Japanese & German-speaking Finance Controller

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.

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 or