Junior Accountant

Santec is a global leader in photonics, dedicated to the innovation and manufacturing of tunable lasers, advanced optical components, and ophthalmic instruments. Our product offerings include cutting-edge optical components, tunable lasers, and OCT systems for technological advancements in optical and medical applications.

Headquartered in Japan’s Photonics Valley, Santec serves customers worldwide through regional offices in the USA, EU, China, Australia, and Canada. We pride ourselves on providing high-performance solutions that meet the needs of our diverse, global client base.

We are currently seeking a member with professional proficiency in Japanese and English (spoken and written), as this role may require frequent communication with our Japan-based headquarters.

The position entails the following job functions and responsibilities:

• Verify information and maintain accounts receivable reports, including but not limited to monthly sales, open invoices, and aging reports.
• Receive checks and prepare deposit slips; verify remittances against business accounts; deposit checks daily.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of accounts payable; receive, verify, and post accounts payable invoices into the accounting system.
• Support month-end closing procedures by entering necessary journal entries in the system.
• Conduct daily bank reconciliations between the accounting system and bank portals.
• Interact with vendors and department managers to resolve account discrepancies.
• Receive and review purchase orders, check requests, and other related documentation for completeness and compliance with financial policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.
• Receive credit card receipts and reconcile them against corporate credit cards on a monthly basis.
• Follow up on account statements and payment discrepancies; serve as a liaison between departments and vendors to resolve administrative issues and inquiries.
• Review, audit, and process employee expense reimbursements; verify accuracy and adherence to company policies.
• Maintain accounting department files and records.
• Enter information into the accounting data entry system.
• Assist with month-end close and prepare monthly reports as required.
• Assist with special accounting projects as needed.
• Contact customers to request payment of delinquent accounts.
• Reconcile sales invoices with U.S. billing for month-end accuracy; generate missing invoices and send them to clients to close the monthly billing cycle.
• Prepare collections and aging reports.
• Research customer claims related to invoice payments and discrepancies.
• Send invoices to customers and coordinate customer requests for invoice copies with accounting support staff, as requested.
• Support sales administration with purchase order entries, order confirmations, and other related tasks as needed.
• Monitor and maintain accounts receivable aging.
• Prepare customer invoices; calculate sales tax; reconcile customer accounts.
• Assist with accounting system upgrades.
• Calculate commission payables.
• Answer, screen, and direct incoming telephone calls.
• Sort and distribute internal and external mail.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Experience in accounting or finance roles is a plus.
• Knowledge of U.S. GAAP.
• Experience with ERP systems; NetSuite (Oracle) experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, etc.).
• Experience in preparing and analyzing financial statements, budgets, and forecasts.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration, including with international teams.
• Hands-on experience with Excel Macros and Power Query is considered a strong plus.
• Comfort and openness to utilizing AI tools to enhance work efficiency is strongly valued.
  

• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong ethical standards and high levels of integrity in professional conduct.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Work may involve extended hours during peak reporting periods (e.g., month-end or year-end close).
• Willingness to work on-site five days a week.