Company: Confidential

Title: Controller (Japan Region)

Department / Brand: Finance & Accounting

Reporting to: CFO (Japan Region)

Direct Reports: Accounting

Salary Range: 900万~1200万

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COMPANY OVERVIEW

CONFIDENTIAL

JAPAN OFFICE OVERVIEW

Established in 2024, the Japan operation has 16 stores. The vibe is somewhere between a heritage brand and a start-up, which makes it a really fun and dynamic work environment. Senior and executive leadership is very experienced and well versed in taking "new" brands to Japan from "zero to success", having done the same at brands such as Jimmy Choo, Bruno Malgi and Ami Japan.

Due to the small size and start-up environment, you will have the opportunity to fully utilize your experience and grow as the company grows in Japan.  You will walk away feeling every day that, "I'm really contributing, and people genuinely appreciate it." It's a great place to be right now and our hope is that you want to join our team and stay for a while.

ROLE

MISSION

Stabilize core finance operations while enhancing efficiency and transparency across the organization.

ROLE

OVERVIEW

The Controller will be responsible for leading the monthly and annual financial closing processes, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial reporting across our diverse retail channels, including direct-operated stores in major department stores and shopping malls, our e-commerce business, and wholesale partners. Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer who oversees Finance, Accounting, IT, Legal, and Logistics, this role also contributes to improving accounting workflows, strengthening internal controls, and supporting the upcoming ERP implementation. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Monthly & Annual Closing

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, highlighting key variances and trends.
• Monitor and evaluate business performance, providing insights into variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Deliver actionable insights through analysis of business drivers and financial metrics.
• Coordinate with the external accounting firm for year-end adjustments and statutory filings.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and group reporting requirements.
• Prepare and update the company's cash flow forecast, incorporating actual results, upcoming payments, and revenue projections.
• Oversee statutory filings, audits (statutory/tax/VAT/internal), and manage tax advisors.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliation quality and follow-up actions

2.Accounts Payable (AP)

• Process and oversee AP workflows through Rakuraku Seisan, ensuring proper approval routing and cost allocation.
• Upload payment data into the banking system and execute supplier payments

3.Accounts Receivable (AR)

• Manage AR operations for wholesale partners
• Oversee collection processes from department stores and shopping centers.
• Reconcile bank statements and resolve any discrepancies on a timely basis.

4.Inventory, COGS & Purchasing

• Handle accounting entries related to inventory and imported merchandise from the Itiaian HQ.
• Validate inventory movements and collaborate with warehouse and logistics teams.
• Ensure proper COGS calculation and accurate inventory valuation.

5.Fixed Assets

• Coordinate with the accounting firm responsible for depreciation and fixed asset accounting.
• Maintain asset master data and ensure proper capitalization procedures.

6.ERP Implementation & Process Improvement

• Act as a core member for the upcoming ERP implementation (scheduled for early next year).
• Support BPR (Business Process Re-engineering) initiatives and workflow redesign.

• Identify opportunities for automation and process efficiency improvement across accounting functions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with store operations, logistics, and HQ finance teams to ensure smooth financial processes.

• Provide financial insights, analyses, and operational data to management as needed.

REQUIRED

• 5+ years of accounting or controllership experience including monthly and annual closing.
• Experience in retail, consumer goods, or other inventory-driven businesses.
• Knowledge of department store and shopping center transaction flows is a strong plus.
• Excel proficiency (XLOOKUP, Pivot).
• Basic English reading and writing skills for email communication with HQ.
• Strong ownership mindset, accuracy, and ability to manage deadlines.
• Strong knowledge and expertise of J-GAAP for statutory financial statements.

PREFERRED

• Experience with ERP implementation, workflow automation, or business process improvement.
• Familiarity with ICS, Rakuraku Seisan, and mid-sized ERP/accounting systems.
• Experience in small-to-mid-sized companies with broad accounting responsibilities.
• With a professional accounting qualification (preferably CPA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) is preferred.
• Interest in and/or experience with AI/AI integration into legacy system
• Strong English ability

IDEAL

PERSONALITY

• Highly organized, hands-on individual who can independently manage monthly and annual closing activities.
• Proactive in identifying issues, proposing solutions, and improving processes.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving retail environment with multiple stakeholders.