Legal Entity Controller - Japan

at  Johnson Johnson

LEGAL ENTITY CONTROLLER

Job Description:
The Legal Entity Controller role primarily oversees the legal entity (LE) financial close process, financial reporting process, ensuring the integrity and precision of the LE financial statements, tax filings, reporting packages, and other relevant reports.
In the context of local audits, the Legal Entity Controller plays a key role in ensuring that audits are on track, and statutoty financial statements are published on time. Additionally, the role is instrumental in supporting the implementation and maintenance of requisite financial policies, risk control procedures, standard operating procedures, and internal control measures.

WHO WE ARE

At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we’re the house of iconic brands - including NEUTROGENA®, AVEENO®, TYLENOL®, LISTERINE®, JOHNSON’S® and BAND-AID® that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent. Our global team is made by 22,000 diverse and brilliant people, passionate about insights, innovation and committed to deliver the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means to have the power to impact life of millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage – and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future–and yours.
What You Will Do
Responsibilities will include streamlining month, quarter, and year-end closings within established timelines, handling high importance/complex items during entity closings, and managing local audits. The position requires interaction with various stakeholders, including Business Unit (BU) Finance, Supply Chain Finance, Tax, etc. providing crucial financial data and analysis. Additionally, it includes the recruitment and development of a high-performing accounting team.

Key Responsibilities

• Gain a thorough understanding of each legal entity’s jurisdiction to grasp the financial accounting and reporting procedures, bearing in mind the complexities and effect of local laws on the overall company’s financial protocols.
• Spearhead the timely assembly, submission, and sign off of financial statements, which includes the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, alongside local tax requirements, internal reporting packages, and other mandatory reports in alignment with established accounting standards.
• Review and approve complex journal entries prepared by accounting teams.
• Lead the close process, which includes month-end, quarter-end, and year-end accounts for each legal entity within their jurisdiction. Ensure quality and timely execution of close activities and work in unison with the Finance Operations teams to ensure thorough completion of both sub-ledger and general ledger closures.
• Manage and execute meaningful financial reviews for areas in scope. Responsible for the preparation of legal entity actuals variance analysis to track and explain any fluctuation in financial numbers.
• Collaborate and partner with key stakeholders including other Finance Operations teams, BU, BUF , Tax, external (PWC, EY, DT, etc.).
• Oversee internal controls and introduce enhancements as necessary to safeguard the integrity of financial information.
• Liaise with BU Finance teams to understand trends that may influence LE reporting and tax compliance due to local regulations.
• Collaborate with Regional Controller, Consolidations, and Technical Accounting teams to address intricate accounting issues.
• Regular and timely update to immediate manager – particularly on issues impacting the team, close process and key stakeholders. Escalate any issues or potential complications concerning complex accounting matters to the attention of the Regional Controller for prompt and effective resolution.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, WWP, key controls, DTP
• Lead statutory audits of assigned legal entity and ensure timely completion and submission of financial statements.
• Review statutory financial statements in line with local accounting standards.
• Monitor the progress of local audits, supplying necessary aid as required.
• Demonstrate the capability to manage and supervise a team.

Stakeholder Interaction:

• Local Finance Director and/or General Manager

o The LE Controller will closely support the local FD and/or GM related to all matters pertaining to entity results, financial statements, local filings, and compliance.

• Consolidations and Technical Accounting

o The LE Controller will actively connect with the Consolidations and the Technical Accounting team for guidance on complex accounting matters.

• BU Finance

o LE Controller will support BU Finance teams with regards to providing data for month-end performance analysis.

• Regional Controllers

o The LE Controller will connect with the regional controllers on complex matters pertaining to entity financial reporting documents and other local filings, audit requests, etc.
Qualifications
What We Are Looking For

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required in Finance / Accounting.
• Strong auditing background and/or strong foundation on technical financial accounting standards
• Fluent in English, confident in presenting to senior management in English. Other languages desired
• At least 10 years of proven experience as a controller or similar roles, preferably in a multinational company.
• At least 3 years of Management / Supervisory experience is required.
• Deep understanding of accounting principles, financial legislation, and regulatory standards.
• US GAAP reporting experience
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage well through ambiguity and complexity.
• Proficient in accounting software (e.g. SAP) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired Qualifications

• CPA or related professional certification preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.

• Gain a thorough understanding of each legal entity’s jurisdiction to grasp the financial accounting and reporting procedures, bearing in mind the complexities and effect of local laws on the overall company’s financial protocols.
• Spearhead the timely assembly, submission, and sign off of financial statements, which includes the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, alongside local tax requirements, internal reporting packages, and other mandatory reports in alignment with established accounting standards.
• Review and approve complex journal entries prepared by accounting teams.
• Lead the close process, which includes month-end, quarter-end, and year-end accounts for each legal entity within their jurisdiction. Ensure quality and timely execution of close activities and work in unison with the Finance Operations teams to ensure thorough completion of both sub-ledger and general ledger closures.
• Manage and execute meaningful financial reviews for areas in scope. Responsible for the preparation of legal entity actuals variance analysis to track and explain any fluctuation in financial numbers.
• Collaborate and partner with key stakeholders including other Finance Operations teams, BU, BUF , Tax, external (PWC, EY, DT, etc.).
• Oversee internal controls and introduce enhancements as necessary to safeguard the integrity of financial information.
• Liaise with BU Finance teams to understand trends that may influence LE reporting and tax compliance due to local regulations.
• Collaborate with Regional Controller, Consolidations, and Technical Accounting teams to address intricate accounting issues.
• Regular and timely update to immediate manager – particularly on issues impacting the team, close process and key stakeholders. Escalate any issues or potential complications concerning complex accounting matters to the attention of the Regional Controller for prompt and effective resolution.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, WWP, key controls, DTP
• Lead statutory audits of assigned legal entity and ensure timely completion and submission of financial statements.
• Review statutory financial statements in line with local accounting standards.
• Monitor the progress of local audits, supplying necessary aid as required.
• Demonstrate the capability to manage and supervise a team