Japanese & German-speaking Finance Controller

• Japanese & German-speaking Finance Controller

Ref: MW46215

Japanese & German-speaking Finance Controller

Sector: Accounting/Treasury/Audit

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Germany - Dusseldorf/Cologne

Salary (Annual): €100-120K depending on experience, plus good benefits

A major Japanese IT company is currently recruiting a Japanese & German-speaking Finance Controller to work in their Düsseldorf office. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the financial accounting operations of the company, overseeing accounting practices, preparing financial reports, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing strategic financial guidance to support the company's growth and profitability. The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of accounting principles, leadership skills, and proficiency in German GAAP and IFRS. Business level of fluency in both Japanese & German is required for this role.

Start: ASAP (negotiable)

VISA: The company will provide visa support for the right candidate.

Finance Controller Main Responsibilities:

1. Oversee all aspects of the company's financial accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory accounting, and payroll.
2. Develop and implement financial accounting policies, procedures, and controls to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
3. Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports to senior management and stakeholders.
4. Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize carrying costs.
5. Implement and maintain inventory control systems to track inventory movements, discrepancies, and obsolescence.
6. Conduct regular inventory audits and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and integrity of inventory records.
7. Analyse inventory costs and variances, and provide detailed reports on inventory valuation and turnover.
8. Analyse and manage costs related to inventory, production, and operations to identify cost-saving opportunities.
9. Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, accounting standards, and internal policies, including J-SOX and German statutory audit requirements.
10. Identify and mitigate financial risks.
11. Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and professional development.
12. Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and business growth.
13. Ensure compliance with German GAAP for local accounting and IFRS for consolidated reporting.
14. Maintain internal safeguards for revenue receipts, costs, and team and organizational budgets and actual expenditures.
15. Establish financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, program monitoring, and reporting standards.
16. Oversee the organization’s daily accounting functions.
17. Work with the executive team to guide the organization’s financial decisions.
18. Assess current accounting operations, offer recommendations for improvement, and implement new processes.
19. Oversee regulatory reporting frequently.
20. Hire, train, and retain accounting staff.

Finance Controller Ideal Candidate:

1. A minimum of 7–10 years of experience in accounting or finance, including at least 5 years in a senior accounting role, or a minimum of 5–7 years of experience in accounting or finance, including at least 3 years in a controller or similar position.
2. Experience in the mobile technology industry or a related field is highly desirable.
3. Strong knowledge of inventory accounting principles and practices.
4. Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems; experience with SAP is a plus.
5. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA certification preferred.
6. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
7. Strong leadership and team management abilities.
8. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
9. High level of integrity and attention to detail.
10. Proficiency in German GAAP and IFRS.
11. Familiarity with J-SOX and German statutory audit requirements.
12. Fluency in both German and English is a must; Japanese language skill can be highly advantageous.