Finance Controller (m/f/d)

About the company -

Rakuten Symphony is a Rakuten Group company, providing global B2B services for the mobile telco industry and enabling next-generation, cloud-based, international mobile services.

Building on the technology Rakuten used to launch Japan’s newest mobile network, we are taking our mobile offering global. Let’s build the future of mobile telecommunications together!

Job Summary:

The Controller will be responsible for managing the financial accounting operations of the company. This role will involve overseeing accounting practices, preparing financial reports, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing strategic financial guidance to support the company's growth and profitability. The Controller will also manage an accounting team of 5 ~ 10 professionals, ensuring efficient and effective financial operations. The role requires compliance with the Japanese version of Sarbanes-Oxley (J-SOX) and German statutory audit requirements, as well as proficiency in German GAAP for local accounting and IFRS for consolidated reporting. The Controller will report to the Rakuten Symphony Germany Head of Accounting.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Accounting Management:

• Oversee all aspects of the company's financial accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory accouting and payroll.
• Develop and implement financial accounting policies, procedures, and controls to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports to senior management and stakeholders.

2.Inventory Accounting:

• Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize carrying costs.
• Implement and maintain inventory control systems to track inventory movements, discrepancies, and obsolescence.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and integrity of inventory records.
• Analyze inventory costs and variances, and provide detailed reports on inventory valuation and turnover.
• Collaborate with procurement and production teams to optimize inventory management and reduce costs.

3.Cost Control:

• Analyze and manage costs related to inventory, production, and operations to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with procurement and production teams to optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.

4.Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, accounting standards, and internal policies, including J-SOX and German statutory audit requirements.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, including those related to inventory management and valuation.

5.Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and professional development.
• Manage an accounting team of six professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.

6.Strategic Planning:

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and business growth.
• Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with company goals.

7.Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with German GAAP for local accounting and IFRS for consolidated reporting.
• Stay updated on changes in financial regulations and standards in both Germany and Japan.

8.Internal Controls and Safeguards:

• Maintain internal safeguards for revenue receipts, costs, and team and organizational budgets and actual expenditures.
• Develop and enforce internal controls to maximize protection of company assets, policies, procedures, and workflows.

9.Benchmarking and Reporting:

• Establish (in coordination with the head of accounting) financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, program monitoring, and reporting standards on a biweekly, monthly, and annual basis.
• Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs, adhering to national and local legal standards while remaining knowledgeable of proposed legislation.

10.Daily Accounting Functions:

• Oversee the organization’s daily accounting functions, including managing the accounting, payroll, inventory accounting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
• Review and prepare internal and external financial statements.
• Coordinate activities of external auditors.
• Manage the budget process.

11.Financial Decision Guidance:

• Work with the executive team to guide the organization’s financial decisions.
• Communicate regularly with (and often report to) the head of Accounting and CFO.

12.Operational Assessment and Improvement:

• Assess current accounting operations, offer recommendations for improvement, and implement new processes.
• Develop and monitor financial performance metrics.

13.Regulatory Reporting and Compliance:

• Oversee regulatory reporting, frequently including tax planning and compliance.

14.Staff Management:

• Hire, train, and retain accounting staff.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA certification preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in accounting or finance, with at least 5 years in a senior accounting role or Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in accounting or finance, with at least 3 years in a controller or similar role.
• Experience in the mobile technology industry or a related field is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of inventory accounting principles and practices.
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems; experience with SAP is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in German GAAP and IFRS.
• Familiarity with J-SOX and German statutory audit requirements.
• Fluency in both German and English.