Country Controller, Pharma - 18M JPY

Country Controller, Pharma - 18M JPY

Company: 120+ staff global pharmaceutical company

Report Line: APAC CFO

Salary: up to 18M JPY

Location: Tokyo, Hybrid

About the Company / Role:

This company is looking for a senior finance professional to lead financial controlling, FP&A, and business partnering activities across the local organization. The role requires someone who can provide strong financial insight, manage planning and reporting processes, strengthen controls, and work closely with senior stakeholders to support strategic and operational decision-making.

Highlights:

• Career progression: This position will be considered for succession planning into CFO role in a few years.
• Stable business: Japan has strong portfolio with new products in pipeline for next few years.
• Working flexibility: Company has work from home 2 times a week and flex-time available.

Responsibilities:

• Act as a finance business partner to senior leaders and functional teams, providing clear financial guidance, insight, and challenge to support sound decision-making.
• Oversee financial controlling activities, including monthly close, internal control processes, accounting procedures, and resolution of finance-related discrepancies.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, business review, and management reporting processes in line with corporate objectives and local business priorities.
• Analyze financial results, P&L performance, spending commitments, variances, and key business drivers, translating findings into practical recommendations.
• Develop financial models, scenario analyses, and performance tracking tools to support planning, resource allocation, and strategic business initiatives.
• Identify and implement improvements to finance processes, reporting efficiency, controls, and cross-functional ways of working.

Requirements:

• Degree-level education in finance, accounting, business administration, or a closely related discipline.
• Approximately 5–10 years of relevant experience in FP&A, financial controlling, or commercial finance, preferably within an international business environment.
• Strong analytical capability, sound judgment, personal accountability, and a high standard of professional integrity.
• Proven ability to lead significant processes, projects, or work streams independently while coordinating effectively with multiple stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to build, interpret, and present financial analysis clearly.
• Strong English communication skills, with a collaborative style and the ability to work well across teams; healthcare or life sciences exposure is beneficial.