Internal Audit Senior Manager, Japan

Job description

A bit about the role We are looking for an Internal Audit Senior Manager to join our growing APAC Internal Audit (IA) team based in Japan. Your main task will be to support the internal audit process for Wise entities in Japan. The scope includes both global and regional processes and working with colleagues within the company and externally with partnering firms. You will make recommendations to improve governance, risk management and internal controls.

You will be responsible for planning, assigning, and supervising the operational activities of the team as well as completing your own tasks during the audit. The role presents a great opportunity to focus on the development and delivery of audit engagements in a fast-paced environment, focused on data driven audit techniques and continuous monitoring. Relevant experience working in assurance, risk or control roles and deploying technology-enabled assurance is key to driving the internal audit agenda.

We are a fast-growing team, therefore you have the unique opportunity to collaborate and shape the operations, methodology and approaches of the Internal Audit function. Your mission Support the implementation and operation of the internal audit assurance framework, including development of continuous monitoring and automated audit routines. Support development of the annual audit plan, including the audit universe, risk assessment processes and budgeting processes.

Deliver audits per the audit plan to ensure timely and relevant audit outcomes. Build and support a strong and self-sufficient internal audit team. Monitor the implementation of Internal Audit recommendations by the teams and measure the effectiveness of the improvements. Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, internally and externally. The role is Tokyo-based, but many of our teams are located across different office locations.

You will travel as needed to meet your objectives.

Qualifications

A bit about you

Skills: You have proven experience working in risk, control or assurance and you want to continuously improve how to get the job done. You have worked in technology, fintech or broader financial services industries. Excellent business language skills in Japanese and English both verbal and written. You have overseen planning, staffing, delivery and reporting of multiple audit engagements. You have strong communication skills with the regulators and industry associations.

You are able to work independently, you assume responsibility and you make your own judgement. You are prepared to take ownership over complex new areas and solve problems with no or very limited guidance and know when to escalate and ask for support. You have very strong coordination skills and you are able to hold teams accountable for meeting deadlines and delivering high quality outputs. You demonstrate attention to details but can summarise key messages succinctly, verbally and in writing, adjusting your style and level of information based on the target audience.

You seek to use data analytics and technology in your work and decision making processes. Practical experience in data analytics preferred. You’re curious and collaborative - you’re great at asking insightful questions to understand the real issues and deliver the right outcomes. You are passionate about driving change, making improvements and helping stakeholders. You are not afraid of making decisions, can work autonomously and take initiative.

You’re a strong relationship builder across all levels of the business and externally. Able to adapt with fast moving and agile business environment Experience: 10+ years in Internal Audit, Risk, or Control functions within Fintech, Digital Banking, Retail Brokerage or high-growth Technology sectors, with a track record of leading complex, end-to-end risk-based internal audits. Expert-level knowledge of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) (Required).

Working knowledge of related Japanese regulations, such as the Payment Services Act, Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, JSDA/industry association rules, data privacy laws, and customer asset safeguarding (Preferred). Proven ability to lead teams, oversee engagement execution, and manage direct liaison with the Japanese regulators and statutory external auditors. Experience preparing materials and reporting for subsidiary Boards or subsidiary Audit Committees is highly desirable.

Awareness of UK/US directives and regulations which are commonly applicable or have extraterritorial application to Japan is nice to have. Bachelor's degree in accountancy, finance or equivalent. Professional certifications (CPA, ACCA, CIA, CAMS) are highly desirable.