Skills Required for Foreigners to Work in Accounting in Japan

You might want to work in Japan using your accounting experience from your home country. Or perhaps you studied accounting at a Japanese university and wish to find a job in Japan. This article introduces the skills and methods for finding a job in accounting for foreigners in Japan.

What You Need to Work in Accounting in Japan

To work in accounting, you need specialized knowledge and experience. Applying for a job without any qualifications or experience will be challenging. Besides specialized knowledge, Japanese language skills and the ability to use accounting software are also required.

Qualifications in Bookkeeping and Accounting

Many accounting job postings require passing the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Accounting Proficiency Test at level 3 or above. This qualification is essential for working in accounting in Japan. Having level 2 will make it easier to get a job as an accountant. The test is entirely in Japanese.
For those who struggle with reading Japanese, the "US Certified Public Accountant (USCPA)" qualification is also recommended. Although the content is slightly different from bookkeeping, its scope is broader and it's a useful qualification not only in Japan but also abroad.

Japanese Language Skills

If you want to work in accounting in Japan, it's recommended to obtain JLPT N2 or N1 in addition to the bookkeeping qualification. Accounting work requires not only conversation but also reading comprehension. Passing these exams will prove your Japanese language proficiency.

Experience Using Accounting Software

Some job postings require experience using accounting software.
In Japan, "Yayoi Accounting®", "Money Forward", and "freee®" are commonly used. If there are similarities with the software you used while working abroad, be sure to include that in your application documents.
*Yayoi Accounting is a registered trademark of Yayoi Co., Ltd.
*freee Accounting is a registered trademark of freee K.K.

Residence Status for Foreigners to Work in Accounting in Japan

In addition to knowledge and experience, you need a residence status that allows you to work in Japan. "Statuses of residence for foreigners based on status or position" like Permanent Resident (PR), Spouse or Child of Japanese National (SCJN), Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (SCPR), and Long-Term Resident (LTR) allow you to work in any job.
To work in accounting, the status of Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) is often required.

Conditions for Obtaining Residence Status

Graduated from a university, graduate school, or junior college in Japan or abroad.
Graduated from a vocational school in Japan.
To obtain the status of Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI), you need to have graduated from a university, graduate school, or junior college in Japan or abroad, or from a vocational school in Japan. However, for foreign universities, graduate schools, or junior colleges, you need a certificate proving that the degree is equivalent to a Japanese university degree.

Foreign vocational schools are not recognized. If you do not meet the educational requirements, you need 3 to 10 years of practical experience.

(Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Status of Residence 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services'")

High Demand Accounting Jobs for Foreigners in Japan

In Japan, there is a high demand for foreigners in the field of "English Accounting." There are two types of English Accounting:
Processing according to the American accounting system.
Using English terms for accounts and processing according to Japanese accounting standards.
This is recommended for those who are good at English or have worked in English Accounting abroad.

How Foreigners Can Find Accounting Jobs in Japan

• Search for job listings on Hello Work.
• Use job search websites.
• Look on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Check company websites.
  

In Japan, it is common to search for job listings on Hello Work and job search websites. There are "Foreign Employment Service Centers" in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. You can get job counseling and job introductions there.

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Prefectural Labor Bureau, Hello Work Ministry of Health
Labour and Welfare: Foreign Employment Service Center

Some Japanese job search websites are multilingual and cater to foreigners. You can search for job listings by job type and location and apply for them. There are many job listings not available on Hello Work.

Checking company websites is also a good idea. Job postings can be found on the "Recruitment Information" page.

Summary

Accounting jobs are recommended for those who have worked in accounting abroad or studied accounting at universities in Japan or abroad.
If you want to work in accounting, check the job description of the company you are applying to before applying. There are many options such as foreign companies, trading companies, and companies with overseas transactions.
To work in accounting in Japan, it is recommended to pass JCCI Bookkeeping Level 2 and JLPT N2 or higher.
JOB JOURNEY lists accounting job openings mainly in Tokyo and Osaka. If you find a job that interests you, feel free to apply!

Find accounting jobs on JOB JOURNEY.