The position

The Division of Financial Management (DFM) is strengthening its financial planning, management, and reporting frameworks and capabilities to address the rapidly increasing organizational complexity in supporting leadership and governing bodies while upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We are seeking several high-caliber talents to support the management in leading the transformation. In this context, we are looking for a seasoned financial reporting specialist with a track record of automating and streamlining accounting and reporting processes, quality improvements, and the use of digital technology in an innovative manner to help lead this transformation.

About OIST

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.

The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.

English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.

Responsibilities

1. Support the Vice President of Financial Management and Senior Manager of Accounting Section in leading activities to:
   • Review the existing accounting and financial reporting processes to streamline and automate.
   • Develop measures for quality and service levels, and design/implement a continuous improvement process.
   • Develop and maintain a financial accounting manual with policy and procedures.
   • Liaise with external tax accountants for tax reporting and filings.
   • Liaise with external financial accounting auditors.
   • Support the coordination of examination and inspection by the Japanese government.
2. As part of the team, perform/supervise financial reporting and general accounting tasks as assigned.
3. Serve as a resident subject matter expert on financial accounting matters.
4. Other related accounting tasks.

Job rotation within the Division for Financial Management may occur from the perspective of staff development and skill enhancement.