Finance Manager - Japan

Position Purpose

The Finance Manager role is the lead Finance position in Japan responsible for both FP&A and Controllership activities.  Ensuring accurate and timely reporting of financials and the integrity of the general ledger in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and financial policies and procedures.

Support and lead the business through with strong analytical and commercial expertise to continuously enhance business value and achieve/exceed financial targets. Partner with the Country Manager and functional leads and provide financial insights, identify risks and opportunities and evaluate return on investment for commercial initiatives.

Key Accountabilities & Performance Indicators

1. Controllership

• Oversee and manage general accounting functions, including but not limited to accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, revenue recognition, taxation, financial closing and reporting.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all financial matters including but not limited to VAT, withholding tax and Company tax.
• Coordinate and liaise with external parties including external auditors, tax agents, corporate secretary, local tax and government authorities as required.
• Ensure compliance with Local GAAP, Tax and any other statutory requirements.
• Monitor & control expenditures ensuring expenses will be incurred within the approved Plan/Budget.
• Establish internal control systems to ensure that financial policies/procedures (both local and international) are adhered to.
• Review accounting systems, financial policies and procedures and identify needs for improvement. Implement new systems and controls to support the growing needs of the business and ensure that any changes are communicated for effective implementation.

2.FP&A / Management Reporting

• Deliver timely, accurate and insightful management reports as required by the business.

• Be the trusted Partner for the Japan country manager and management team on all financial matters. Be an active participant in meetings and ensure that financial implications are understood by the team.

• Provide competitive analysis, external benchmarking, customer and channel analysis that aims at identifying business & financial opportunities and risks, driving development of action plans

• Perform detailed financial analysis including financial modelling, profitability analysis, monitoring business issues and impact to bottom line.

• Assist in preparing executive and internal management reporting packages, including analytical review and associated commentary.

• Support the regional Finance team with timely, accurate and meaningful analysis of the Japan business and all submissions are on time

• Lead the Japan in the annual Budget, Strategic Plan and monthly forecasts of the financials of the company leveraging BI tools to increase accuracy and reliability of data

 Ad hoc Duties

• Responsible for performing special projects to improve process efficiency and performance.

• Other projects as and when required

Key Working Relatinships

Internal Stakeholders 

Regional Finance Head Asia, PH Country Head and Leadership Team, PH Finance Team, Asia Finance Team, Group Controller, Regional Treasury & Tax Snr Manager, Supply Chain

External Stakeholders

Distributor, External auditors, tax consultants, customers, vendors, customs brokers and banking partners

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• At least 10 years of working experience in financial accounting

• Possess a Degree in Accounting/Finance or equivalent. CPA/CA highly desirable.

• Big 4 trained (Good to have)

• Proficient in MS Office including strong Excel skills.

• Good working knowledge of SAP required. Experience in Blackline and TM1 will be an advantage

• Working knowledge of local taxation rules and requirements.

• Experienced working in an MNC environment

• People management experience

• Preferably experienced in FMCG/Pharmaceutical/Medical Device industry

• Analytical and problem-solving skills (Essential)

• Strong technical accounting skills (Essential)

• Ability to professionally communicate in English, both written and spoken

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to build credibility quickly at all levels within the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound, independent judgments within established policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills, being able to inspire and motivate cross-functional team leading to a unified direction and unified vision.
• Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills with the ability to relate well and cooperate with people at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines and demanding quality execution.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in providing new ideas to improve process efficiencies.
• A strong work ethic and a well-organized self-starter
• Be open to change and willing to learn new skills
• High personal and professional ethics and integrity
• Flexibility and agility in thinking
• Adhere to company values at all times