Finance Manager (Fluent Japanese Required)

Koala

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

Koala is a global furniture brand committed to making the world a more comfortable place through design, innovation, and sustainability. As a B Corp-certified, customer-obsessed, and data-led company, we are revolutionizing furniture for future generations. With rapid growth in Japan, we are seeking a hands-on and technically strong Finance Manager to join our finance function. This role is crucial for ensuring accuracy in financial reporting, driving process improvements, compliance, and enhancing business performance in the Japan market. You will be responsible for managing the financial operations for Japan, partnering remotely with in-market leadership, and ensuring the business is set up for successful scaling.

Requirements

Bilingual Japanese & English skills (business level) a must.
5+ years’ experience in financial accounting, with deep knowledge of general ledger, month-end/year-end close, tax compliance and audit.
Proven ability to work autonomously while maintaining strong governance and attention to detail.
Comfortable operating as a remote business partner to an in-market team, with the ability to build trust and influence cross-culturally without daily in-person contact.
Demonstrated curiosity in exploring new approaches, including how AI and modern systems can improve efficiency and insight.
Successful track record of managing tight deadlines under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in manufacturing, eCommerce or retail industry.
Previous experience working in Japan in a similar role, or a solid understanding of Japan taxation and regulatory compliance requirements, is preferred.
Professional qualification in accounting or finance such as CPA.
Strong technical accounting knowledge, paired with the ability to think critically and apply it in a commercial context.
Experience with NetSuite or other ERP systems is an advantage.

Responsibilities

Take ownership of the month-end close process, delivering timely and accurate financial results, including reconciliations and preparation of Balance Sheet and P&L.
Reconcile multiple payment gateways across e-commerce sales channels, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in reporting.
Lead and develop the Financial Accountant, Japan, ensuring strong day-to-day execution of month-end and compliance activities while building local capability over time.
Work with third-party advisors to manage statutory tax compliance, including consumption tax, income tax, and asset tax.
Strengthen governance, controls, and compliance frameworks across the Japan entity.
Build strong working relationships with the Japan operational team, acting as the main point of contact for all tax and compliance matters for the JP market.
Act as a key collaborator with the global finance team, ensuring alignment, transparency, and effective cross-border communication.
Contribute to budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring robust analysis and local insights.
Apply curiosity and critical thinking to challenge the status quo and deliver practical improvements.
Champion process governance and leverage data, systems, and emerging tools like AI to streamline workflows, enhance accuracy, and provide deeper business insight.
Play a key role in evolving the finance function as the business scales.

Benefits

Hybrid working
Generous time off - volunteer, parental, Koala life leave
Fully stocked kitchen with an emphasis on healthy local produce, catered lunches, soup/salad bar, kombucha on tap, monthly barbies
Pet-friendly office
Free Koala products with ‘mates rates’ for friends and family
Employee Assistance Program, which includes unlimited sessions for financial, work, relationship, family or wellbeing support
Learning Management platform, individual and team growth budgets and dedicated days
B Corp Certified
WWF Partnership
Volunteer days
Member of 1%