Financial Staff (Procurement, Cash Management and Accounting)
The Procurement and Supplies Section of the Division for Financial Management is responsible for the procurement of goods and services, such as research equipment, materials and office supplies. As a university that receives most of its operating funds from public sources, the section is accountable to the taxpayer and therefore works hard to ensure that it complies with all laws and rules, and that the procurement and travel expense processes are efficient and timely, as befits a world-class university.
This position will work under the Senior Manager of the Procurement Section within the Finance Division, handling duties related to procurement, cashier operations, accounting, IT, and other areas.
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.
- Review and process purchase requests and construction-related procurements, including vendor selection, order placement, and contract administration (including English-language contracts)
- Support financial management activities across the university, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal policies
- Perform general accounting functions, including accounts payable processing, invoice verification, and voucher management
- Serve as a point of contact for financial and administrative inquiries from both internal and external stakeholders
- Maintain and operate accounting systems, including accurate data entry and record management
- Assist in the preparation for and response to internal and external financial audits
- Undertake additional duties related to finance, accounting, and procurement, as required
This position is designed as part of a broader career development pathway within the Division of Financial Management. The successful candidate will gain experience across multiple functional areas—including procurement, budgeting, and accounting—through rotational assignments, with the goal of developing into a well-rounded finance professional at OIST.
Please note that, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications, initial assignment may be in a different section within the Division.
(Required)
- At least 3 years' experience in procurement, finance, or accounting
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in Japanese and English, and high capacity for clerical business
- Intermediate computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office)
- Business level English language skills (TOEIC 700 approx.)
(Preferred)
- Experience using ERP systems
- Work experience in an English-speaking workplace environment
- Experience building business workflows using IT systems
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations (A2-A3).
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Remote Work System
- Cover letter in both English and Japanese
- Curriculum vitae in both English and Japanese
* Please submit your Japanese CV (履歴書) and work history (職務経歴書) in one combined file.
* Please click APPLY HERE to be redirected to our application platform (Interfolio) and follow the instructions there to upload the required documents.
* 2 reference letters will be required during the final stages of the process.
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential in accordance to the OIST Privacy Policy; documents will not be returned.
- Recruiting Organization: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation
- Prevention of Passive Smoking: No smoking indoors
- Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities: Rules for Concurrent Appointment.
- Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00
Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.