Chief Accountant - Japan

Japanese Country Chief Accountant

Our client, a global pharmaceutical organisation, is seeking a Finance professional to oversee a broad scope of financial activities and act as the key link between the local affiliate and the regional shared services teams. This position manages the full financial close cycle, reviews financial statements, ensures strong internal controls, and verifies the accuracy of reconciliations and journal entries. You will manage operational areas such as cost allocations, revenue and expense validation, receivables and payables oversight, cash flow planning, and coordination of bankingrelated tasks. The role also involves maintaining core financial data structures, supporting tax calculations, preparing documentation for audits, handling enquiries from external reviewers, and identifying opportunities to enhance financial processes across the organisation.

This role serves as the central contact point for shared services counterparts and acts as a finance advisor to managers within the affiliate. You will support issue resolution, guide stakeholders through financial requirements, and ensure smooth collaboration across internal teams. Strong communication and relationshipbuilding abilities are essential to maintain alignment and deliver accurate, timely outputs.

Candidate Profile

• Degree in Finance, Accounting or similar; professional certification is an advantage
• 5+ years of relevant experience, with solid background in accounting or audit
• Strong understanding of accounting standards, financial reporting and taxation
• Highly organised, detailfocused and able to meet tight deadlines
• Effective communicator with solid stakeholder management skills
• Comfortable working in a fastmoving, multicultural setting
• Able to travel when required
• Proficient in English and Japanese