Japanese-Speaking Finance Accountant

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Philippines.

📋 Description

• Take charge of the complete accounts payable process, which includes processing supplier invoices, matching purchase orders with receipts, and addressing any discrepancies.

• Manage invoices, credit notes, and supplier communication in Japanese, ensuring compliance with 請求書 and qualified-invoice (インボイス制度) regulations.

• Oversee the AP inbox and act as the primary contact for supplier inquiries in both Japanese and English.

• Follow up on missing documentation and resolve aged items.

• Prepare and carry out payment runs, verifying accurate bank details, currency, withholding tax, and payment terms.

• Reconcile supplier statements with the AP sub-ledger and the general ledger.

• Prepare and post month-end journal entries, including accruals, prepayments, and provisions.

• Reconcile designated balance sheet accounts, such as bank, intercompany, and accrued expenses.

• Maintain the general ledger to ensure precise and consistent transaction coding.

• Compile monthly management reporting packs, including variance analysis.

• Assist with cash management by forecasting payments, posting to banks, and reporting short-term cash flow.

• Serve as the finance team's Japanese-language liaison with suppliers, banks, tax agents, and the Japan-based team.

⛳️ Requirements

• Native or near-native proficiency in written and spoken Japanese is essential.

• Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is required.

• Approximately 3–5 years of accounting experience encompassing month-end closing, reconciliations, and transactional finance.

• Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CPA, 日商簿記 2級 or higher, or equivalent) or qualified by experience with a proven track record.

• Strong grasp of double-entry bookkeeping and fundamental accounting principles.

• Proficient in Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and techniques for handling large volumes of data and reconciliations.

• Familiarity with accounting systems such as Sage and/or Oracle Fusion.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to reconcile thoroughly rather than rounding off.

• Demonstrated capability to work independently and meet deadlines in a remote or distributed team environment.

• Excellent written communication skills.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible remote work options.

• Morning shift hours (~09:00–18:00).

• Opportunity to collaborate with Japanese-language stakeholders and teams based in Japan.