[APPLY NOW] Finance Operations Specialist: Work with Global E-commerce in Japan (JLPT N2)
The name is misleading.
It sounds like you need a background in Japanese finance.
But this position is more about working with overseas e-commerce sellers.
This Finance Operations Specialist position sits inside a global cross-border e-commerce platform that helps leading brands sell seamlessly into new markets.
You work across finance, operations, payments, tech, and customer success teams, while also serving as the main financial contact for clients.
This is not traditional accounting or FP&A.
It’s operational finance: reconciliations, reporting, troubleshooting, and guiding clients through how money moves across a global platform.
Role Overview
You ensure all financial data, reports, and reconciliations are accurate and fully understood by clients.
You’ll investigate discrepancies, explain payment flows, support daily queries, and work closely with internal teams to keep cross-border transactions running smoothly.
This role is hybrid, based in Tokyo (3 days/week in office, Mon–Fri, 9:00–18:00).
Core Responsibilities
You will:
Prepare complex sales, operational, and financial reports
Perform client reconciliations and verify data accuracy across systems
Act as the key financial point of contact for client accounts
Host client meetings and deliver training on financial flows and platform processes
Monitor, investigate, and resolve day-to-day financial questions
Work cross-functionally with customer service, payments, tech, product, and operations teams
Your day is a mix of problem-solving, communication, and keeping financial operations running smoothly.
What This Role Is Really About
Ensuring money moves correctly through a global e-commerce platform
Making sure every report and reconciliation is accurate
Helping clients understand how funds are processed and calculated
Troubleshooting issues before they escalate
Acting as the financial “hub” between internal teams and clients
You’re the person who makes global financial operations feel easy.
Skills & Experience
Required
Bachelor’s degree
Advanced Excel skills
Minimum 3 years of work experience
Experience in finance, operations, fintech, or similar
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent attention to detail
Strong professional communication skills (written & verbal)
Able to influence and guide clients through objections
Must already be based in Japan
Able to work hybrid (Tokyo office, 3 days/week)
Preferred
Background in quantitative fields (Statistics, Economics, Engineering, Information Systems)
SQL experience
Experience in e-commerce, payments, or cross-border environments
Language Requirements
English: Advanced or Native — Required
Japanese: N2 — Required
Korean: Strong Advantage, especially for supporting Korean-market clients
This is a client-facing finance role, so clear and professional communication in English and Japanese is essential. Korean ability is highly valued for expanding client coverage.
Who Thrives in This Role
This position is a great fit if you:
Enjoy working with numbers and financial systems
Communicate clearly and professionally
Can simplify complex processes for clients
Enjoy solving discrepancies and improving accuracy
Thrive in an international, multicultural environment
Want a finance role that’s operational and client-focused
Salary
Annual Salary Range: ¥7.5M – ¥8M
Why This Role Matters
Global e-commerce is growing rapidly, and brands need clarity around payments, tax, FX, and settlement.
You’re the person who ensures their financial operations run smoothly—helping them expand confidently into new markets.
FAQ
What is the main focus of this role?
You support cross-border e-commerce by ensuring all financial data is accurate, reconciled, and clearly explained to clients. It’s a mix of financial operations, reporting, troubleshooting, and client communication.
Is this a traditional accounting role?
No. This role is not bookkeeping or FP&A. It focuses on operational finance: reconciliations, payment flows, financial reporting, and client-facing support.
What teams will I work with?
You collaborate daily with finance, operations, payments, customer service, tech, and product teams. You’re the bridge between internal functions and client finance teams.
How client-facing is the position?
Very. You are the primary financial contact for your assigned clients. You run meetings, provide training, and support day-to-day financial questions.
Is Japanese required?
Yes. N2 Japanese is required because you’ll handle client communication and internal coordination in Japan.
English is also essential, and Korean is a significant advantage.
Is visa sponsorship available?
No. Candidates must already have a valid work authorization in Japan.
What kind of reporting will I be doing?
You’ll prepare detailed sales, settlement, and operational reports. Many reports use advanced Excel functions and require careful data validation.
Do I need SQL skills?
SQL is not mandatory, but it’s a strong plus for handling data queries and troubleshooting system discrepancies.
What does “reconciliation” mean in this role?
You compare client transactions, platform data, and bank/payment records to ensure every amount lines up. When something doesn’t match, you investigate the root cause.
What is the working style?
Full-time, hybrid. You’ll be in the Tokyo office 3 days per week, Monday–Friday, 9:00–18:00.
What kind of person succeeds in this job?
Someone who is detail-oriented, analytical, calm under pressure, and comfortable explaining financial flows to non-finance stakeholders. If you like solving puzzles and helping clients understand complex systems, you’ll thrive.
