Assistant Controller / Bilingual Japanese

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller and CFO in overseeing the accounting and financial operations of a consumer staples manufacturing company. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting month-end and year-end close activities, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and assisting with inventory and cost accounting functions within a manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong accounting fundamentals, experience in inventory and manufacturing accounting, and the ability to collaborate effectively with operations, production, purchasing, warehouse, and supply chain teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing daily accounting operations, including: general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and bank reconciliations.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and management reports.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies and procedures.
• Support internal and external audit processes.
• Assist with inventory accounting, reconciliation, and cycle count processes.
• Support standard costing and manufacturing cost analysis.
• Monitor inventory valuation and assist with variance analysis.
• Partner with operations and warehouse teams to improve inventory accuracy and reporting.
• Support freight, warehousing, and production cost tracking.
• Prepare financial and operational reports for management review.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow reporting.
• Support profitability and margin analysis by product line, customer, and distribution channel.
• Develop and maintain KPI reporting related to: inventory, production efficiency, manufacturing costs, freight and logistics, and gross margins.
• Provide support and guidance to accounting staff as needed.
• Assist in documenting and improving accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Cross-train within the accounting department to ensure operational continuity.
• Serve as backup to the Controller when necessary.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, purchasing, supply chain, and production.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA or CPA-track preferred.
• 3+ years of accounting experience required.
• Experience in manufacturing, consumer products, or consumer staples industry preferred.
• Experience with inventory and cost accounting strongly preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle Fusion or similar ERP platforms required.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Experience with BI and reporting tools preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• English/Japanese bilingual ability preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing environment.
• May require occasional interaction with warehouse and production areas.