Senior Accountant

Position                     

Senior Accountant

Department             

Finance and Accounting          

Position type            

Full-time        

Location                   

Tokyo (Sangen-jaya station): hybrid-remote flexibility after initial training period available.

Report to                 

Controller

Work hours              

37.5 hours per week (9:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday)

Visa Requirement    

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is able to sponsor a visa for this position.

Salary & Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience.

Eleven (11) days paid vacation in the first year, increasing to 20 days after 6 years of employment, plus 5 paid “personal and sick days” each year. In addition, approximately two weeks company-wide break over Christmas/New Year. Japanese social insurance and pension, commuting/telework allowance, a welfare-discount program membership, retirement payment system, and tuition benefits for Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) programs.

Overview of position

The Finance and Accounting Department at Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) provides financial services to over 500 staff and faculty across 29 academic and administrative departments and programs.

This position is responsible for a broad range of accounting and administrative functions, including daily bookkeeping, month-end and year-end closing, tax compliance, wire transfers, and other related financial operations. The role requires strong technical accounting expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic, multinational environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with internal policies


• Process vendor invoices, employee expense reimbursements, and payment runs, including coordination of review and approval workflows


• Oversee customer billing, cash applications, and collections; proactively follow up on outstanding receivables


• Perform monthly AP and AR reconciliations and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner


• Support and coordinate intercompany transactions and reconciliations with the U.S. parent company and other group entities


• Prepare and reconcile intercompany balances on a monthly basis and assist in resolving variances


• Support month-end and year-end closing activities related to AP, AR, accruals, and intercompany accounts


• Prepare journal entries and supporting schedules related to revenue, expenses, and account reconciliations


• Take an active role in tax compliance processes, including preparation and review support for corporate tax, consumption tax, and other statutory filings


• Coordinate with external tax advisors to ensure timely and accurate filings and compliance with local regulations


• Support tax accrual calculations and maintain related documentation for financial reporting purposes


• Execute bank transfers and other payment processing activities, ensuring proper authorization and accurate recording


• Perform bank reconciliations and monitor daily cash balances


• Maintain fixed asset records, including capitalization, depreciation, and periodic reconciliation


• Support payroll-related accounting, including review of payroll data, preparation of journal entries, and reconciliation of payroll accounts


• Assist with cash management activities, including cash flow monitoring and forecasting support


• Support internal and external audits by preparing required documentation and responding to auditor inquiries


• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency within AP/AR, tax, and related accounting functions


• Provide cross-functional backup support within the Finance and Accounting Department, as needed


• Independently manage a broad range of accounting responsibilities while collaborating effectively within a team-based structure

Qualifications & Experience

• Native-level Japanese and business-level English proficiency (oral and written)


• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience within a Japan-based subsidiary of a multinational organization


• Nissho Bookkeeping Level 2 (or equivalent skillset) required; U.S. CPA is a plus


• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment


• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities


• Supervisory experience is a plus

Application Process

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Required application materials to be submitted: 

1.   a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and what appeals to you about the position,
2.  a resume or CV and
3.  a list of two professional references with their contact information

Only those applicants who make it past the initial review will be contacted.

Temple University, Japan Campus is committed to equal opportunity employment, and to increase diversity and inclusivity in both its community and curricula. All qualified applicants shall receive full and equal consideration for employment. The university does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law. Candidates who can contribute to the institution's goals are strongly encouraged to apply.