(Haken) Data Governance & GRC Specialist - FinTech | Tokyo

Are you an IT professional looking to transition into Data Governance, Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), or Information Security within Japan's rapidly growing fintech industry?

Join one of Japan's leading FinTech groups, operating within a major Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime-listed corporate group, as a Data Governance & GRC Specialist.

Working within the company's Data Strategy division, you will help ensure that data is shared, accessed, and utilized securely and appropriately across multiple fintech services.

This role focuses on data governance operations, risk management, information security compliance, and data quality, including reviewing data-sharing requests, supporting governance policies, and resolving data-related operational issues.

A key advantage of this opportunity is that hands-on software development or programming is not required. Instead, you will apply your existing understanding of system development, IT operations, databases, cloud technologies, and data flows to evaluate data usage and support security controls.

You will collaborate with business departments, data users, and technology stakeholders to strengthen enterprise-wide data governance practices while supporting a large-scale financial technology ecosystem.

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals with experience in IT security, system development, application support, database administration, or data governance who want to develop their careers in the increasingly important field of Data Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC).

Key Responsibilities

• Data Governance & GRC Operations: Support the implementation and daily operation of data governance, risk management, and compliance processes across fintech services.
• Data-Sharing Request Reviews: Conduct initial reviews of data-sharing and data-utilization requests through JIRA, evaluating business purposes, appropriateness of data use, and compliance with internal information security policies.
• Information Security Compliance: Verify that proposed data access and sharing activities align with established security requirements, internal policies, and governance procedures.
• Data Risk Assessment: Identify potential issues associated with data usage, access permissions, and cross-system data sharing, escalating concerns to relevant stakeholders when necessary.
• Data Governance Policy Support: Explain governance policies, operational procedures, and data usage requirements to internal departments and business users.
• Stakeholder Communication: Work closely with business teams, IT stakeholders, and data users to support consistent implementation of data governance practices.
• Governance Training & Documentation: Prepare and update training materials, process documentation, and guidance resources related to data governance and information security.
• Meeting Coordination & Facilitation: Support governance-related meetings, facilitate discussions, prepare meeting minutes, and track relevant follow-up activities.
• Internal Portal Maintenance: Update governance-related information and documentation on internal portal sites to ensure employees have access to current policies and procedures.
• Issue Investigation & Resolution: Respond to inquiries, investigate operational challenges, and support the resolution of issues arising from data governance processes.
• Data Governance Improvement Initiatives: Assist with planning and implementing initiatives to strengthen governance frameworks, operational controls, and internal training.
• Data Quality & Governance Support: Contribute to the effective management of data quality and responsible data utilization across the organization's financial technology services.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• Foundational knowledge or practical experience in at least one of the following areas: Data Governance, IT Security, System Development, or IT Operations.
• Basic understanding of web applications, IT services, system architecture, or database technologies, or hands-on experience in Database Administration (DBA).
• Ability to understand data flows between systems, access controls, and information security requirements.
• Familiarity with technology operations and the ability to assess data-related requests from both technical and business perspectives.
• Ability to review requests, follow governance procedures, and support compliance with internal information security policies.
• Comfortable working with business users, technical teams, and internal stakeholders to resolve operational questions.
• No hands-on coding or software development is required for this position.

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships across departments and multicultural teams.
• Collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with colleagues from different professional and technical backgrounds.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to investigate issues, understand differing perspectives, and identify practical solutions.
• Ability to manage disagreements constructively and work toward mutually acceptable outcomes.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to learn new concepts related to data governance, information security, and risk management.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced financial technology environment.
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing data requests, documenting procedures, and assessing compliance requirements.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple requests, administrative activities, and stakeholder communications.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Native level - required for reviewing data-related requests, communicating with Japan-based stakeholders, and explaining internal governance policies and procedures.
• English: Fluent level - used for communication and collaboration within the company's international and multicultural working environment.
• The role information also specifies a minimum practical English benchmark of conversational ability, approximately TOEIC 600 or above.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 2-4 years of professional experience in IT, system operations, information security, data management, or related fields.
• Knowledge of Data Governance, Data Quality Management, Metadata Management, Data Lineage, or Master Data Management (MDM).
• Understanding of Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) concepts and enterprise data governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF), or PCI DSS.
• Previous experience supporting information security policies, access governance, or compliance-related operational processes.
• Experience using JIRA or similar workflow management and issue-tracking tools.
• Understanding of database architecture, cloud services, data integration, and cross-system data flows.
• Experience preparing internal documentation, training materials, operational guidelines, or process improvement proposals.
• Background in fintech, financial services, payment technology, e-commerce, or large-scale digital platforms.
• Interest in developing a long-term career in Data Governance, IT Risk Management, Information Security, or GRC.

About the Company

Our client is a leading Japanese fintech company and a core financial technology business within a major Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime-listed corporate group.

The wider group operates a substantial customer ecosystem spanning multiple digital services, while the fintech business plays an important role in developing cashless payment solutions and innovative financial technology services.

With access to a large-scale data infrastructure and advanced information security environment, the organization supports the secure use and integration of data across its expanding service ecosystem.

The company brings together professionals from diverse international backgrounds, creating a multicultural and collaborative working environment.

By combining advanced financial technology, large-scale data, and strong security practices, the business contributes to the development of essential digital financial infrastructure in Japan.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Compensation: Annual compensation of ¥8M-¥11M for a contract opportunity in Tokyo.
• Leading FinTech Environment: Join one of Japan's major fintech businesses and gain exposure to large-scale financial technology platforms.
• High-Impact Data Governance Work: Support the secure management and utilization of data across an extensive digital services ecosystem.
• No Hands-On Development Required: Apply your knowledge of system development, databases, cloud technologies, and IT operations without performing software development or programming.
• Career Development in Data Governance & GRC: Expand your expertise in data governance, information security, risk management, compliance, and data quality.
• Advanced Security Infrastructure: Gain experience working with enterprise-level data systems and established information security practices.
• International Working Environment: Collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds in a flat and multicultural organization.
• Long-Term Contract Opportunity: The position is intended for long-term employment, providing an opportunity to develop specialized skills over time.
• Excellent Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a standard working day of 7 hours and 20 minutes, with weekends and Japanese public holidays off.
• Remote Work Options: Work-from-home and remote working arrangements are available, subject to company policies.
• Casual Dress Code: Benefit from a relaxed and professional workplace culture.
• Minimal Overtime: A working environment designed to support sustainable working hours and work-life balance.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!