Head of Finance

Job type Permanent
Salary
Reference 55607

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