Position: Head of Finance
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Reports to: Local CEO (functional reporting to Global HQ CFO)
Team Size: 1–2 direct reports
Role Summary
A senior-level finance leadership role within a Japan-based retail and trading subsidiary of a global luxury lifestyle group. The Head of Finance will lead the local finance function, supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring accurate, compliant, and insightful financial operations. This role is pivotal in guiding business performance, managing financial planning, and driving process improvements in alignment with global standards.
Key Responsibilities
Lead development of annual budgets and forecasts in collaboration with department heads
Provide financial insights and strategic support to the Senior Leadership Team
Analyze retail performance at the store level, support new store openings, and manage CAPEX and depreciation planning
Drive implementation of new financial systems, tools, and transformation initiatives
Identify and implement cost optimization strategies
Prepare accurate and timely financial reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) with relevant commentary
Coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing cycles
Ensure adherence to local and global accounting standards (e.g., J-GAAP, IFRS)
Present financial performance reports to senior stakeholders, identifying risks and opportunities
Oversee treasury, cash flow management, FX hedging, and liquidity planning
Monitor and analyze AP, AR, inventory trends, and improve working capital efficiency
Manage intercompany transactions and reconciliations with global entities
Oversee legal and contract-related matters in coordination with legal advisors and HQ
Conduct financial modeling and variance analysis to support business decisions
Ensure compliance with local tax, financial, and regulatory requirements
Qualifications & Requirements
Must-Have:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, or related discipline
At least 10 years of finance and accounting experience, preferably in the retail, consumer goods, or brand sector
Strong understanding of end-to-end finance operations in Japan
Knowledge of J-GAAP and/or IFRS, Japanese tax laws, and compliance standards
Proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Excel
Business-level English and Japanese (fluency in one, proficiency in the other)
Preferred:
CPA, JCPA, or equivalent professional certification
Experience in external or internal audit
Experience with ERP implementation or finance digital transformation
Proficiency in additional languages such as Italian is a plus
Company Overview
A Japan-based subsidiary of an internationally recognized luxury lifestyle brand. The company operates across multiple retail and trading channels, with a workforce of approximately 80 employees and steady annual growth. The Japan office works autonomously while collaborating closely with global teams for strategic alignment and shared services.