Assistant Lead, Internal Audit and Controls

Job Overview

The Assistant Lead for Internal Audit and Controls will head or contribute to various internal audit efforts, including Operational and J-SOX audits. The role involves assessing the robustness of internal controls, operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance, particularly related to Japan SOX (J-SOX). This position demands expert management and execution of audit assignments, delivering detailed recommendations to strengthen control systems and reduce risks in both operational and financial areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle operational audits: planning, liaising with auditees, developing audit procedures, executing fieldwork, drafting audit reports, and briefing local management.
• Expertise in process documentation tools, including process mapping and control flowcharting.
• Carry out follow-up evaluations ensuring prior audit suggestions are implemented effectively.
• Provide advisory support to management on best practices, policy frameworks, and implementation templates related to audit findings.
• Contribute to annual risk assessments and audit planning across all operations.
• Support initiatives to enhance audit quality and efficiency continuously.
• Lead and conduct J-SOX compliance audits within the region and assigned consignment audits, including preparation and reporting to management.
• Deliver J-SOX training and advisory services to business teams as needed.
• Manage special investigations and ad-hoc assignments, including suspected fraud cases; ensure comprehensive investigation quality and follow-up on mitigating measures.
• Develop and nurture effective relationships with country and regional stakeholders to remain aligned with evolving business risks.
• Engage proactively with leadership, especially group company managing directors, offering consultative support and addressing strategic, operational, financial, and regulatory issues.
• Lead data analytics efforts within the Internal Audit and Controls department to refine audit processes by utilizing advanced data analysis tools, identifying efficiency gains, and training audit teams in these techniques.
• Assist the Senior Manager IAC in executing internal audit initiatives and represent the department in regional activities and conferences.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or above with professional certification such as CIA, CA, CPA, or equivalent qualifications.
• At least 7 years of relevant internal audit experience; external audit experience is acceptable if combined with internal audit exposure, preferably in a commercial audit environment.
• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks; knowledge of SOX or J-SOX compliance is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and build trustful, transparent relationships with senior business leaders.
• Highly organized with excellent multitasking, planning, and prioritization skills alongside meticulous attention to detail.
• Possesses integrity, a dynamic and positive demeanor, and self-driven motivation.
• Proficient analytical thinker with capabilities in problem solving, root cause analysis, and maintaining a strategic overview of issues.
• Effective communicator, confident in verbal and written presentations tailored to senior management.
• Proactive in suggesting improvements and capable of driving cultural and process change initiatives within the team and organization.