Company Description
Cathay is a premium travel lifestyle group based in Hong Kong, bringing people closer to the places, experiences and opportunities that matter to them. Our purpose - to move people forward in life - begins with our own people.
Across our airlines, cargo and lifestyle businesses, it is our people who turn journeys into experiences and ambition into progress. Joining Cathay means being part of a global community, united by thoughtful care, professional excellence and a can-do spirit - and supported to grow through a career that moves with you.
Role Introduction
Reports to: Financial Services Manager - Japan
Location / Country: Tokyo / Japan
Employment Condition: Full time / 2-year contract
Support the smooth running of payroll, finance, and compliance activities that help keep our business operating effectively in Japan. Working closely with the Finance Manager, you will maintain payroll records, process payroll data, verify employee information, support statutory reporting, and help ensure financial operations remain compliant with company policies and local regulatory requirements.
Your work will span payroll administration, taxation support, banking and treasury activities, reconciliations, record management, and regulatory reporting. You will collaborate with employees, managers, government authorities, financial institutions, and other stakeholders while contributing to process improvements and maintaining high standards of accuracy and control. Experience with payroll processes, accounting practices, and systems such as SAP will help you succeed.
By delivering reliable financial services and maintaining strong compliance standards, you will help create confidence for employees, support informed business decisions, and contribute to Cathay’s commitment to moving people forward in life.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain employee payroll records, including new hire enrolment and ongoing updates, ensuring data remains accurate and current.
- Process payroll information, including wage calculations, deductions, adjustments, and authorised changes within required timelines.
- Verify timesheets, leave records, overtime, duty travel, and other payroll-related inputs with appropriate approvals.
- Respond to payroll enquiries from employees, government authorities, and other stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
- Prepare payroll remittances, account reconciliations, audit information, and documentation related to pensions, workers’ compensation, social insurance, income tax, and benefit programmes.
- Support the preparation and submission of tax returns, declarations, audits, license renewals, and other financial filings required by local authorities.
- Prepare value-added tax (VAT), withholding tax, airport tax, and other statutory tax declarations and payments in accordance with local legislation.
- Assist with cash management activities, banking administration, account reconciliations, and maintenance of inventory and asset registers.
- Maintain payroll and financial records in accordance with legal, regulatory, and internal retention requirements.
- Contribute to special projects, process improvement initiatives, and emergency, accident, and crisis response activities as required.
Requirements
- Degree in Accounting or a related discipline is an advantage.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in finance or accounting with payroll experience is essential.
- Experience in the airline industry is an advantage.
- Experience using SAP is an advantage.
- Sound understanding of local business practices related to payroll and associated processes in Japan.
- Demonstrated experience improving work practices and implementing streamlined processes.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to adapt to change and work effectively in evolving environments.
- Must have the legal right to live and work in Japan.
Benefits
- Base salary: JPY485,000/month
- Fixed allowance: JPY18,000/month
- Defined Contribution Pension Plan: Up to JPY 55,000/month
- Other allowances: the company regulations apply
- Social insurance: Unemployment insurance, Worker's compensation insurance, Health insurance, Welfare pension insurance
- Commuting expense allowance: Up to JPY50,000/month
- Break time: 1 hour/day
- Off day: Two days off every week
- Probation period: 3 months
- Annual leave: 16 days in the first year after completing probationary period (prorated based on the month of joining)
We believe that to move our customers forward, we must move our people forward first. Joining Cathay means unlocking a distinctive international lifestyle, supported by a foundation of excellence that respects your life both inside and outside of work.
Personal & Application Information
Application
- Cover letter n English detailing your motivation for applying
- CV (both Japanese and English versions)
Cathay Pacific is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with our personal data policy and for recruitment purposes only. All related information will be kept in our file for up to 24 months. A copy of our Personal Information Collection Statement will be provided upon request by contacting our Data Protection Officer.
