Japanese Bilingual Internal Auditor

Position Title: Japanese Bilingual Internal Auditor

Location: Western suburbs of Chicago, DuPage County, IL (Onsite, 5 days per week)

Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Work Schedules: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Travel 1 to 2 times per month (domestic and international, including Japan and Canada) and occasional evening calls with Japan (Chicago time), about 1 to 2 times per month.

Summary

A North American subsidiary of a Japan-headquartered group is looking for a bilingual Internal Auditor with hands-on audit experience to join its corporate audit function. Reporting directly to the President, this person will carry out risk-based audits, test internal controls, and help keep the organization aligned with policy and regulatory requirements.

This opportunity suits a professional with 2 to 4 years of internal or external audit experience who is ready to take on more ownership of audit work. The new team member will work alongside two established Internal Auditors on a small, collaborative team, and will contribute directly to audits from the start. The company offers financial support toward the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credential, along with regular international exposure.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Carry out assigned audits from planning through testing and reporting, with growing independence.
• Perform walkthroughs and test the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, including SOX/J-SOX related controls.
• Document workpapers and draft clear audit findings and recommendations.
• Help prepare materials for the President, the Board of Directors, shareholders, and the parent company in Japan.
• Work with department owners on corrective action plans and confirm they are completed.
• Support external audit requests and coordinate responses across departments.
• Monitor regulatory and compliance updates and flag their impact on company practices.
• Communicate in Japanese with the parent company, including occasional evening calls.
• Travel 1 to 2 times per month to domestic and international sites, including Japan and Canada.
• Complete other projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• 2 to 4 years of experience in internal audit or external audit (public accounting).
• Hands-on experience testing internal controls, including some SOX/J-SOX testing.
• Native or near-native Japanese (spoken and written) and business-level English or higher.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• A collaborative approach and comfort working on a small team.
• Ability to work onsite 5 days per week, travel 1 to 2 times per month (including internationally), and join occasional evening calls.
• Comfort working at a computer for extended periods, with occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling.
• Authorization to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Progress toward the CIA, CPA, or CISA certification.
• Experience at a multinational company or with a Japanese parent company.
• Experience with audit or data analysis tools.
• Current residence in the Chicago area.