
Job description
Chief Financial Officer — OWNDAYS Global HQ, Tokyo Mission Brief: Be the Financial Architect of a Global Eyewear Revolution OWNDAYS has already done the hard part — we built a brand that sells over 2 million pairs of glasses a year across 10 countries, with 200+ stores and a unique SPA model that controls everything from design to the customer's face.
Now we're entering the next phase: aggressive global expansion, new markets, and the kind of financial sophistication that turns ambition into execution. We're not looking for a CFO who manages the past. We're looking for one who builds the future. This role sits at the center of it all — a seat at the table with the CEO and Board, direct influence over every market we enter, every investment we make, and every dollar we allocate.
If you want to shape a genuinely global retail brand from its global headquarters in Tokyo, this is that role. 🎯 Core Mandate Strategic Financial Leadership — The CEO's Right Hand Own the financial strategy that fuels OWNDAYS' next wave of international growth Be the primary advisor to the CEO and Board on capital allocation, risk, and long-term financial positioning Drive forward-looking, AI-augmented financial analysis — moving beyond retrospective reporting to predictive intelligence that shapes real-time business decisions Build scenario models and growth playbooks that make ambiguity actionable 2. Financial Planning, Analytics & AI-First Infrastructure Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial modeling across a multi-entity, multi-currency retail business Champion the adoption of AI-driven financial tools — automated reporting, ML-based demand-finance integration, and intelligent cost management Build performance tracking frameworks that give store-level, regional, and global leaders the data they need to act fast Continuously improve cost structures and unit economics as we scale 3. Controllership, Governance & Compliance Oversee accounting, financial reporting, and statutory compliance (Japan GAAP / IFRS) Ensure robust internal controls and corporate governance across all geographies Manage audits, tax planning, and regulatory requirements in a multi-jurisdictional environment 4. Retail Expansion & Investment Finance Be the financial engine behind new store rollouts, real estate deals, and international market entries Lead M&A evaluation, partnership structuring, and strategic investment decisions with rigorous ROI discipline Translate expansion ambition into financial models that are both bold and defensible 5. Capital & Cash Flow Management Optimize working capital and cash flow across a complex global supply chain Manage banking relationships and financing structures that give OWNDAYS the firepower it needs Ensure capital efficiency from Tokyo to Amsterdam 6. Building a World-Class Finance Team Recruit, develop, and inspire a high-performing finance organization that operates at the pace of a growth company Create a culture of accountability, data-first thinking, and continuous improvement Serve as a true cross-functional partner to operations, supply chain, marketing, and regional leadership 🧠 The Mindset We're Looking For Builder, not just a manager. You don't just report on the business — you shape it. You've scaled finance functions before and you know the difference between a finance team that follows and one that leads. AI-native, not AI-curious. You don't wait for a data team to bring you insights. You know what's possible with modern financial intelligence tools and you push your organization to get there. Global and hands-on. You're as comfortable in a board presentation as you are digging into store-level P&Ls. Complexity across currencies, cultures, and compliance frameworks doesn't slow you down — it energizes you. Agile under ambiguity. OWNDAYS moves fast. The right candidate thrives when the map isn't fully drawn yet. Communicator and influencer. You can make complex financial realities clear to a CEO, a regional GM, or a store operations team — and you can get all of them aligned. 📋 What You Bring Significant CFO or senior finance leadership experience, ideally in retail, consumer, D2C, or multi-location business models Proven track record of scaling finance functions in high-growth, multi-entity environments Strong command of international business, multi-currency operations, and cross-border compliance Hands-on experience with AI/ML-enhanced financial planning tools or a strong drive to build that capability Deep commercial acumen — you understand the business, not just the numbers Authorization to work in Japan (visa sponsorship not available) 💡 Why This Role, Why Now Direct impact at the top: You'll work alongside the CEO and Board, not three layers removed from them A genuine growth story: OWNDAYS is profitable, expanding, and has real runway — this isn't a turnaround, it's a scale-up Tokyo HQ, global canvas: You'll be based at global headquarters but your remit spans every market we operate in and every one we're entering Build something that lasts: The finance function you build here will define how OWNDAYS operates for the next decade OWNDAYS is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse teams build better companies — and better eyewear.