Creating Exciting Experiences Through Cars
- Inspired by Nissan’s Vision
When I was recruiting as a new graduate, I wanted to work in finance, which I had studied in graduate school, and I also wanted to work globally. So, I joined a foreign securities firm. In my previous role, I gained extensive experience in daily trading profit and loss reporting, profit and loss analysis, and financial closing. While I found my work fulfilling, I began to seek a way to contribute to society more tangibly by working in a business that deals with substantial products.
I was drawn to Nissan because of its vision of “providing exciting experiences to customers and enriching lives through automobiles.” Nissan’s vehicles are used by many people both in Japan and around the world, and I find it inspiring that they support the daily lives of countless individuals.
Another major reason was my desire to change my working style. In my previous job, I was entrusted with high-responsibility tasks, but the workload and overtime were significant. After my first child was born, I wanted to work in a way that balanced work and family life. The Internal Audit Office attracted me because it offers a degree of discretion over time management, which aligned with my new priorities. I decided to make a career change to achieve this balance.
The Appeal of Delivering Valuable Products
and Services Directly to Customers
The Internal Audit Office is responsible for evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of Nissan’s governance and internal control processes. My main duties include conducting operational audits of sales finance companies worldwide—including Japan—following up on improvement plans, and assessing and reporting on internal controls related to financial reporting under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
Unlike my previous role at a securities firm, Nissan offers products called automobiles, and our sales finance companies provide services called auto loans directly to customers. If a defect occurs in the product or a discrepancy in the loan contract, it can significantly impact the customer. From the perspective of internal audit and internal control, I feel that by helping build processes that are less prone to errors and defects, we are able to deliver value to customers and support their better lives.
My prior experience working with various departments as a project manager to improve internal processes is highly relevant, and I believe I am effectively applying that knowledge and skills in my current role.
A Culture That Respects Diversity
and Encourages Challenge for Everyone
After joining Nissan, I realized that the company’s environment is more global than I had initially imagined, and that diversity is actively promoted. Nissan provides an environment where anyone can take on challenges regardless of age, gender, nationality, or whether they are raising children. Many team members, including direct supervisors, are foreign nationals. Having worked with people from various countries in my previous role, I am able to leverage my skills in understanding different cultures and backgrounds and adapting my communication style accordingly.
Additionally, the company offers a wide range of systems such as remote work, flexible working hours, and family support leave, which aligned perfectly with my desire to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I feel that I can work comfortably while raising children—whether it’s responding to sudden illnesses or participating in school events. There are many female employees who are actively working while raising children, and after changing jobs, I also gave birth to my second child and took maternity and childcare leave. The company’s employees are very understanding of balancing work and family life.
Your Dream Career Is in Your Own Hands
Nissan’s culture encourages employees to propose their ideas, take initiative, and challenge themselves. I have personally worked in internal audits and internal controls within a sales finance company. Being involved in long-term improvements to internal controls while directly engaging with senior management was an incredibly valuable experience. Managing the entire process—from identifying issues to following up on improvements—is highly challenging, but it also gives me a great sense of achievement.
Looking ahead, I want to take on the challenge of evaluating and reporting on internal controls across the entire global organization. I shared my ambitions with my manager, who supported me wholeheartedly. We hold multiple career discussions each year, making it easy to explore short-term, mid-term, and long-term career paths.
If you have an assertive attitude, actively seek out what you want to do, and are confident in expressing your ideas, I believe Nissan offers the best environment for you to realize your career aspirations.