Finance Specialist - Accounts Payable & Receivable & Masterdata - Japanese Speaker

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. 

Japanese Speaker Jobs Available: Japanese Language is a MUST - Reading, Speaking, Writing 

1. Accounts Payable and Receivable (PTP, OTC)
2. Masterdata Management (MDM)
3. General Ledger Reporting (RTR)

📑 1. Accounts Payable and Receivable (PTP, OTC)

AP, AR is part of a team responsible for performing day-to-day tasks within the Billing and Payable function, covering Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Billing, Cost Allocation and Reconciliation, as well as the Month End Closing process and some other specific accounting activities related to the stream. The Senior Analyst will be required to handle activities for any of the subfunctions within the OTC and PTP functions as assigned by the Finance Operations Manager.

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

Responsibility:

Accounts Receivable and Billing:

• Work with the Team Lead to identify the Client's billing processes and document accordingly for reference
• Review against Client billing processes and finalise the invoice with required supporting documentation (e.g. signed Client Schedule, PO, copies of third-party invoices being recharged, etc.)
• Approve and post accounting entries
• Dispatch to the Client the invoice and supporting documentation according to the Client's billing process
• Review against Client billing processes and finalise the draft credit note or raise the credit note, with required supporting documentation
• Approve and post accounting entries
• Dispatch to the Client the credit notes and supporting documentation according to the Client's billing process

Accounts Payable & Invoice Processing:

• Receive and save 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 Procedure (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 vendor 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)

Other Responsibilities:

Query Management:

• Receive, record, and resolve queries from Clients, Vendors, or OpCos.
• Collaborate with OpCo to resolve complex queries.
• Ensure timely closure of all queries.
• Report monthly on open queries to OpCo.

Accounts Receivable (AR):

• Independently drive AR ageing reporting and review calls with OpCo.
• Ensure accuracy, quality, and timely delivery of assigned AR tasks per SLAs/KPIs.

Issue Resolution & Risk Management:

• Handle high-complexity issues with minimal guidance.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and escalate risks or issues to management/internal clients.
• Follow through on issues until resolution.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with WPP OpCo contacts and cross-functional teams to support OTC and PTP processes.
• Participate in month-end close activities.

Process Improvement & Projects:

• Support system enhancements, UAT, migrations, and scope expansions.
• Drive standardisation, data mapping/cleansing, and improvement initiatives.

Compliance & Standards:

• Adhere to accounting principles, company policies, and internal/external regulations.
• Follow standard operating procedures and Target Operating Model (TOM).

Knowledge Sharing:

• Guide and support team members through knowledge transfer and best practices.
• Ensure quality and consistency during staff transitions.

Competencies & Skills

• Fluent in Japanese (read/write/speak)
• Fluent in English (read/write/speak)
• Strong knowledge of accounting entries, processes, and standards.
• Meticulous with high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Proactive and self-driven.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

 

📑3. Masterdata Management

This role is responsible for managing all activities relating to master data maintenance and master data-related processes and requests. The incumbent is also responsible for ensuring compliance with control procedures on the maintenance of master data and governing the integrity of master data in all ERP systems and applications.

2 Key Results / Accountabilities:

• Maintains (creates, amends, inactivates, and/or deletes) the master data in the ERP systems and/or banking systems or portals based on approved master data change requests received
• Ensures creation and changes made are in accordance with the SOP, policy, regulations, and internal controls requirements
• Maintains proper change records on changes made, including generating reports for review and approval
• Supervises and provides guidance to the Master Data Analyst
• Reviews & approves creation or change made by the Master Data Analyst
• Proactively identifies, proposes, and implements continuous improvement initiatives within existing processes
• Supports new transition and migration projects as assigned
• Assists in ad-hoc functions, assignments, and related duties as and when required.

3 Qualifications & Experience and Competencies:

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor's Degree in IT or Business Administration, or other related field, is welcome to apply.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a Master Data or System Administration role or function.
• Experience in a shared service centre environment will be an advantage.
• Experience in using ERP systems.

Competencies Skills

• Able to Speak, Read, and Write in Japanese.
• Computer-literate and well-versed with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent English writing & and communication skills.
• Good customer service mindset.
• Appreciation and ability to link system requirements to business processes and outcomes.

 

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, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or 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 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?

#LI-Onsite

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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