Accountant - Japanese bilingual

Location: Bethesda, MD (Relocation to Bethesda, MD is preferred)

Salary: 80K (Exempt)

Hiring Schedule
: ASAP

A growing life sciences company is seeking an experienced Accountant to manage day-to-day accounting operations and take ownership of the monthly closing process. This role requires a hands‑on accounting professional who can independently perform month‑end close activities, work closely with an external accounting firm, and ensure accurate financial reporting. In addition to accounting responsibilities (approximately 80%), this position will also provide administrative support to the Marketing department (approximately 20%).

• Manage full-cycle Accounts Payable (AP), including invoice verification, payment processing, vendor communication, and payment scheduling.
• Manage Accounts Receivable (AR), including invoicing, payment tracking, collections, and account reconciliation.
• Perform and take ownership of the complete month-end closing process.
• Prepare and post monthly journal entries.
• Reconcile general ledger accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare and reconcile:
  • Balance Sheet (BS)
  • Profit & Loss Statement (P&L)
  • Cash Flow Statement
• Analyze financial statements and ensure accuracy before month-end reporting.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and supporting schedules for management.
• Maintain and reconcile fixed assets and inventory accounting records.
• Perform bank reconciliations and cash management activities.
• Ensure accurate revenue and expense recognition.
• Coordinate and communicate directly with the external accounting firm regarding monthly closing, financial reporting, tax matters, and accounting issues.
• Support year-end closing and external audit preparation.
• Maintain accounting records and ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Perform additional accounting and finance‑related duties as assigned.

• Provide administrative support to the Marketing department.
• Coordinate meetings, calendars, and departmental schedules.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and marketing‑related documents.
• Maintain electronic filing systems and departmental records.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal departments regarding marketing activities.
• Assist with travel arrangements and expense report processing.
• Support trade shows, conferences, promotional events, and marketing campaigns.
• Perform general administrative duties to support the Marketing team.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of accounting experience in a corporate accounting environment.
• Hands‑on experience independently managing the complete month‑end closing process.
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing:
  • Balance Sheet (BS)
  • Profit & Loss Statement (P&L)
  • Cash Flow Statement
• Experience working directly with external accounting firms or CPA firms.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and accounting principles.
• Experience with AP, AR, inventory accounting, bank reconciliations, and general ledger management.
• Experience using accounting software or ERP systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Japanese and English language skills required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Highly detail‑oriented with exceptional accuracy.
• Self‑motivated and proactive with a strong sense of ownership.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Professional, dependable, and committed to continuous improvement.