Accounting Team Lead Accounts Payable focus

Position: Accounting Team Lead (AP focused)


Location: Hybrid (1-2 times at the office per week)


Department: Accounting


Reports to: VP of Accounting


Employment Type: Exempt


Work Hours: 8am-4:30pm (30 min unpaid lunch)


Language: Japanese Bilingual preferred

Overview


An organization is seeking an experienced Accounting Team Lead to oversee Accounts Payable operations and support overall accounting functions. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supervising accounting staff, managing financial reporting processes, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal policies. The position also plays a key role in financial analysis, audits, tax support, and process improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities: May be assigned other duties by managers


Accounts Payable Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Accounts Payable function
• Supervise and train accounting staff while ensuring high-quality and timely work
• Review vendor invoices, approve entries, and manage vendor payments
• Handle vendor inquiries and resolve payment issues
• Maintain strong vendor relationships
• Ensure transactions are properly recorded in the ERP system
• Monitor internal controls and improve related processes
• Identify capitalization costs and applicable sales/use tax liabilities

General Accounting

• Maintain accurate general ledger records and prepare journal entries
• Reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies
• Lead the preparation of financial statements and forecasts
• Perform financial analysis and identify financial trends
• Manage month-end and year-end closing processes
• Support financial audits and tax preparation
• Prepare reports requested by management
• Provide accounting support to group companies as needed

Tax & Compliance

• Monitor sales and use tax obligations and regulatory updates
• Support preparation of income tax filings and transfer pricing documentation
• Manage Form 1099 filings and support Form 1042 filings

Audit

• Lead annual financial audits
• Support internal and external audit activities
• Review work prepared by junior accounting staff

Process Improvement & Additional Duties

• Identify opportunities to improve internal controls, efficiency, and cost savings
• Support accounting-related projects and cross-functional initiatives
• Maintain high ethical standards and ensure compliance with company policies
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent education and experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Accounts Payable or related accounting roles
• Supervisory experience is a plus
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work collaboratively across teams
• Japanese skill is preferred

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet analysis
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Experience with ERP systems (D365 preferred)

Application Form