Senior Accountant - AR (Japanese speaking)

This role manages complex AR transactions, resolves escalated collection and dispute matters, ensures compliance with accounting standards and internal controls, and supports accurate cash flow reporting. The role also supports AR activities for Japan markets and therefore requires Japanese language capability for effective communication with local stakeholders. The position acts as a subject matter expert (SME) for AR operations and partners closely with the AR Tower Lead to ensure service stability, SLA adherence, and operational excellence. Operational Management • Perform and oversee end‑to‑end AR activities including cash application, customer invoice clearing, unapplied cash investigation, and revenue recognition support. • Independently resolve AR cases such as short pays, overpayments, deductions, disputed invoices, and customer‑specific billing issues. • Monitor AR aging, overdue balances, and unapplied cash; take timely actions to minimise outstanding receivables. • Act as escalation point for junior AR team members on operational and customer‑related matters. Collections & Customer Management • Lead collection activities for assigned customer portfolios, including direct follow‑ups via email and calls. • Communicate with Japan customers and stakeholders in Japanese where required, ensuring clear and timely resolution of AR matters. • Partner with Sales, Commercial, and Customer Service teams to resolve disputes and accelerate collections. • Support credit limit reviews and credit hold / release decisions in collaboration with Finance and Commercial teams. • Provide insights on customer payment behaviour and potential credit risk. Cash Application & Bank Reconciliation • Ensure accurate and timely application of customer payments against open AR items. • Perform AR‑related bank reconciliations and investigate reconciling items. • Support resolution of bank‑related payment discrepancies in coordination with Treasury and local finance teams. Month-End Close, Reporting & Reconciliations • Perform AR month‑end closing activities, including review of aging, unapplied cash, provisions, and revenue‑related balances. • Prepare and review AR balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules. • Support bad debt provisioning and CECL reviews through data preparation and analysis. • Contribute to corporate and regional reporting, including DSO, flux analysis, and management explanations. Compliance & Controls • Ensure AR operations comply with US GAAP / local GAAP, SOX requirements, and internal policies. • Maintain audit‑ready documentation and support internal and external audit requests. • Identify recurring issues, control gaps, and process risks, escalating to the AR Tower Lead where appropriate. Collaboration & Knowledge Support • Provide functional guidance and on‑the‑job support to junior AR team members. • Support the AR Tower Lead with operational insights, trends, and continuous improvement ideas. • Participate in process documentation updates, knowledge transfer, and transition or stabilisation activities. • Continuously evaluate and improve AR processes, seeking opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and enhance operational efficiency. • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. Professional accounting certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA) is a plus. • Minimum of 5 years' experience in AR, with at least 3 years in a GBSC environment. • Proficiency in English & Japanese (spoken and written) - certification needed for highest and second-highest certifiable proficiency levels • Strong knowledge of AR processes, ERP systems (e.g., Oracle), and financial controls. • Foundational knowledge of accounting concepts (AP, accruals, GL coding) • Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement and customer interactions. • Collaboration/teamwork/respect-each-other mindset in a humble/friendly way. • Strong ethics as a finance professional. • Familiar with Oracle and Hyperion • Hands-on experience in US/local GAAP accounting and SOX audit management. • ERP enhancements/implementation experience is a plus. Work Environment • Normal office setting with desk/chair and PC. • Must be able to travel on an ad-hoc basis.