Business Operation Lead, Asia Pacific (Japanese speaking)

TAIHO PHARMA ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational pharmaceutical company based in Singapore is seeking a skilled finance and supply chain manager. The role requires high proficiency in business-level Japanese and a minimum of 5 years of experience in finance, accounting, and supply chain management. Responsibilities include overseeing financial operations, liaising with the Japan head office, and managing payroll compliance. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to global operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in finance and supply chain management.
• High business-level proficiency in Japanese for conversations and meetings.
• Practical experience with IFRS and local accounting standards.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with Japan head office and deploying group policies locally.
• Overseeing finance, accounting, and supply chain management.
• Preparing financial reports according to head office standards.

Skills

Business-level Japanese proficiency

Experience in finance and accounting

Supply chain management skills

Team management and leadership

Cross-cultural understanding

Education

Certifications like CPA or supply chain management qualifications

Tools

ERP software

Accounting software

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Liaising with Japan head office, deploying group policies locally, and establishing internal rules
• Overseeing finance, accounting, and supply chain management
• Managing monthly, quarterly, and annual closing and preparing financial reports in line with head office accounting standards and schedules
• Consolidating accounting and financial operations of branches and representative offices in each country
• Managing sales, expenses, and profits/losses, approving payments, and controlling cash flow and local currency operations
• Planning, execution, and continuous improvement in supply chain areas (purchasing, inventory management, logistics, etc.)
• Optimizing contracts and costs with agents and logistics vendors in each country
• Overseeing and executing payroll (salary calculation, social insurance, compliance with local labor laws, etc.)
• Handling tax filing, audit responses (local/head office/external), and compliance matters
• Establishing and operating internal controls, credit management, and risk management
• Introducing, operating, and proposing improvements in internal ERP, accounting, and SCM systems

Required Skills & Experience

• High Business-level Japanese proficiency (conversation, document preparation, and meeting facilitation)
• Practical experience in international accounting (including IFRS and local standards)
• Practical and managerial experience (minimum 5 years recommended) in finance, accounting, supply chain management, and payroll
• Basic knowledge of accounting, taxation, and labor regulations in ASEAN countries
• Cross-cultural understanding and strong relationship-building skills with local staff and the Japan head office
• Experience operating ERP, accounting, and SCM software
• Team management, leadership, and process improvement skills
• A "business-level" proficiency in Japanese

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as CPA, tax accountant, or supply chain management-related qualifications
• Experience in finance, accounting, or supply chain management at companies in Singapore or ASEAN
• Experience working at multinational companies