Finance and Accounting Salary Trends in Japan

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Salaries in Japan’s finance and accounting sector have risen gradually, fueled by intense competition for scarce talent and frequent counteroffers to retain staff. Large corporations are introducing retention packages for high performers, while junior to mid-level professionals are experiencing the strongest salary growth. Base pay remains the top priority for most finance and accounting candidates, who prefer stability over bonuses, even as transparency from reputation platforms adds pressure on compensation levels.

Beyond pay, finance professionals are prioritizing culture, leadership, career development, and work-life balance. Hybrid work remains standard, though many firms are returning to onsite models with flexibility largely reserved for senior talent. The mismatch between candidate expectations and company policy continues to challenge attraction efforts.

Demand is growing for finance talent skilled in digital transformation, ERP upgrades, and commercial finance. Employers seek professionals proficient in SAP, Power BI, and data storytelling, alongside strong business partnering skills. Tight labor markets, rising salary expectations, and a shortage of bilingual mid-career talent remain key barriers, prompting companies to focus on faster hiring, competitive pay, and stronger internal mobility programs.

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Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, company size and demand for the role. Our salaries do not include bonuses, benefits or perks.

Accounting

Accounts Payable / Receivable

Finance

Financial Planning & Analysis

Internal Audit

Tax

Treasury

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Accountant - S / M

4500000

5500000

6000000

Accountant - L

6000000

7500000

8000000

Senior Accountant - S / M

6500000

7500000

8000000

Senior Accountant - L

8000000

9500000

12000000

Accounting Manager - S / M

7500000

8500000

9000000

Accounting Manager - L

9000000

11000000

13000000

Accounting Controller - L

12500000

16000000

20000000

Accounting Director - L

15000000

18000000

20000000

25th percentile

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

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Top priorities and in-demand skills

In Japan’s finance and accounting sector, companies are focused on modernising processes and optimising resources to counter talent shortages. Digital transformation, ERP upgrades, shared service models, and greater emphasis on commercial finance are reshaping business needs. As a result, demand is rising for professionals with both strong technical literacy and the ability to partner strategically with the business.

Digital transformation

ERP upgrades and implementation

Shared service center development

Commercial finance initiatives

SQL, SAP, Power BI, advanced Excel

Business partnering and strategic thinking

Storytelling and communication

Familiarity with AI tools

Hiring challenges and retention strategies for F&A

Japan’s finance and accounting sector faces a tight labor market, with talent shortages, salary competition, and demographic pressures creating hiring difficulties. Employers struggle to secure bilingual professionals with 5–10 years’ experience, while rigid benefits and limited flexibility add further challenges.

Rising salary expectations and counteroffers

Shortage of bilingual mid-career talent

Limited workplace flexibility and benefits

Talent shortages in a tight labour market

Career development and internal mobility

Flexibility and work-life balance measures

Culture initiatives such as open-door policies

Higher salaries and counteroffers

Finance and accounting functions are facing a growing talent gap, not simply from a shortage of workers, but from a scarcity of skilled professionals. In response, companies are investing in upskilling, while also expanding mid-career recruitment to secure expertise.^*

of companies reported difficulty hiring skilled talent, citing a limited pool of specialists available.* of companies reported difficulty hiring skilled talent, citing a limited pool of specialists available.*

of companies are hiring and developing talent, while others are strengthening mid-career recruitment.* of companies are hiring and developing talent, while others are strengthening mid-career recruitment.*

In-demand roles, certifications and top industries

Japan’s finance and accounting sector is adapting to digital transformation, ERP upgrades, and cost efficiency pressures while facing persistent talent shortages. Employers are becoming flexible on professional backgrounds, hiring junior professionals to train and offering counteroffers to retain mid-career talent.

At the same time, demand is strongest for roles that combine technical literacy with commercial acumen, as organizations prioritize both business partnering and data-driven decision-making.

Key roles in finance and accounting driving Japan’s hiring market:

FP&A professionals (all levels)

Accounting specialists (all levels)

Tax Manager

Business Controller

Internal Audit

As Japan’s finance and accounting sector continues its digital transformation, certifications remain a critical differentiator for candidates. Employers value qualifications that demonstrate both technical expertise and global standards, particularly in areas like accounting, auditing, security, and business analysis.

With rising competition for skilled professionals, certifications help hiring managers quickly identify talent ready to add value and adapt to evolving business needs.

Top certifications for finance and accounting professionals in Japan:

CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

Boki Level 2 and above

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)

TOEIC 800+

Hiring demand in Japan’s finance and accounting sector is spanning multiple industries as companies navigate digital transformation, labor shortages, and rising salary competition.

Employers across sectors are prioritizing professionals who bring both technical expertise and commercial insight, with demand heightened by ERP upgrades, shared service models, and new regulatory requirements. This broad need presents opportunities for finance talent across core and emerging industries.

Industries driving Japan’s finance and accounting hiring in 2026:

Technology and IT vendors

AI and data-driven industries

E-commerce

Finance, fintech, and insurance

Healthcare and biotech

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Hiring and career insights in finance and accounting

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The salary benchmarks listed in Robert Half's Salary Guide are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across in Japan.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Company size, industry and the availability of remote work options can influence salaries. Our salaries do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognizing that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on third-party research and all external data sources are explicitly cited throughout.

Sources:

^{*Deloitte. (2025). 35.7% of finance, accounting, and tax departments face challenges in talent development and retention.}