Japanese Speaker - Finance Analyst - PTP (Account Payable/Invoice/Payment)

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities.

Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore.

WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow. 

Why we're hiring:

1. Purpose of Role

The Finance Analyst Purchase to Pay (PTP), is part of a team responsible for performing day-to-day tasks within the Purchase to Pay (PTP) function, covering Accounts Payable, Expenses, and Payment, as well as the Month End Closing process and some other specific accounting activities related to the stream. The Analyst will be required to handle activities for any of the subfunctions within the PTP function as assigned by the PTP Manager.

Key responsibilities include accurate and timely recording and payment of vendor invoices, statutory payments, employees' claims, and intercompany transactions in accordance with the defined SLAs/KPIs while adhering to Company policies and procedures as well as relevant legal and statutory requirements.

The Analyst will work with management to drive the implementation of global process initiatives to streamline and/or automate the PTP process, which includes system enhancement and process improvement.

 

What you'll be doing:

2. Accountabilities

(a) Accounts Payable (AP) & Invoice Processing

• Receive and scan vendor invoices/vendor billing files and supporting documents
• Check all invoices for proper documentation, attach the invoice to the AP System, and submit for payment accordingly. Ensure invoices are processed in line with WPP Policies, SOX requirements, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Process invoices, credit memos, and debit memos in a timely and accurate manner according to the SLA / KPI set by management and agreed with WPP Operating Companies (OpCo)
• Ensures that all invoices assigned are properly accounted for at the end of each business day.
• Respond to vendor inquiries. Follow up with the vendors and respective OpCo to resolve all discrepancies in a timely manner
• Verifies vendor accounts by reconciling monthly statements and related transactions.
• Perform reconciliations of vendor statements, research, and address discrepancies as appropriate.
• Review reconciliation and supporting documentation for purchases made by the Company Settled Credit Card and revert to OpCo on queries
• Properly book and upload all intercompany transactions
• Work with PTP Leaders on Account Analysis to clear Aged AP and Net Debit Balance (NDB)

(b) Payments Processing:

• Generate the proposed payment selection file in accordance with the agreed timetable.
• Submit the payment selection file to the OpCo in line with the agreed timetable
• Review, request amendments where applicable, and submit to approvers to authorise payment aligned to the agreed timetable
• Transact payment to the bank in accordance with the country/OpCo banking functionality
• Responsible for the following tasks related to payments:
• Act as the main contact with the bank regarding payment queries.
• Process Time and Expense (T&E) related payment.
• Process and post cheque and wire remittance deposits to the appropriate bank account and invoices, ensuring reconciliation of the batch.
• Ensures payment is made to vendors in accordance with Company Policy and SOX Guidelines
• Work with the Master Data Team to set up new vendors in the system or update existing vendor details.
• Ensure that the correct e-mail contact details of the payment beneficiary are recorded in the master data
• Generate remittance advice
• Work with Record to Report (RTR) on all payment transactions on bank reconciliations, resolve reconciling items, and escalate to the OpCo any unreconciled/aged items for resolution/confirmation of treatment

(c) Travel and Expense (T&E) Processing:

• Perform review checks of the claim submitted: valid receipts, valid tax, valid approval in line with the OpCo policy (where there is no systemic workflow,) and that the claim information matches the supporting receipts
• Where required, amend the tax codes in accordance with the local tax legislation based on approval from the Manager
• Process claim for payment or reject the claim (providing reasons for rejection)
• Submit the payment file aligned with the timetable agreed with the OpCo

(d) Other Responsibilities:

• Generate ageing reports, identify critical issues, and drive resolution independently
• Accountable and responsible for the quality, accuracy,y and timely delivery of the scope assigned in accordance with the SLAs/KPIs defined with management and agreed with OpCo
• Handle high complexity issues with minimal guidance from the Team Lead / Manager.
• Perform account reconciliations and journal entries at month-end close.
• Issue reports on a monthly basis and assist the Manager in driving the achievement of KPI and SOX requirements on periodic reports and reviews.
• Drive the month-end close activities and help the Manager to coach junior team members.
• Process backup reports for data storage/archiving.
• Proactively identify, propose, and implement continuous improvement opportunities in existing processes within the team.
• Lead Continuous Projects, workshops, and trainings for the PTP team and across the SSC as PTP subject matter expert
• Comply with internal and external regulations and procedures, which should be in line with the company policies, standard operating procedures, and/or Target Operating Model (TOM)
• Guide new and existing team members through proper knowledge transfer; sharing of resources, knowledge, experience, and best practices, thereby ensuring quality is maintained through any staff transition.

 

What you'll need:

3. Qualification & Experience and Competencies

Education and Experience

• Possession of a Diploma or Degree in Finance & Accounting or a related field, complemented by a relevant mix of qualifications and experience.
• A minimum of 1-3 years of pertinent experience in a shared service environment; however, fresh graduates may also be considered.
• Basic understanding of fundamental accounting concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Experience with ERP systems is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Excel is mandatory.
• Familiarity with Office 365 is essential.

Competencies Skills

• Proficient in both written and spoken English
• Capable of speaking, reading, and writing in Japanese
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy when preparing and entering information into the ERP System.
• Capability to manage high-volume tasks and adapt effectively to a complex work environment.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Proficient in communication and collaboration within a team environment.
• Team-oriented - Effective in communication and collaboration within a team environment
• Proactive – Demonstrates strong time management, business acumen, and the ability to manage customer expectations
• Analytical and adept at problem-solving

 

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, and new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology, and talent to create brighter futures for our people, our clients, and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration, and we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

 

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

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We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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