FP&A Controller

Who you are

You are a detail-oriented, ambitious finance professional who is passionate about building robust financial foundations from the ground up. You take pride in transforming data into actionable insights, enjoy designing systems that empower high-impact decision-making, and are excited about scaling the financial future of enduring, technology-driven companies in Japan. You thrive in high-autonomy environments where your work directly fuels growth and are eager to take the lead in building systems that matter.

Traits we look for:

At WAY, our values guide who we hire, how we operate, and what we invest in. Here’s how we expect them to show up in this role:

• Customers are our obsession
  Your "customers" are both the business owners we partner with and the operational teams we empower. You build trusted relationships by deeply understanding stakeholders' motivations, ensuring alignment, and crafting mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Everything is possible
  You think creatively about deal origination, approach opportunities with an open mind, and demonstrate resilience in the face of complexity. You're adept at identifying overlooked opportunities and reimagining business potential.

• Strength in diversity
  You value diverse viewpoints, actively seeking input from operators, advisors, and internal teams. You understand that exceptional outcomes emerge from collaborative thinking and rigorous debate.

• Grit
  M&A involves sustained effort—generating high-quality leads, managing complex diligence processes, and resolving uncertainties. You persevere through ambiguity and remain focused on achieving strategic goals.

• Energy and execution
  You're highly organized, proactive, and thrive under pressure. You swiftly translate strategy into structured processes, keep multiple priorities moving forward, and consistently deliver results.

• Curiosity enables potential
  Your intellectual curiosity pushes you to deeply understand new sectors, challenge conventional wisdom, and uncover the strategic drivers behind a company's performance. You're driven by understanding the "why" behind each opportunity.

• Pragmatic about purpose
  You blend optimism with disciplined skepticism, carefully balancing ambition and practicality. You're comfortable making tough decisions based on comprehensive analyses and are unafraid to walk away when necessary.

About the role

As our portfolio expands, we are looking for a foundational finance leader to own the financial infrastructure for our entire group. In this role, you will oversee consolidated financial reporting for WAY and lead the implementation of management accounting frameworks across our portfolio companies. Your core mission is to provide the financial visibility that empowers leadership and investors to make rapid, high-impact strategic decisions.

This is a high-autonomy, high-impact role where you will design and build financial infrastructure from the ground up, rather than simply maintaining existing systems.

What you will do

• Oversee monthly closing and consolidated financial reporting for WAY HQ and all portfolio companies, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and clarity.

• Design and implement management accounting frameworks across portfolio companies (KPI definition, budget vs. actual variance analysis, cash flow management).

• Prepare financial reports and analysis for investors and the Board of Directors (quarterly reports, board materials, and strategic financial reviews).

• Establish and optimize group financial operations, including budgeting cycles, month-end close schedules, and approval workflows.

• Manage corporate governance and compliance across group companies.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external advisors, including tax accountants and legal counsel.

• Support the M&A process by assisting with financial due diligence, working capital analysis, and post-closing financial integration.

• Build and scale the internal accounting and finance team/function over time.

How we work with AI

At WAY, we believe AI is not just a tool — it's a competitive edge. Everyone on the team, regardless of role, is expected to:

• Identify and automate parts of your job that can be made more efficient using AI.

• Experiment with AI tools to increase productivity, improve quality, and unlock new ideas.

• Share what you learn with your teammates so we all get better, faster.

Who we are looking for

• 5+ years of experience in accounting, controlling, or FP&A, with direct ownership over monthly closing or financial reporting.

• Hands-on experience preparing consolidated financial statements for a holding company or multi-entity group.

• Practical experience implementing management accounting in an operating business in Japan.

• Native-level Japanese proficiency and business-level English proficiency.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification is a strong plus.

• Integrity, high intellectual curiosity, and a deep alignment with our long-term mission of building enduring businesses.