Finance & Accounting Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Finance & Accounting Manager to own and lead our accounting and finance function. Reporting to company leadership, you will manage the full monthly close cycle, financial reporting, and financial planning & analysis (FP&A), while strengthening the infrastructure that governs Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), General Ledger (GL) integrity, and corporate tax readiness. You will serve as a strategic business partner to leadership, translating financial data into actionable insight, and will manage relationships with our outsourced accounting partner and external tax firm. Several core processes — including monthly reporting, FP&A, and the COGS process — are carried out in close collaboration with our finance counterparts in Japan, so cross-border teamwork and clear communication across time zones are essential. This is a full-time role that combines day-to-day financial operations with the process design and governance needed to scale a growing manufacturing/operations business.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Financial Close & Reporting

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close cycle, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Prepare and deliver the monthly reporting package, working in close collaboration with our finance counterparts in Japan.
• Oversee monthly bank balance checks, statement downloads, and comprehensive reconciliations, coordinating with an outsourced accounting partner.
• Prepare and review financial statements, ensuring alignment with US GAAP and internal accounting policies.
• Manage revenue accounting, including revenue calculations, customer invoices, and purchase orders (POs).

2. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Lead the annual budgeting process and maintain rolling forecasts, collaborating with the finance team in Japan.
• Deliver global monthly variance analysis (actuals vs. budget/forecast) and management reporting with clear commentary.
• Develop and track key financial metrics (KPIs), margins, and cash flow forecasts to support decision-making.
• Partner cross-functionally with leadership, the FP&A lead, and counterparts in Japan to inform strategic and operational decisions.

3. Cost Accounting & COGS

• Own the methodology, structural logic, and reporting for Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), continuously refining the underlying process in collaboration with our counterparts in Japan.
• Manage inventory accounting, including tracking and auditing of fixed assets and spare parts.
• Monitor accounts receivable (AR) and accounts payable (AP) flows and analyze manufacturing/operational cost structures and margins.

4. Policy, Governance & Internal Controls

• Establish, review, and update company accounting policies and general ledger (GL) coding structures / chart of accounts.
• Ensure accounting systems are properly configured and maintained to match internal accounting rules.
• Design and enforce internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial data integrity.

5. Corporate Tax & Compliance

• Coordinate the annual corporate tax return process, managing baseline document review with our external tax firm.
• Oversee specialized tax filings, including R&D tax credits/returns and annual 1099 returns.
• Support annual audit and compliance requirements as needed.

6. Cash & Treasury Management

• Oversee cash management, AR/AP oversight, and banking relationships to ensure healthy liquidity and working capital.

Required Skill Sets & Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (or equivalent);
  7-10+ years of progressive corporate accounting/finance experience, including team leadership, or full-function ownership. CPA strongly preferred.
• Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Expertise: Demonstrated experience defining financial structures for inventory tracking (fixed assets and spare parts) and manufacturing/operational COGS calculations.
• Technical General Ledger (GL) Knowledge: Strong command of general ledger architecture, chart of accounts setup, and financial systems administration.
• FP&A & Analytical Skills: Proven ability to lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, and to translate financial data into actionable business insight.
• Advanced Excel & Systems: High proficiency in Microsoft Excel for building, updating, and restructuring complex COGS and revenue models;
  experience with ERP/accounting systems.
• Cross-Border Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with international colleagues, particularly our finance team in Japan, across time zones. Japanese language ability is a plus but not required.
• Tax Compliance Exposure (Preferred): Familiarity with corporate tax documentation, including 1099 reporting and Research & Development (R&D) tax incentives.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong business-partnering, communication, and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to manage outsourced partners and external advisors.