a critical role in supporting business growth, driving commercial performance, and ensuring financial integrity while partnering closely with local and regional leadership teams.
Role Overview
The Finance Director serves as a strategic business partner to the country leadership team, providing financial guidance that supports sustainable growth and profitability. The role combines commercial finance leadership with responsibility for statutory reporting, financial controls, compliance, tax management, and overall financial operations.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Finance & Business Partnership
Lead forecasting, annual budgeting, long-range planning, and financial performance reviews.
Monitor business results and identify risks, opportunities, and corrective actions to achieve targets.
Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic business decisions.
Partner with commercial leaders to evaluate investments, profitability, and return on investment opportunities.
Support pricing strategy development and value chain optimization initiatives.
Drive financial discipline across commercial and operational activities.
Financial Planning & Analysis
Deliver accurate financial forecasts and business performance reporting.
Develop actionable insights from financial and operational data.
Support strategic roadmap execution through financial modeling and scenario analysis.
Monitor key financial KPIs and business performance indicators.
Accounting, Controls & Compliance
Oversee accounting operations and ensure compliance with internal policies and international accounting standards.
Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
Establish and maintain robust internal control frameworks.
Coordinate annual audits and ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.
Support internal audit activities and risk management initiatives.
Tax, Treasury & Cash Management
Manage cash flow, liquidity planning, and working capital optimization.
Oversee corporate tax planning and compliance activities.
Ensure compliance with transfer pricing requirements and documentation standards.
Manage banking relationships and treasury-related activities.
Review and approve customer credit limits while mitigating credit risk exposure.
Stakeholder Management
Partner closely with regional finance leadership and cross-functional business teams.
Collaborate with supply chain, commercial, IT, and shared services functions.
Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, financial institutions, and regulatory authorities.
Support governance requirements and executive reporting activities.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field.
CPA, CA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
10–12 years of progressive finance leadership experience.
Experience within FMCG, consumer products, beverages, food & beverage, retail, or related industries.
Strong financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering experience.
Deep understanding of accounting standards, financial controls, compliance, and taxation.
Proven ability to support senior leadership and influence business decisions.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial reporting tools.
Preferred Qualifications
MBA or other advanced business qualification.
Experience within multinational organizations.
Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP (ECC, BW, BPC) or similar enterprise platforms.
Experience managing regional and local stakeholder relationships.
Exposure to transfer pricing, treasury management, and international finance operations.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
Confident leader capable of operating independently.
Strong business partner who can influence stakeholders across functions.
Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
Capable of balancing local business needs with regional and global priorities.
Collaborative leadership style with a focus on team development and performance.
Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Industry
Consumer Goods / FMCG / Premium Consumer Products
Function
Finance & Accounting
Career Level
Director
Languages
Japanese: Business Fluent to Native Level
English: Business Fluent to Native Level
Compensation
Competitive executive-level compensation package, including performance-based incentives and comprehensive benefits, commensurate with experience and qualifications.