Our client is a leading global manufacturing organisation serving demanding industrial and automotive markets. With an international, matrix-based operating environment, the business combines engineering expertise, operational excellence and a strong focus on sustainable growth.
The company values integrity, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to work across functions and markets, challenge established thinking and use data to create better business outcomes. This is an attractive opportunity to join a high-performing organisation where finance plays a central role in shaping strategy, strengthening operations and supporting long-term value creation.
Based in Tokyo, the role offers the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment with senior stakeholders across Japan and the wider JASEAN region.
As Finance Director, you will act as a strategic finance leader and trusted business partner to the General Manager and senior leadership team. You will translate business strategy into financial plans, targets and performance measures, while providing forward-looking analysis to support investment decisions and sustainable growth.
You will lead annual business planning, business outlook and quarterly forecasting, oversee performance reviews, and monitor key indicators including revenue, margin, costs, working capital and capital expenditure. You will identify risks and opportunities and drive appropriate corrective actions.
The role also carries responsibility for robust financial governance, internal controls, compliance and audit readiness. In addition, you will lead finance transformation, process simplification and digitalisation initiatives. Through coaching and development, you will build an engaged, accountable and commercially minded finance team, while partnering closely with operational and functional leaders across the organisation.
Bachelor’s degree with 20 or more years’ experience, or a Master’s degree with 15 or more years’ experience, or a local equivalent.
Extensive experience in progressive finance leadership roles within a multinational or matrix organisation.
Broad finance expertise across areas such as FP&A, operations finance, commercial finance and controlling.
Experience in operations finance and/or manufacturing finance, with a strong understanding of manufacturing concepts and operating environments.
An accounting or finance qualification such as CPA, CMA or CIA is preferred.
Strong commercial judgement and the ability to translate business strategy into financial plans, insights and actionable recommendations.
A robust understanding of internal controls, compliance, risk management and financial governance.
Proven experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing finance teams.
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with confidence communicating at all organisational levels and representing the business in the General Manager’s absence.
Fluency in both Japanese and English.
