Financial Controller

JOB PURPOSE

To lead and oversee the Finance function for Global Schools Group in Japan, ensuring effective financial management, regulatory compliance, financial controls, budgeting and reporting.

The role is responsible for driving financial discipline, supporting business planning and strategic decision-making, and ensuring efficient finance operations across campuses. The Financial Controller will work closely with Country Leadership, Campus Management and Group Finance to support operational performance, business growth and long-term financial sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Strategy & Business Planning

• Support the Group Finance Head in developing and implementing financial strategies, policies, procedures and controls aligned with organisational objectives.
• Partner with Country Directors, Principals and functional leaders to provide financial insights and support business decisions.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, including financial planning, resource allocation and monitoring of financial performance.
• Analyse actual financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identify variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop financial models and feasibility assessments to support business expansion, acquisitions and greenfield school projects.

2. Financial Operations & Reporting

• Oversee day-to-day finance and accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and compliance with Group accounting policies and standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial closing and reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, MIS and financial performance analysis for Country and Group Leadership.
• Monitor revenue, expenditure, profitability, cash flow and working capital to ensure effective financial management.
• Oversee student fee billing, collections, receivables management and other financial transactions.
• Collaborate closely with the India-based Shared Services Finance team to ensure timely accounting, reconciliations, book closures and management reporting.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation and strengthening of financial systems and reporting.

3. Financial Controls, Audit & Statutory Compliance

• Establish and maintain robust internal financial controls, accounting processes and financial governance across Japan operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Japanese accounting standards, statutory reporting requirements, taxation regulations and relevant financial legislation.
• Coordinate statutory and internal audits, ensuring timely completion and resolution of audit observations.
• Oversee tax compliance, including corporate tax, consumption tax and other applicable statutory obligations.
• Ensure compliance with Group financial policies, approval matrices and reporting requirements.
• Identify and mitigate financial, operational and compliance risks through effective monitoring and control mechanisms.

4. Treasury & Cash Flow Management

• Oversee cash flow planning, liquidity management and working capital requirements to support business operations.
• Manage banking relationships, treasury activities and financial transactions.
• Monitor outstanding borrowings, repayment obligations, loan covenants and funding requirements.
• Ensure optimum utilisation of funds and effective cash management across Japan operations.
• Support funding arrangements and financial evaluations for business expansion and strategic initiatives.

5. Business Expansion, Acquisitions & Integration

• Support financial due diligence, business modelling and feasibility analysis for potential acquisitions and greenfield school projects.
• Evaluate investment proposals, financial risks, funding requirements and projected returns.
• Work closely with Group Finance and relevant stakeholders on acquisition financing and financial structuring.
• Lead or support the financial integration of newly acquired schools, including accounting systems, financial controls, reporting processes and compliance requirements.

6. Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

• Work closely with Country Directors, Principals, Academic Leadership and other functional teams to support campus operations and financial planning.
• Coordinate with Group Finance and the India-based Shared Services team to ensure alignment of financial processes, reporting standards and timelines.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisers, banks, regulatory authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to senior leadership to support operational efficiency, cost optimisation and business growth.

7. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and manage the local Finance team, ensuring clear accountability, performance standards and timely delivery of financial responsibilities.
• Establish measurable KPIs and monitor team performance against agreed objectives.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, performance management and knowledge sharing.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, talent development and succession planning within the Finance function.
• Promote a culture of financial discipline, accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Educational Qualifications

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), CPA, ACCA or equivalent recognised professional accounting qualification.
• Additional qualifications in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration will be an advantage.

Professional Experience

• 1015 years of post-qualification experience in Finance and Accounting, including at least 5 years in a finance leadership or financial controllership role.
• Proven experience in managing finance teams and overseeing end-to-end financial operations.
• Experience working in organisations audited by Big Four accounting firms.
• Strong experience in financial planning, budgeting, management reporting, statutory compliance, audit and internal controls.
• Demonstrated exposure to treasury management, banking relationships, financial modelling and business planning.
• Working knowledge of Japanese financial regulations, taxation and statutory reporting requirements.
• Experience in acquisitions, financial due diligence, business integration or expansion projects will be an advantage.
• Experience in the education sector, particularly international schools or multi-campus operations, will be preferred.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong financial acumen, analytical capabilities and commercial understanding.
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls, statutory compliance and taxation.
• Ability to translate financial information into actionable business insights.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver within strict reporting timelines.
• High standards of integrity, accuracy, accountability and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in financial systems, ERP platforms, Microsoft Excel and management reporting tools.