Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

About the job

An outstanding opportunity to join a top-tier global financial institution as Head of Finance for its newly establishing securities business in Tokyo.

As a key member of the Japan executive leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in building the local finance function from the ground up as the business progresses through the Japanese regulatory licensing process . You will take ownership of financial infrastructure, regulatory reporting, financial controls, accounting, tax, liquidity, and capital management for the new entity.

This senior finance leadership position is particularly suited to an experienced professional from a Japanese securities firm or foreign investment bank in Japan who has deep knowledge of FSA regulations and wants to take a leading role in establishing a new financial services business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the financial workstream required to complete the regulatory licensing process and establish the new securities business in Japan .
• Build and oversee the local finance function, including accounting policies, general ledger systems, tax compliance, financial controls, and daily back-office finance processes.
• Establish and maintain financial reporting processes in accordance with Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) requirements and applicable capital adequacy regulations.
• Develop finance operations appropriate for a Type I Financial Instruments Business (第一種金融商品取引業) in Japan.
• Partner closely with the Japan COO and global finance stakeholders on business planning, budgeting, forecasting, liquidity management, and capital strategy.
• Manage regulatory and management reporting while ensuring alignment with JSGAAP/IFRS accounting standards and internal governance requirements.
• Act as a key finance contact for Japanese regulatory authorities, external auditors, tax advisors, and internal audit teams.
• Establish robust operational and financial controls to support the organization as it moves from licensing into ongoing business operations.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• Over 10 years of relevant finance experience , including senior finance, financial control, or comparable leadership responsibilities.
• Strong track record within a regulated Japanese securities company or foreign investment bank operating in Japan .
• Deep understanding of Japanese financial regulations, including FSA and JSDA requirements .
• Strong knowledge of JSGAAP/IFRS accounting standards and capital adequacy ratio reporting .
• Experience managing financial reporting, accounting controls, regulatory requirements, and finance operations within the Japanese financial services sector.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to establish and develop a finance function in a new business environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills for working with executive leadership, global finance teams, regulators, auditors, and professional advisors.
• Strategic mindset combined with the ability to take hands-on ownership of finance operations and regulatory requirements.
• Strong communication, judgment, and problem-solving skills suited to an executive-level role in a highly regulated environment.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Fluent
• English: Business level, with strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting financial regulatory licensing applications in Japan .
• Experience establishing a new legal entity or building a finance function from the ground up.
• Experience setting up accounting policies, general ledger systems, regulatory reporting frameworks, and operational controls.
• Knowledge of the financial and regulatory requirements associated with establishing a Type I Financial Instruments Business in Japan .
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant academic background.

About the Company

Our client is a leading global financial institution expanding its presence across Asia and preparing to establish a new securities business in Japan.

Backed by a highly reputable international financial group, the organization is building a focused domestic operation in Tokyo. This creates a rare opportunity to join at the establishment stage and have a direct influence on the financial governance, regulatory infrastructure, and long-term development of its Japan business.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Take on a high-visibility Head of Finance role and help establish a new securities business in Japan.
• Earn a competitive ¥17M-¥20M compensation package with attractive incentives.
• Build the Japan finance function and regulatory reporting framework from the ground up.
• Work closely with senior executives, global finance leadership, regulators, auditors, and advisors.
• Gain significant exposure to FSA regulation, securities licensing, capital management, and investment banking finance .
• Join a collaborative culture backed by an established and highly reputable global financial group.
• Benefit from flexible working options including remote work, flextime, casual clothing, and permission for side businesses , subject to company policies.

Reach out to me or apply to the position for confidential discussion!