Operational Audit Specialist – Astellas Pharma

Operational Audit Specialist openings at global life sciences leaders don’t come around often, and this one at Astellas Pharma Inc. in Nihonbashi, Tokyo is a strong fit for audit professionals ready to take on complex, cross-border internal audit work. If you’re searching for your next role in the pharmaceutical and life sciences audit sector, this posting breaks down everything you need to know: responsibilities, qualifications, salary, benefits, and how to apply.

About Astellas Pharma Inc.

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a global life sciences company focused on turning innovative science into value for patients. The company develops transformative therapies across oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women’s health. This position sits within the Internal Audit division at the company’s Nihonbashi headquarters and supports both regional and global audit initiatives.

Role Overview

In this role, you’ll work under the supervision of an Operational Audit (OA) Senior Business Partner or Business Partner, executing high-complexity internal audit work across financial, operational, IT, and compliance domains. This is a permanent, full-time position based in Tokyo, with latitude for independent judgment on assigned audit tasks.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assisting the OA Lead on regional and global audit projects.
2. Preparing first drafts of audit planning materials, including Scope Memos and Planning Memos.
3. Conducting and documenting interviews and preparing supporting working papers.
4. Identifying, documenting, and confirming audit issues, and developing recommendations.
5. Composing formal audit observation memos and issue follow-up summaries.
6. Supporting audit result communication through written reports and presentations to management.
7. Building productive relationships with clients, staff, and management.
8. Proposing recommendations to improve outcomes and mitigate risk.

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Qualifications for This Position

Required

1. Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) or equivalent.
2. Minimum 3 years of experience in accounting, compliance, or a related audit-involved field.
3. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
4. Exceptional Japanese language proficiency (verbal and written).
5. Conversational to business-level English.

Preferred

1. Professional accounting or auditing certification (e.g., Chartered Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner, CISA).
2. Prior audit experience.
3. Strong data analysis, analytical, and organizational skills.