The position

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 reports to the Procurement and Supplies Section Senior Manager and is primarily responsible for maintaining various internal supply-chains and the inspection and acceptance of deliveries within the campus and related duties.

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. Review and process purchase requests and construction-related procurements, including vendor engagement, order placement, and contract administration (including English-language contracts)
2. Monitor and manage revenue and expenditure against budgets across various funding sources, ensuring alignment between planned and actual figures
3. Perform general accounting operations, including accounts payable processing, invoice verification, and voucher management
4. Serve as a point of contact for financial and administrative inquiries from both internal and external stakeholders
5. Maintain and operate accounting systems, ensuring accurate data entry and proper record management
6. Support internal and external financial audits by preparing documentation and responding to audit inquiries
7. Undertake additional duties related to finance, accounting, and budgeting, 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.