Job Description:

We are looking for an Accounts Payable Specialist (Japanese Bilingual) to join our Finance & Accounting Shared Services team. The role will handle end-to-end Accounts Payable activities for Japanese operations, ensuring accurate invoice processing, timely payments, account reconciliation, and effective vendor support.

The ideal candidate should have strong accounting knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and business-level fluency in Japanese and English to communicate with Japan-based vendors and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable Operations:

• Review, validate, and process vendor invoices and employee expense reports using ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Perform 3-way matching of purchase orders (PO), goods receipts, and invoices to ensure payment accuracy.
• Support weekly and monthly payment processing activities in compliance with company policies.
• Assist with month-end closing activities, including AP reconciliation, journal entries, and accrual preparation.
• Ensure transactions comply with internal controls, audit requirements, and tax regulations.

Japanese Bilingual Vendor Support:

• Serve as the main contact for Japan-based vendors regarding invoice concerns, payment updates, and account inquiries.
• Communicate professionally in Japanese and English through email, calls, and written correspondence.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, billing issues, and payment concerns.
• Coordinate with procurement and internal teams to resolve missing documents or payment issues.
• Translate finance-related documents, vendor communications, and process guidelines from Japanese to English and vice versa.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 1–3+ years of experience in Accounts Payable, Procure-to-Pay (P2P), or General Accounting.
• Experience in Shared Services Center (SSC), Finance Operations, or BPO environment is an advantage.

Language Requirements:

• Fluent in Japanese with strong reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• Business-level English communication skills.
• JLPT N1/N2 certification preferred; strong N3 candidates may be considered.
• Ability to communicate professionally with Japanese clients and vendors.

Technical Skills:

• Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar tools.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, reporting).
• Knowledge of Japanese business etiquette and corporate communication practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting Japan-based finance operations.
• Understanding of Japanese Consumption Tax (JCT) and withholding tax processes.
• Strong analytical skills with excellent accuracy and problem-solving abilities.

Benefits of Joining:

Competitive salary package
Fixed weekends off
International finance exposure
Career growth opportunities
Work with global stakeholders