Head of Finance

Position: Head of Finance

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Reporting Line: VP Finance, APAC (dotted line to Japan Business Head)

Role Overview

To support accelerated growth in Japan, we are seeking a Head of Finance to lead a high-growth, fast-paced business and a dynamic local finance organization. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution and offers close partnership with senior business leaders while building a strong finance talent pipeline.

The position plays a key role within the Japan leadership team and contributes to broader Asia-Pacific finance initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership, Business Partnering, and FP&A

• Partner closely with the Japan business leadership to shape and execute growth strategies

• Act as a strategic advisor, providing financial insight to support decision-making and execution

• Analyze business requirements, assess scenarios, and synthesize data to guide management decisions

• Evaluate business models, workflows, and investment opportunities to enable sustainable growth

• Identify risks and opportunities and proactively propose solutions

• Serve as a change leader in periods of business transformation

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead financial planning and analysis activities for the Japan business

• Monitor business performance, including operating expenses, revenue, promotions, and customer or segment profitability

• Develop financial models for investments and commercial initiatives

• Own the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts for Japan

Controllership & Compliance

• Ensure accounting practices comply with local regulations and global corporate policies

• Maintain a strong internal control environment in line with SOX requirements

• Ensure adherence to approval authorities and compliance standards, including anti-corruption policies

• Oversee working capital management, including accounts receivable, payment processing, and related controls

Talent Leadership

• Lead and develop the Japan finance organization

• Build a high-performing team capable of supporting rapid business growth

• Strengthen team capabilities in both business partnering and financial governance

Projects & Process Improvement

• Drive finance process improvements and promote a culture of continuous improvement

• Lead local and regional finance initiatives, including ad-hoc strategic projects

Reporting, Statutory Accounts, and Tax

• Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent monthly reporting under both local GAAP and US GAAP

• Lead the monthly close process and review key financial metrics, including revenue, pricing, operating expenses, and balance sheet items

• Review monthly account reconciliations for group reporting

• Manage tax compliance, including indirect taxes, corporate tax, withholding tax, and other statutory filings

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or a recognized professional accounting qualification

• MBA is an advantage

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, including at least 10 years in a management or leadership role

• Experience working in a multinational, fast-moving business environment

• Prior experience in Japan is required; broader APAC exposure is a plus

• Proven experience leading and developing sizable teams

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to partner effectively with senior stakeholders

• Self-driven, adaptable, and comfortable taking on new challenges

• Strong sense of ownership with the ability to meet tight deadlines

• Results-oriented, customer-focused, and able to perform under pressure

• High ethical standards, integrity, and accountability

Required Skills

• Languages: Fluent Japanese and English (spoken and written)

• Strong experience with finance systems and ERP platforms; SAP experience is an advantage

• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookup functions

Work Conditions

• Standard business hours, Monday to Friday

• Based in the Tokyo office