About the role

CFO Owndays 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. Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo

Key responsibilities

check_circleCollaborate with the team on day-to-day project tasks
check_circleLearn tools and processes used by the organization
check_circleDocument work and participate in team meetings
check_circleSupport quality checks and continuous improvement

Requirements

check_circleStrategic Financial Leadership — The CEO's Right Hand
check_circleOwn the financial strategy that fuels OWNDAYS' next wave of international growth
check_circleBe the primary advisor to the CEO and Board on capital allocation, risk, and long-term financial positioning
check_circleDrive forward-looking, AI-augmented financial analysis — moving beyond retrospective reporting to predictive intelligence that shapes real-time business decisions
check_circleBuild scenario models and growth playbooks that make ambiguity actionable
check_circleLead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial modeling across a multi-entity, multi-currency retail business
check_circleChampion the adoption of AI-driven financial tools — automated reporting, ML-based demand-finance integration, and intelligent cost management
check_circleBuild performance tracking frameworks that give store-level, regional, and global leaders the data they need to act fast
check_circleContinuously improve cost structures and unit economics as we scale
check_circleOversee accounting, financial reporting, and statutory compliance (Japan GAAP / IFRS)
check_circleEnsure robust internal controls and corporate governance across all geographies
check_circleManage audits, tax planning, and regulatory requirements in a multi-jurisdictional environment

Skills & keywords

cfolenskartowndaystokyo

Benefits & perks

check_circleMentorship
check_circleCertificate of completion
check_circleFlexible work arrangement where applicable