At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with accounts payable and receivable, ensuring smooth financial operations.
- Company: Join Japan House London, a hub of Japanese culture and innovation.
- Benefits: Fully remote work, flexible hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, multicultural setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by liaising with Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Qualifications: Fluent in English and Japanese, with finance experience and Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Finance Assistant will assist with the processing of accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions in a small finance team, as well as being the main point of contact between Japan House London and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for ensuring that all finance documents are translated and submitted to MoFA according to the agreed contract.
The role will extend to all areas of accounts payable from authorisation through to payment, and the Finance Assistant will have an integral role to play in the month-end reporting. The Finance Assistant will also be required to support the Financial Accountant and the Finance Director with the preparation of financial reports for upper management.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Internal: Finance Team, Director General of Japan House London, Executive Management Committee members, Budget holders across Japan House London
- External: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo (MoFA), Commercial Operators (Retail and Restaurant), External Auditors
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Accounting: Process high volumes of supplier invoices accurately in a timely manner and with great attention to detail, ensuring correct coding, approvals, and documentation.
- Proactively manage the invoice workflow, including chasing approvals, resolving discrepancies, and preventing backlogs.
- Prepare and execute payment runs (BACS and international payments where applicable in line with internal controls).
- Reconcile supplier statements and investigate unmatched or disputed items.
- Liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders (project managers, operations and restaurant) to resolve invoice and payment queries.
- Work as part of a team to assist with the raising of sales invoices.
- Assist with the month-end close, including processing of accounting journals and reconciliations (inc. bank) as required.
- Assistance with ad hoc finance projects as they arise.
- Deal with ad hoc queries as necessary.
- MoFA Liaison: Act as main point of contact between Japan House and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on finance-related issues, coordinating and processing finance and accounting-related matters.
- Assist in the submission of financial reports and documents required from MoFA in Japanese, including creating approval letters, invoices and reports.
- Ad hoc translations and document preparation/submission along with the Finance Director.
- Arranging informal meetings with MoFA staff and keeping notes of matters discussed.
- Translation work for various emails and documents.
Such other duties and activities as may be required from time to time.
Qualifications:
- At least two years of experience in a finance or accounts-based role.
- Fluent in both written and spoken English and Japanese, with a high proficiency in business language standards.
- Excellent Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUP.
- Competency in MS applications including Word and PowerPoint.
Desirable:
- Finance qualification or degree from an accredited college, or working towards this.
- Knowledge of Xero or any other ERP systems would be an advantage.
CAPABILITIES:
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent time management skills, including the ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines.
- Proactive, self-starter attitude; helping to improve processes and reduce the likelihood of errors.
- Alignment with Japan House London Values of Omotenashi, Integrity, Cultivation, Open-ness and Shared Passion.
Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, we work to deepen the visitor's appreciation of all that Japan has to offer. At the same time, we cultivate our own understanding of Japan and Japanese cultures.
Finance Assistant - Fully Remote - Flexible Working in Armagh employer: Japan House London
As a Remote Finance Assistant at Japan House London, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive finance team that values collaboration and professional growth. Our inclusive work culture fosters innovation and offers opportunities for skill development, while our unique connection with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a meaningful context for your contributions. Enjoy the flexibility of remote work alongside competitive benefits that prioritise your well-being and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant - Fully Remote - Flexible Working in Armagh
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Japan House London. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant - Fully Remote - Flexible Working in Armagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Japan House London.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Japan House London's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Japan House London
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Japan House London.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Japan House London will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Japan House London employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
