Account Payable Specialist – Japanese Speaker

Asia Recruit; Shah Alam; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Account Payable Specialist who is fluent in Japanese (minimum JLPT N2). The role involves migrating accounting processes from Japan to Malaysia, managing accounts receivable and payable, and ensuring compliance with financial data accuracy. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and 3-4 years of relevant AR/AP experience, preferably within a shared services environment. Strong Excel skills and effective communication abilities are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• At least 3-4 years of relevant experience in AR/AP functions.
• Experience working in a shared services environment.
• Experience with migration projects for the Japan market.

Responsibilities

• Drive and coordinate migration of accounting processes.
• Manage daily AR processes including billing and collections.
• Gradually take on AP responsibilities, including invoice processing.
• Maintain accuracy and completeness of financial data.
• Identify opportunities for automation in AR and AP processes.
• Support year-end audits and statutory reporting.

Skills

Fluent in Japanese (JLPT N2)

Strong Excel skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accountancy

Tools

ERP systems (e.g., Oracle NetSuite)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Account Payable Specialist – Japanese Speaker

Key Responsibilities:

1. Migration Support:

• Drive and coordinate the migration of accounting processes from Japan to MY Share Service Centre
• Collaborate with Japan stakeholders to document and standardize accounting processes.

2. Account Receivable (OTC)

• Manage daily, weekly, monthly and year-end AR processes including billing, invoicing and collections.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of AR transactions within ERP systems.
• Generate and analyze AR reports, such as aging statements and statements of accounts (SOA).

3. Account Payable (AP)

• Gradually take on AP responsibilities including invoice processing, vendor management and payment processing.
• Ensure compliance with key controls and accurate accounting for VAT, GST and other relevant taxes.
• Support monthly reconciliations and preparation of vendor aging statements.

4. Compliance and Data Integrity

• Maintain accuracy, completeness and timeliness of financial data.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including auditors and tax authorities regarding AR and AP related queries.
• Perform routine data quality audits to ensure compliance with data quality standards.

5. Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for automation and efficiency in AR and AP processes.
• Participate in process improvement projects to enhance the SSC's overall performance.

6. Ad hoc Support

• Support year-end audits, statutory reporting and ad hoc tasks required by management.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accountancy, or a related field.
• At least 3-4 years of relevant experience in AR/AP functions, preferably within a shared services environment and supporting Japan market.
• Fluent in written and spoken Japanese (minimum JLPT N2).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong Excel skills; experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle NetSuite) is a plus.
• Experience with migration projects, especially for the Japan market, is highly desirable.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, particularly in AR and AP processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills to interact with stakeholders across different cultures.
• Proactive, adaptable, and capable of working under tight deadlines.
• Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality results.