Key Responsiblities

The Financial Accountant is responsible for supporting the delivery of accurate financial accounting, compliance and reporting across all Japan House London entities.
The role has particular responsibility for MoFA financial reporting, VAT compliance, month-end accounting, procurement controls and balance sheet management. Working closely with the Financial Controller, the postholder will help ensure strong financial controls, accurate financial records and compliance with statutory and organisational requirements.
This role is particularly important given the complexity, technical nature and scrutiny associated with MoFA reporting requirements and provides an excellent opportunity for a part-qualified accountant to broaden their experience across financial accounting, compliance and reporting.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

Finance Team
Budget Holders and Department Managers

External

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Auditors
HMRC
Suppliers and other stakeholders

Financial Accounting & Month-End Reporting

Support the delivery of month-end and year-end accounting processes across all entities, ensuring financial records are complete, accurate and supported by appropriate documentation
Maintain balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, intercompany balances and fixed asset accounting
Support the preparation of management information, statutory accounts and financial reporting requirements

MoFA Reporting & Compliance

Lead the preparation and coordination of MoFA financial reporting and supporting schedules, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with reporting requirements
Maintain robust supporting documentation and audit trails and act as a key point of contact for MoFA-related financial information requests
Support the continuous improvement of MoFA reporting processes and controls

VAT, Regulatory & Compliance Reporting

Prepare VAT returns and supporting documentation across all entities
Support compliance with HMRC requirements and other regulatory reporting obligations
Assist with ONS submissions, statutory reporting requirements and compliance activities as required

Procurement & Financial Controls

Support the operation and monitoring of procurement and purchase order processes
Promote compliance with organisational policies, delegated authority limits and financial controls
Work with budget holders and operational teams to improve purchasing compliance and financial governance

Treasury, Fixed Assets & Balance Sheet Management

Maintain the fixed asset register and associated accounting records
Support cashflow reporting, treasury administration and foreign exchange analysis
Ensure balance sheet accounts are regularly reconciled, reviewed and appropriately supported

Audit & Reporting Support

Coordinate audit schedules, reconciliations and supporting documentation
Support internal and external audit processes and the preparation of statutory accounts
Assist with management reporting, compliance submissions and ad hoc financial analysis

Other Duties

Provide support and cover for the Financial Controller, FP&A Manager and other members of the Finance team as required
Contribute to cross-functional projects and organisational initiatives
Support the development and improvement of finance systems, reporting tools and business processes
Support organisational reporting, compliance and governance activities
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Qualifications & experience

Part-qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA, or actively studying towards a recognised accounting qualification
Experience in a finance, management accounting or financial accounting role
Experience supporting month-end processes and balance sheet reconciliations
Experience preparing VAT returns or supporting indirect tax compliance
Experience working with financial controls and accounting processes
Experience working to multiple deadlines and priorities
Experience working in a cross-cultural environment
Demonstrate and role-model Japan House London Values: Omotenashi, Integrity, Shared Passion, Cultivation, and Open-ness

Skills & Competencies

Strong technical accounting and reconciliation skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
Excellent attention to detail
Strong Excel and financial systems skills
Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
Ability to communicate effectively with finance and non-finance colleagues

Desirable

Experience within a multi-entity organisation
Experience with Xero or similar finance systems

Work Environment

The role is based at Japan House London, Kensington High Street.
JHL operates a flexible hybrid working model, with regular office attendance of at least one day per week, with the expectation to adjust in line with business and team requirements.
Some duties may be carried out in Japan House London public spaces.
Occasional attendance at events, meetings and activities outside normal working hours may be required.
Normal working hours are 35 hours per week, with core hours from 10am to 4pm.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance – up to 36 days per year, inclusive of public and bank holidays 
Group life insurance scheme 
Remote GP service 
Cycle to work scheme 
Employee discount for the Japan House Shop and Stand 
Discount platform for high street shops 
Access to perks and discounts local to Kensington High Street, London 
Personal learning budget after 6 months’ service

About us

At Japan House London we offer the opportunity to experience the best and latest from Japan. Located on London’s Kensington High Street, the experience we cultivate is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests.

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.

Japan House London

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Financial Accountant