2025 Japan finance and accounting Salary Guide

In 2024, Japan’s finance and accounting sector experienced steady growth, with companies implementing wage increases of 2%-3% due to labor shortages, inflation, and efforts to secure skilled workers. This upward trend is expected to continue into 2025 as businesses aim to attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market.

Despite these increases, the finance and accounting sector faces significant talent shortages, particularly in specialized areas like tax, audit, and treasury. The aging workforce and limited influx of younger professionals make it challenging to fill business-critical roles. In response, companies are broadening their recruitment criteria, prioritizing technical expertise over full English fluency and focusing on strong written skills rather than oral proficiency.

Additionally, there is a shortage of candidates with expertise in areas such as Special Purpose Companies (SPCs), real estate, asset management, and renewable energy. Companies in these industries are addressing talent gaps by upskilling candidates for more technical roles.

Technological advancements, including AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA), are transforming the sector. While some teams are slow to adapt, many companies are transitioning from outdated domestic systems to global systems. Finance professionals skilled in digital tools, such as ERP, Power BI, and SAP, are in high demand to drive digital transformation and keep operations competitive.

View salaries by category

Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.

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 / Director - L

12500000

16000000

20000000

25th percentile

The candidate is new to the role and building the needed skills, experience and autonomy.

50th percentile

The candidate has the experience to perform core responsibilities without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.

75th percentile

The candidate delivers value beyond the stated job duties, has advanced qualifications and experience, and is ready for the next career level.

AI adoption in Japan's F&A sector has been slow, but there is a growing trend towards automating tasks like data entry and reporting to improve efficiency. This shift allows teams to focus on strategy by reducing repetitive work. Demand for AI-skilled professionals and expertise in ERP, Power BI, and SAP continues to rise as companies address labor shortages and productivity pressures.^*

In finance operations, AI usage remains low, with only 13% using AI and 87% not using it, indicating limited AI adoption in the field.* In finance operations, AI usage remains low, with only 13% using AI and 87% not using it, indicating limited AI adoption in the field.*

In AI-driven finance operations, data entry and transcription make up 42%, with predictive analysis and risk assessment at 27%.* In AI-driven finance operations, data entry and transcription make up 42%, with predictive analysis and risk assessment at 27%.*

In 2024, Japanese companies implemented their largest wage increase in 30 years, driven by labor shortages, inflation, and the need to attract talent. In 2025, finance and accounting salaries are expected to grow 2%-3%. To stay competitive amid talent shortages, companies unable to offer salary increases should focus on enhancing perks and benefits.

of companies considering salary increases of 3% to 5% for 2025.** of companies considering salary increases of 3% to 5% for 2025.**

of companies expect a wage increase of 1% to 3%, with only 8% expecting an increase of less than 1% in 2025.** of companies expect a wage increase of 1% to 3%, with only 8% expecting an increase of less than 1% in 2025.**

In-demand permanent jobs in finance and accounting

Accounting Manager

Finance Manager

Treasurer / Treasury Accountant

Tax Manager / Director

In-demand skills and experience in finance and accounting

Business intelligence tools (TM1, Power BI, SQL, and Tableau) / ERP / Advanced Excel

Financial modelling

Business partnering

Month-end management / Local taxation

How much should I earn or pay?

In-demand certifications and degrees in finance and accounting

CPA / ACCA 

Finance-related university degrees

Nissho Boki (Level 2 and above)

Certified Tax Accountant 

Top industries hiring for finance and accounting professionals

Healthcare 

Business services / consulting

Retail 

Manufacturing

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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 the country.

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. All external data sources are explicitly cited throughout.

^*BlackLine. How to Become a Finance Professional Who Masters AI.

^**Reuters. November Reuters Corporate Survey: Feasible Wage Increase Rates for Spring 2025 Negotiations.

^***Reuters. Japan's Biggest Union Group Targets 5% Wage Hikes Next Year.