Finance Manager

WHO WE ARE

Avolta is the world's leading Travel Experience company, operating over 5,500 outlets across 75+ countries with 2024 revenue of CHF 13.5 billion.

Following the award of four Food & Beverage outlets at Kansai International Airport (KIX), Avolta is establishing its Japan operations and seeking a Finance Manager to build and lead the local finance function.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Finance Manager will establish and manage the finance function for Avolta Japan, ensuring robust accounting, compliance, governance and financial controls while supporting the successful launch and growth of the business.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong knowledge of Japanese accounting and tax regulations, multinational company experience, SAP expertise, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced start-up environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting, Controls & Compliance

• Lead all accounting, month-end close and financial reporting activities.
• Ensure compliance with Japanese statutory, tax and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain effective internal controls, governance frameworks and risk management processes.
• Manage external audits, tax filings and relationships with banks, auditors and advisors.

Financial Management & Business Partnering

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Prepare management reporting and business performance insights for the OGM and APAC CFO.
• Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis, business case evaluations and investment assessments.
• Partner closely with Operations and regional stakeholders to drive business performance and profitability.

Systems & Process Development

• Establish scalable finance processes and controls for a newly established business.
• Support SAP finance processes, reporting and master data governance.
• Drive process improvements, automation and operational efficiencies.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline; CPA or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
• 10+ years of finance experience, including leading a finance function or serving as a clear No. 2 finance leader.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese accounting, tax, statutory reporting and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in a multinational company environment.
• Hands-on SAP or equivalent ERP experience.
• Proven experience in accounting, financial controls, reporting, budgeting and cash flow management.
• Fluent Japanese and advanced business-level English.
• Strong self-starter with high levels of initiative, ownership and accountability.
• Adaptable and effective in fast-changing environments.
• Comfortable operating in a start-up or new-market environment, with the ability to build processes from the ground up, navigate ambiguity and take on diverse responsibilities.

Preferred

• Degree obtained outside Japan, preferably in Accounting or Finance.
• Overseas working experience, including expatriate or international assignments.
• Experience working in a publicly listed company.
• Experience leading larger teams and developing talent.

Experience supporting business start-ups, market entries, acquisitions or business transformations.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

A hands-on finance leader who combines strong accounting, controls and compliance expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. The successful candidate will bring multinational company experience, SAP expertise, excellent bilingual communication skills, and the ability to independently establish a robust finance function while acting as a trusted business partner to the Japan OGM and APAC CFO.

Success in this role will require balancing strong governance and control with the flexibility, resilience and adaptability needed to help build Avolta's Japan business from inception.