Japanese & German-speaking Finance Controller

€100,000 - 120,000 / Year

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.

MW46215

TYPE: Permanent, full-time
SALARY: €100-120K depending on experience, plus good benefits
START: ASAP (negotiable)
LOCATION: Dusseldorf, Germany
VISA: The company will be able to provide visa support for the right candidate

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

Finance Controller Ideal Candidate:
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
Experience in the mobile technology industry or a related field is highly desirable
Strong knowledge of inventory accounting principles and practices
Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems; experience with SAP is a plus
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA certification preferred Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Strong leadership and team management abilities
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
High level of integrity and attention to detail
Proficiency in German GAAP and IFRS
Familiarity with J-SOX and German statutory audit requirements
Fluency in both German, English is a must, Japanese language skill can be highly advantageous