Assistant Controller

JOB SUMMARY

Applicants should have a valid work visa for Japan or be eligible to work in Japan.

Applicants should have extensive work experience in Japan and a strong understanding of Japanese laws and accounting practices.

The Assistant Controller manages the day-to-day operation of the Accounting Office. Primary responsibilities include financial analysis and financial reporting, budgeting/forecasting, audit and control, asset and liability reconciliation, working capital and cash control.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Education and Experience

• 4-year bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting or related major; no work experience required.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Assisting in Management of Accounting Team

• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.

• Oversees internal, external and regulatory audit processes.

• Ensures that regular on-going communication occurs with employees to create awareness of business objectives, communicate expectations, and recognize performance.

• Celebrates successes by publicly recognizing the contributions of team members.

• Establishes and maintains open, collaborative relationships with employees.

• Provides excellent leadership (e.g., differentiates top performers, fosters teamwork and encourages work/life balance).

• Ensures employees establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships within their team.

• Participates in the employee performance appraisal process, providing feedback as needed.

• Ensures disciplinary procedures and documentation are completed according to Standard and Local Operating Procedures (SOPs and LSOPs) and support the Peer Review Process.

• Ensures property policies are administered fairly and consistently.

• Utilizes an "open door" policy.

• Solicits employee feedback.

Managing Projects and Policies 

• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.

• Analyzes information and evaluates results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Compiles, codes, categorizes, calculates, tabulates, audits, or verifies information or data.

• Ensures that the P&L is accurate (i.e., costs are properly matched to revenue, costs are recorded in the proper accounts) and statements are delivered to appropriate individuals in a timely manner.

• Reconciles balance sheet.

• Ensures tax rates used for sales/use tax are current and proper amounts are collected and/or accrued.

• Ensures compliance with standard and local operating procedures (SOPs and LSOPs).

• Ensures account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with SOPs.

• Reviews audit issues and makes corrections as necessary.

• Ensures property permits, licenses and if applicable vendor contracts are current.

• Leverages centralized accounting processes and shared services.

Demonstrating and Applying Accounting Knowledge 

• Demonstrates knowledge of job-relevant issues, products, systems, and processes.

• Keeps up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Uses computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Leverages technology and effectively uses information systems and tools to generate financial reports and provide managers with analytical support to drive decision-making.

Proving Financial Information and Guidance to Others

• Informs and/or updates the executives, the peers and the subordinates on relevant financial information in a timely manner.

• Attends critique meetings to review information with management team.

• Advises the Director of Finance on existing and evolving operating/financial issues.

• Communicates financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviors.

• Provide direction and assistance to other organizational units regarding accounting and budgeting policies and procedures, and efficient control and utilization of financial resources.

• Provides information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Maintaining Finance and Accounting Goals

• Submits reports in a timely manner, ensuring delivery deadlines.

• Ensures profits and losses are documented accurately.

• Achieves and exceeds goals including performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.

• Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Monitors all taxes that apply, ensuring that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued.

• Supports a strong accounting & operational control environment to safeguard assets, improve operations and profitability and manage business risks.