Senior Accountant Local F&A

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on accountant to take primary responsibility for Finance & Accounting for our Japan entity. You will help bring accounting activities in-house from our external provider and support the implementation of SAP. You will work closely with Group Finance and external accounting and tax advisers.

This is a hybrid role with two days per week in our Tokyo or Osaka office and three days working from home.

Your responsibilities

• Independently manage the Japan entity’s day-to-day accounting, including financial entries, payments, bank transactions, accruals and reconciliations.
• Manage monthly, quarterly and year-end closings in accordance with Japanese GAAP and Group reporting requirements.
• Prepare the entity’s Group reporting package, supporting schedules and explanations of significant movements.
• Take responsibility for local statutory and tax reporting. Prepare deliverables directly where appropriate, and coordinate and review work performed by external advisers.
• Ensure payroll amounts are correctly recorded and reconciled, working with the payroll provider as needed.
• Coordinate audit requests, provide supporting documentation and follow up on findings.
• Help bring accounting activities in-house in a phased manner, while coordinating activities that remain with the external accounting provider.
• Support the SAP implementation as the local F&A contact, including accounting requirements, process design, data review, testing and preparation for day-to-day use.
• Establish, document and improve local accounting procedures, payment processes and internal controls.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis with relevant accounting information.
• Act as the main local accounting contact for internal departments, vendors, auditors, advisers and Group Finance, and provide ad hoc F&A support as needed.

Your profile

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field, or a recognized equivalent qualification.
• At least six years of relevant accounting experience, including hands-on responsibility for full-cycle accounting and financial close.
• Strong practical knowledge of Japanese GAAP, statutory accounting requirements and local tax regulations.
• Ability to work independently as the primary accountant for a legal entity and resolve accounting issues.
• Experience with local statutory reporting, tax reporting and Group reporting in an international environment.
• Strong Japanese and English communication skills, including the ability to discuss accounting matters in English.
• Strong Excel skills, attention to detail and a proactive approach to improving accounting processes and controls.
• Ability to work effectively with Group Finance, internal stakeholders and external advisers.
• Experience with SAP, ERP implementation or process improvement projects is an advantage.
• Payroll experience and experience in the clinical trial or pharmaceutical industry are also welcome.