Clarins Financial Controller

Role & Responsibilities

• Act as trusted financial advisor to the General Manager and partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Retail, E-commerce, Supply Chain, HR and Training leadership
• Provide timely financial analysis, constructive challenge and action-oriented recommendations to support value creation and protect business performance
• Build dashboards and decision tools covering net sales, advertising and promotion investment, profitability by channel/customer/product, and cost allocation
• Support pricing, promotions, commercial agreements, new channels and boutique openings through scenario analysis, financial modelling and ROI assessment
• Lead Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and deliver accurate management reporting, forecasts and performance insights to local and regional leadership
• Own the annual budget, monthly risks and opportunities reviews and three-year business plan, ensuring alignment with sales, profitability and EBITDA commitments
• Deliver profit and loss and balance sheet variance analysis, identify risks and opportunities, and drive corrective actions with business stakeholders
• Ensure Group month-end reporting requirements are met on time and in full, working closely with the Accounting Shared Service Centre
• Own the subsidiary profit and loss, balance sheet and regulatory reporting, and coordinate complete, accurate and audit-ready month, quarter and year-end closing
• Review provisions, accruals and accounting schedules and work with the Shared Service Centre to maintain clean financial statements
• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital with the regional Treasury team, with focus on Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), Days Payable Outstanding (DPO) and Days Sales of Inventory (DSI) optimization
• Partner with Supply Chain on demand and inventory forecasts, monitor stock against forecast, book obsolescence provisions and participate in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Act as local champion for internal controls, financial stewardship and compliance with Group standards and Japanese legislation
• Maintain documented policies and procedures, coordinate with banks, auditors, lawyers and tax advisors, and follow through on audit action plans
• Contribute to finance transformation, system deployment, Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, legal initiatives, strategic studies and cross-functional projects
• Build financial capability across the organization by simplifying complex concepts and helping teams use finance tools with confidence
• Manage one Senior Accountant and foster a collaborative, high-performance finance function

Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional accounting qualification
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Business, Accounting or related discipline
• Approximately 10 years of combined accounting and finance experience, including Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and month/year-end close experience
• Strong business partnership, analytical and financial modelling skills, including scenario analysis, investment appraisal and Return on Investment (ROI) assessment
• Experience in retail, FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), beauty or another inventory-intensive environment preferred
• Audit firm experience advantageous
• Solid understanding of general ledger, financial reporting, cash flow, working capital, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls and statutory compliance
• Professional written and verbal communication skills in both Japanese and English
• Experience working in an international environment
• Strong capability in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint
• Experience with HFM (Hyperion Financial Management) or Workday advantageous
• Collaborative and hands-on leadership style with excellent communication and ability to influence senior stakeholders across a matrix organization

Skills

Experience

Approximately 10 years of combined accounting and finance experience is required, including demonstrated expertise in Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), month-end and year-end close procedures, and financial business partnering. Prior experience in retail, FMCG, beauty or another inventory-intensive sector is preferred. Audit firm background is advantageous. Proficiency in an international working environment and exposure to complex, matrix organizational structures is essential.

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional accounting qualification is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Business, Accounting or a related discipline is acceptable if combined with appropriate professional experience and certifications.

Workplace

Benefits

Clarins Group offers development and training opportunities, an inclusive and caring corporate culture, and attractive compensation and benefits (specific details to be discussed during recruitment).

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.