Head of Finance | Japanese & English Bilingual

You know a good finance leader does more than explain last month's results. You help people see what is happening now, what may happen next and which decisions will make a difference.

Our client is seeking a Head of Finance who wants to work closely with the business and its leaders. You will bring clarity to planning and performance, offer commercial advice and improve how financial information is produced and used.

A Finance Manager will report to you and manage much of the day-to-day accounting. You will lead the function, maintain financial oversight and develop the team, while stepping into the detail when an issue needs your judgment.

You will also be the main finance contact for colleagues in Japan. You must be able to discuss accounting and financial matters naturally in Japanese, including with people who may not work in English. Your work with the Australian leadership team and wider business will be in English.

The opportunity

You know a good finance leader does more than explain last month's results. You help people see what is happening now, what may happen next and which decisions will make a difference.

Our client is seeking a Head of Finance who wants to work closely with the business and its leaders. You will bring clarity to planning and performance, offer commercial advice and improve how financial information is produced and used.

A Finance Manager will report to you and manage much of the day-to-day accounting. You will lead the function, maintain financial oversight and develop the team, while stepping into the detail when an issue needs your judgment.

You will also be the main finance contact for colleagues in Japan. You must be able to discuss accounting and financial matters naturally in Japanese, including with people who may not work in English.



Your work with the Australian leadership team and wider business will be in English.

What you will do

- Advise Directors and senior leaders on performance, plans and commercial decisions, turning analysis into clear recommendations

- Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning and management reporting

- Guide and develop the Finance Manager, and oversee financial controls, compliance and the annual external audit

- Build effective finance relationships across Australia and Japan

- Improve reporting, systems and processes, including practical uses of automation and AI

What you will bring

- Senior finance experience across planning, reporting, financial control and business performance, including leading and developing a finance team

- Experience advising senior leaders and explaining financial matters to people outside finance

- Strong budgeting, forecasting, analysis, cash-flow management and external audit experience

- CA, CPA or an equivalent qualified qualification

- Business-level Japanese and English for direct, professional discussions in both countries

Full, unrestricted working rights in Australia and the ability to work primarily from the Melbourne CBD office are required.

Experience improving finance systems or working with an international parent company would be valued.

You do not need to have held the title of CFO. The responsibility you have carried, your approach to leadership and what you are ready to take on next matter more.

Why consider this role?

You will have direct access to business leaders, support from a Finance Manager and scope to shape how the finance function works. You can make reporting more useful, introduce practical improvements and help people make better decisions.

The team generally works together in its Melbourne CBD office, with work from home available on Fridays. An early start would be welcomed, while timing can be discussed with the right candidate.

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📌 Head of Finance | Japanese & English Bilingual (Melbourne)
🏢 THE CAREER MEISTER
📍 Melbourne