Finance & Accounting Manager

Alps Alpine•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

Alps Alpine, a leading manufacturer of electronic components and automotive infotainment systems, has brought the world numerous “First 1” and “Number 1” products since its founding in 1948. The Alps Alpine Group currently operates 110 bases in 26 countries and regions, supplying roughly 40,000 different products and solutions to around 2,000 companies worldwide. Those offerings include devices such as switches, sensors, data communication modules, touch input panels, actuators, and power inductors; electronic shifters, remote keyless entry systems, and other automotive units; consumer electronics like car navigation and audio-visual systems; and systems and services such as digital keys based on smartphone apps and blockchain technology, and remote monitoring. Finance & Accounting Manager ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Financial Reporting & Compliance Prepare accurate and timely monthly and quarterly financial consolidation reports for the parent company in Japan, including reclassifications from GAAP to J-GAAP. Manage the month-end and quarter-end close processes, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analysis. Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies to maintain accuracy and consistency in financial statements. Support J-SOX compliance through regular testing and documentation, and assist with external audit coordination and internal control reviews. Accounting Operations & Oversight Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, revenue and expense recognition, and transaction accuracy. Supervise the Accounts Payable function, ensuring appropriate controls over vendor payments, cash management, and related processes. Review and approve reconciliations, schedules, and journal entries prepared by accounting staff. Identify and correct discrepancies or posting errors in collaboration with relevant departments. Team Leadership & Staff Development Lead and support a team of accountants by assigning tasks, reviewing work, and providing training on systems, procedures, and best practices. Conduct performance evaluations, offer feedback and coaching, and support employee development plans. Promote adherence to departmental timelines, policies, and quality standards through clear communication and goal setting. Budgeting & Financial Analysis Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and perform ongoing monitoring of actual performance versus budget. Analyze financial results to identify variances, trends, and opportunities for improvement. Propose and help implement cost-saving and process enhancement initiatives. Systems & Process Improvement Partner with IT to test and implement updates or enhancements to financial systems and tools. Recommend and help implement improvements to accounting procedures and internal controls. Ensure documentation is up to date and reflects current best practices and compliance requirements. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Customer Service, Warehouse) to ensure accurate financial integration and support operational goals. Act as a point of contact for finance-related inquiries and support interdepartmental process alignment. Confidentiality & Ethics Exercise a high degree of confidentiality and discretion, particularly with access to sensitive company and personnel information. OTHER DUTIES All other duties as assigned. Ensure punctual attendance per the defined work schedule and comply with the attendance policy for time reporting, break periods, and overtime if applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
Five to seven years of work experience in accounting.
Automotive manufacturing experience.
Supervisory / management experience.
Global company and multi-currency operation experience.
Valid U.S. driver’s license required.
Proven leadership, team management, and team-building skills, including experience with remote teams.
Ability to foster trust, collaboration, and positive relationships across departments.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally at all levels.
Strong independent work ethic and team-oriented mindset.
Proficiency in SAP ERP systems and intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Strong knowledge of accounting standards (US GAAP required; IFRS and Japanese GAAP preferred).
Working knowledge of taxation principles and compliance.
Solid understanding of financial concepts, ratios, and accounting principles.
Strong financial and analytical abilities with high attention to detail.
Advanced problem-solving and professional judgment capabilities.
Ability to analyze data, identify discrepancies, and recommend effective solutions.
Excellent time management and organizational skills; able to handle multiple tasks and projects efficiently.
Strong decision-making abilities to drive optimal outcomes.
Commitment to continuous improvement and process optimization.
Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work with minimal supervision.
High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
Persistent in obtaining critical information and meeting deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Public accounting experience or a CPA title is preferred.

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance Prepare accurate and timely monthly and quarterly financial consolidation reports for the parent company in Japan, including reclassifications from GAAP to J-GAAP.
Manage the month-end and quarter-end close processes, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analysis.
Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies to maintain accuracy and consistency in financial statements.
Support J-SOX compliance through regular testing and documentation, and assist with external audit coordination and internal control reviews.
Accounting Operations & Oversight Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, revenue and expense recognition, and transaction accuracy.
Supervise the Accounts Payable function, ensuring appropriate controls over vendor payments, cash management, and related processes.
Review and approve reconciliations, schedules, and journal entries prepared by accounting staff.
Identify and correct discrepancies or posting errors in collaboration with relevant departments.
Team Leadership & Staff Development Lead and support a team of accountants by assigning tasks, reviewing work, and providing training on systems, procedures, and best practices.
Conduct performance evaluations, offer feedback and coaching, and support employee development plans.
Promote adherence to departmental timelines, policies, and quality standards through clear communication and goal setting.
Budgeting & Financial Analysis Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and perform ongoing monitoring of actual performance versus budget.
Analyze financial results to identify variances, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
Propose and help implement cost-saving and process enhancement initiatives.
Systems & Process Improvement Partner with IT to test and implement updates or enhancements to financial systems and tools.
Recommend and help implement improvements to accounting procedures and internal controls.
Ensure documentation is up to date and reflects current best practices and compliance requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Customer Service, Warehouse) to ensure accurate financial integration and support operational goals.
Act as a point of contact for finance-related inquiries and support interdepartmental process alignment.
Confidentiality & Ethics Exercise a high degree of confidentiality and discretion, particularly with access to sensitive company and personnel information.
All other duties as assigned.
Ensure punctual attendance per the defined work schedule and comply with the attendance policy for time reporting, break periods, and overtime if applicable.