Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant, General Ledger is responsible for executing General Ledger activities for the Japan Finance team, including independently preparing and posting complex journal entries, reviewing account balances, performing reconciliations, analysing financial data, maintaining accounting documentation, and leading monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities within the assigned area.

As a Band 5 role, this position is expected to independently manage assigned accounting responsibilities with a high degree of accuracy and accountability. The role requires a strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and General Ledger processes, as well as the ability to apply company Accounting Policies and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in exercising sound professional judgment. The successful candidate is expected to proactively communicate with stakeholders, independently resolve accounting and operational issues within the assigned scope, identify opportunities for process improvements, and lead cross-functional initiatives. Complex or high-risk matters should be escalated to the manager with clear analysis, accounting recommendations, and proposed solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual GL closing activities.
• Prepare, assess, and post complex journal entries independently.
• Review assigned account balances and support basic reconciliation activities.
• Extract and organize data required for tax filings, statutory reporting, audits, internal reporting, and other compliance requirements.
• Maintain appropriate supporting documentation and evidence for accounting activities.
• Explain the business flow of the assigned work area to stakeholders when required.
• Follow up on routine issues within the assigned scope and escalate unresolved matters to the direct manager with possible options.
• Support review and improvement of accounting and business processes within the assigned area.
• Proactively lead ad hoc initiatives, issue resolution, and cross-functional projects.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of practical experience in a finance or accounting department, audit firm, accounting firm, or equivalent experience.
• Advanced understanding of bookkeeping, journal entries, account characteristics, and general ledger processes.
• Experience preparing or supporting routine journal entries and closing activities.
• Ability to extract, organize, and review accounting data using Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete assigned tasks accurately and within deadlines.
• Good communication skills in Japanese.
• Business level English reading and writing skills for emails, documentation, and system-related communication.
• Process improvement mindset with ability to identify and implement efficiencies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a multinational company or shared service environment.
• Experience using ERP or accounting systems, preferably SAP experience.
• Basic understanding of US GAAP, Japan GAAP, company accounting policies.
• Experience supporting tax, statutory, audit, or internal control activities.
• Nissho Bookkeeping Grade 2 or above, or equivalent accounting knowledge.

Band 5 Level Expectation

This role is responsible for the accurate execution of assigned GL activities within a defined scope. The position is expected to have a strong understanding of advanced accounting processes, independently prepare and post journal entries and supporting data, proactively communicate with stakeholders within the assigned area, and independently resolve routine and moderately complex issues. For highly complex or exceptional matters, the role is expected to engage the manager by presenting relevant facts, accounting considerations, and recommended solutions. The role is also expected to identify opportunities for process improvements and lead improvement initiatives within the assigned area.