Director, Head of Accounting

Posted:
4/12/2026, 5:30:49 PM

Location(s):
Tokyo, Japan

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Accounting

  • Japan Controllers consists of 3 groups,  Accounting and Control, Reporting and Planning, and Expense CoE Management. This position is to lead the Accounting and Control group with around 15 members and report to Controller (AVP).

This team plays a major role in ledger close and prepare financial statements for both JGAAP and IFRS basis while assuring our practice to be in compliance of related laws and accounting standards.

This position is accountable for JGAAP and IFRS ledger closing, setting up accounting models in accordance with accounting standards, coordinating for financial audit, SOX and tax and FSA inspections. Also responsible for some task force within Controllers, including Core ledger clean up, suspense process set up, and accounting matters related to subsidiaries.

Position Responsibilities:

Responsible for overall activities and deliverable related to below

  • People management of around 15 members in the Accounting and Control group
  • Accounting and/or Ledger issue solving and communication with related parties including Regional and Group headquarters
  • Prepare and analyze Financial statements based on JGAAP and IFRS
  • Set up accounting models where necessary in coordination with Group and Regional Finance as well as local tax team and auditors
  • Any General Ledger set up and related initiatives (incl. Core ledger clean up, ledger structure changes with system upgrade,  etc)
  • Coordinate Audit and any formal inspections to make sure the process is efficient and effective

Required Qualifications:

  • University degree
  • 7 years or longer experience in accounting (life insurance accounting is preferable)
  • Proven leadership skills
  • High level of Readiness to changes with proactive approach to improvement
  • Highly developed communication & relationship skills
  • High proficiency in both Japanese and English

When you join our team:

  • We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

  • We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

  • As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact [email protected].

Working Arrangement

Hybrid