At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accurate processing and communication.
- Company: Join Japan House London, a vibrant cultural hub with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday allowance, health insurance, and flexible remote work options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the key link between finance and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented with a passion for finance and strong communication 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
- 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.
Skills, Knowledge
- 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.
Work Environment
Our aim is for a flexible approach to work locations, balancing regular on-site presence and working remotely. For this role we anticipate an average of 2-3 days per week on site. Some duties will be carried out in Japan House London public spaces. Office is based at Japan House London, Kensington High Street. Normal working hours are seven hours per day, five days per week, with core hours from 10am to 3pm.
Benefits
Generous holiday allowance – up to 36 days per year inclusive of public and bank holidays, Group life insurance scheme, Health.
Remote Finance Assistant employer: Japan House London
Japan House London is an exceptional employer that values flexibility and work-life balance, offering a hybrid working model that allows for both remote and on-site collaboration. With a generous holiday allowance of up to 36 days per year and a supportive work culture rooted in the principles of Omotenashi, Integrity, and Open-ness, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within a dynamic finance team. The unique opportunity to liaise with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs adds an enriching dimension to the role, making it a meaningful and rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Remote Finance Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance industry, especially those connected to Japan House London or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of accounts payable and receivable processes. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, like resolving discrepancies or managing invoice workflows.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your language skills! If you’re fluent in Japanese, make sure to highlight this during your conversations. It’s a big plus when liaising with MoFA and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Remote Finance Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Assistant role. Highlight relevant experience in accounts payable and receivable, and don’t forget to mention any translation skills you have, especially if they relate to finance documents.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention your attention to detail and how you can manage invoice workflows effectively, as these are key responsibilities.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We love teamwork at StudySmarter! In your application, share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in previous roles, especially in finance settings. This will show us that you can fit right into our small finance team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Japan House London
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around accounts payable and receivable. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled high volumes of invoices in the past, and think of specific examples where your attention to detail made a difference.
✨Master the MoFA Connection
Since this role involves liaising with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it’s crucial to understand their expectations. Research their processes and be prepared to discuss how you would manage communication and document submission effectively.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Think of times when you’ve worked as part of a team to resolve discrepancies or improve processes. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and work well with others.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Prepare to explain how you would handle invoice discrepancies or manage payment runs. Practising these scenarios will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and proactive approach.
