Accounting Director, Controller

Overview

The Senior Accounting Manager - Deputy Controller serves as the second-in-command within the Japan Controllership organization and acts as a trusted partner to the Controller in overseeing all aspects of accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, and governance.

This role is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial statements, maintaining compliance with U.S. GAAP, and J-GAAP requirements, and leading accounting operations across the organization. The Deputy Controller provides leadership to the Accounting team, drives process improvements, supports business transformation initiatives, and acts on behalf of the Controller when delegated.

The position requires a strong technical accounting background, exceptional leadership capability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with Finance, Tax, Treasury, Commercial, Operations, Shared Services, and external auditors.

The role supervises 1-2 members in Accounting team, and reports to Accounting Director - Controller

Key Responsibilities

Controllership & Financial Reporting

• Support the Controller in leading all accounting and financial reporting activities.

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.

• Review journal entries, reconciliations, account analyses, and financial reporting packages.

• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, Stryker accounting policies, and J-GAAP requirements, as well as local tax laws

• Assist in preparation and review of statutory financial statements and regulatory filings.

Governance, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Maintain a strong control environment and ensure compliance with SOX and internal control requirements.

• Monitor the effectiveness of accounting policies and procedures.

• Lead remediation of audit findings and control deficiencies.

• Support internal and external audits and coordinate responses with auditors.

• Ensure compliance with local tax, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements.

Accounting Operations Leadership

• Oversee general ledger, fixed assets, intercompany, accruals, inventory accounting, and other core accounting processes.

• Drive standardization and continuous improvement of accounting operations.

• Partner with Shared Services to improve service delivery, quality, and efficiency.

• Ensure effective management of accounting risks and balance sheet integrity.

Business Partnership

• Serve as a key finance partner to Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, HR, and Corporate Finance leadership.

• Provide accounting guidance on new business initiatives, contracts, restructuring activities, and strategic projects.

• Evaluate accounting implications of complex transactions and business decisions.

• Support finance transformation programs and process improvement projects.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Build organizational capability and succession plans within the controllership function.

• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Act as deputy for the Controller and assume leadership responsibilities in the Controller's absence.

Strategic Initiatives

• Support ERP enhancements, system implementations, and process transformation initiatives.

• Drive automation and digitalization of accounting and reporting processes.

• Improve reporting quality, close-cycle efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

• Participate in regional and global finance projects.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise 1-2 members in Accounting team.

Qualifications/Work Experience Preferred

Qualification:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.

• CPA, Certified Public Accountant, or equivalent professional qualification strongly preferred.

Preferred Work Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and controllership experience, preferably in multi-national companies

• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and local accounting regulations.

• Experience managing accounting teams and developing finance talent.

• Deep understanding of internal controls, SOX compliance, and governance frameworks.

• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Japanese.

• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive organizational change.