UWC ISAK Japan Statutory Auditor Opportunity 

Location

Compensation

Non-Paid

Start Date

Application Deadline

15/01/2024

Job Description

UWC ISAK Japan is seeking an auditor (監事) who can support its mission to empower each of its students to become a transformational leader. 

We believe in the power of young people to become catalysts for positive change. We aim to create an environment where students learn to identify what is most important and needed, take action in the face of discomfort, use diversity as a strength, and support others in this practice. As Japan’s first full-boarding international high school, we educate intellectually curious, compassionate, and innovative students from diverse backgrounds.

We are a member of United World Colleges (UWC), a global movement that makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

  • We are a truly global movement. UWC is made up of 18 schools and colleges on four continents.
  • We are deliberately diverse. UWC national committees in over 150 countries and territories are able to reach and select young people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences.
  • We are selective, but not exclusive. More than 80% of students selected by UWC national committees receive full or partial financial assistance, funded by our generous supporters.
  • We value service, as well as knowledge. At our schools, students aged 16-19 study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
  • We build a community of role models. The UWC alumni network is almost 60,000 strong, and our alumni can be found in every corner of the world.


UWC ISAK Japan prepares future leaders through a unique blend of academics and leadership development in the mountain resort town of Karuizawa. Our boarding school experience fosters well-rounded individuals, and our university advising program supports students in achieving their goals.

The ideal Auditor candidate will be personally passionate about the school’s vision and mission, while maintaining an independent perspective necessary to properly exercise oversight over the Board. Some Board/Council meetings are online, while some are in-person which requires travel to Karuizawa.

This is an unpaid position. However, we believe there are a number of benefits:

  • Civic responsibility: Being an Auditor would be a noble expression of your civic duty. You would actively contribute to ensuring transparency and accountability within a school.
  • Skill development: This role offers a unique opportunity for skill development. Auditing requires critical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, and would also enhance your financial literacy.
  • Networking opportunities: UWC ISAK is supported by many prominent Japanese business people and entrepreneurs. You would have opportunities to network with them.
  • Resume enhancement: Your service as an auditor would demonstrate your dedication to the community and your willingness to volunteer your time and expertise for the greater good.
  • Impact on education: You would be part of a highly innovative, global education initiative and have the power to impact the state of education.

The School’s Articles require that the School have 2 to 3 Auditors at any time. The usual term of an Auditor is 3 years.

Position summary

  • An Auditor audits the business of the School.
  • An Auditor audits the conditions of the School assets.
  • An Auditor audits the Board Members’ performance of their duties.
  • If an Auditor finds any illicit act or any fact that indicates a substantial violation of any applicable law or regulation, the Auditor must report to the Governor of Nagano or to the Board and the Council.
  • An Auditor attends Board and Council meetings.
  • An Auditor reviews the School’s financial statements.

Qualifications

  • A CPA, an attorney, or anyone with extensive compliance experience (ideally)
  • Access to pro bono programs of law firms or accounting firms would be a plus
  • Significant experience working in international/cross-border settings or with a diverse community
  • Experience being on the board of or managing a Japanese private school would be a plus
  • English-Japanese bilingual
  • You must be able to understand/read Board meetings and Board materials, which are generally in English
  • You must be able to understand financial statements and communications with the external auditor, which are generally in Japanese
    Ability to travel to Karuizawa for in-person meetings
    No conflict of interest with UWC ISAK Japan

Application

Please send your application and any inquiry to [email protected] before 31st of October 2023.

General Information

A Shared UWC Mission

UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

Our Distinct Identity

At UWC ISAK Japan, we empower each other to be transformational leaders who explore new frontiers and make a positive impact today and in the future.

We believe not only in the power of education, but also in the power of young people to become catalysts for positive change. We aim to create an environment where students learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives, challenge themselves academically and emotionally, and develop their innate potential as change-makers who can identify what is most important and needed, take action in the face of discomfort, use diversity as a strength, and support others in this practice.

Our Motto

Our school motto reflects our hopes for and dedication to all UWC ISAK Japan students as they journey through one of the most important and exciting times of their lives.

One Life. Realize Your Potential. Be a Catalyst for Positive Change.

