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