One Life
Realize Your Potential
Be a Catalyst for Positive Change

Leadership Education at UWC ISAK Japan

At UWC ISAK Japan, we empower each other to be transformational leaders who explore new frontiers and make a positive impact today and in the future.

We believe not only in the power of education, but also in the power of young people to become catalysts for positive change. We aim to create an environment where students learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives, challenge themselves academically and emotionally, and develop their innate potential as change-makers who can identify what is most important and needed, take action in the face of discomfort, use diversity as a strength, and support others in this practice.

We believe in transformational leadership.

Who is a transformational leader?

A transformational leader is someone who consistently identifies what is most important and what is needed, takes action in the face of discomfort, uses diversity as a strength, and supports others in this practice. With continuous practice, a transformational leader creates positive change within self and the community at large.

A transformational leader consistently applies these foundational skills of leadership:

  • Awareness: Deeply observes oneself and the environment, and understands what is important for self and the greater good.
  • Connection: Empathizes with members of a community, understands their diverse potentials and values, and supports them towards a common goal.
  • Action Taking: Steps out of one’s comfort zone to courageously bring ideas to life.
  • Self-Discipline: Responds positively to challenges with measured reflection, growth mindset, resilience and optimism.
  • Creativity: Generates innovative ideas and questions and builds upon those of others

 

Leadership is a practice.

Leadership is not a position or status that a selective group of people earn, whether by the virtue of their economic or social position in society or their innate demeanor or personality. At UWC ISAK Japan, we believe that leadership is a practice. This practice is integrated into our curriculum​, and we believe that with practice, individuals can grow and integrate the essential skills of leadership.

About UWC

Founded in 1962, UWC (United World Colleges) is a global education movement that makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. UWC is comprised of schools and colleges in 18 countries, with national committees and selection contacts in more than 155 countries. UWC fosters a lifelong commitment to social responsibility, and to date has inspired a network of 60,000 alumni who believe it is possible to work for positive change.

The majority of students attending UWCs are selected by UWC national committees. In support of the belief that education should be independent of a student’s ability to pay, 70% of national committee selected IB Diploma students receive full scholarships. The UWC movement places a high value on experiential learning, outdoor education, service and other cultural understanding, alongside the academically challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

About UWC ISAK Japan

UWC ISAK Japan is Japan’s only full-boarding international high school and the newest member of the United World Colleges movement. Following the Japanese school system, UWC ISAK is a three-year high school, with all students in grades 11 and 12 following the IB Diploma Programme curriculum. The school is accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) and all graduates receive a Japanese high school diploma. Currently approximately 200 students from nearly 80 countries attend UWC ISAK Japan, with 70% of students receiving full or partial need-based scholarship support. 30% of enrolled students are Japanese, with the remaining 70% coming from homes outside of Japan.

Location

Karuizawa is located in Nagano Prefecture, home to the 1998 Winter Olympics and fondly referred to as the “Roof of Japan.” Karuizawa has been attracting an international mix of visitors since the late nineteenth century. The mountainous climate keeps Kaurizawa cool and comfortable during Japan’s summer months, making it a popular escape from Tokyo’s heat and humidity. Karuizawa experiences four seasons with regular snow in the winter which generally lasts from early December through February. Monthly temperatures average between 21 and -5 throughout the year.

While the full-time population of Karuizawa is around 20,000, the population of the town increases dramatically during the summer tourist season. From Tokyo, it takes approximately 70 minutes to reach Karuizawa station on the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train).

Karuizawa is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers year-round recreation including hiking, cycling, tennis, golf and skiing. In addition, a vibrant arts & crafts scene includes art galleries and museums, a performing arts center, a symphony hall, and a community symphony. There are also many good restaurants with wide ranging cuisines, a large upscale outlet mall with designer shops, a variety of onsen hot springs and a local volcano, Mt. Asama.

UWC ISAK Japan is located on the outskirts of Karuizawa, in a quiet residential community and the school is not within easy walking distance to a train station or a large supermarket. Schooling options for faculty children are limited to the local public schools where all instruction and communication is in Japanese. We are not able to guarantee admission to UWC ISAK for faculty children in grades 10-12 or to guarantee scholarships if faculty children are admitted.

For more information about the town of Karuizawa, please go to the following website:
http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-city-guides/karuizawa-guide

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