Celebrating 10 years of IRCA Japan

When and why did IRCA Japan launch?

Masayo Hachii: IRCA Japan was established in 2006 to serve as a local contact for Japanese auditors who were having difficulty communicating with the UK office in English. With our help auditors no longer need to translate applications, audit logs, CPD and other associated documents themselves and then submit them to IRCA. By being formally established as a Japanese entity, Japanese auditors can also pay in yen rather than arranging an international bank transfer in pounds and paying a bank charge. The Japanese tend not to use credit cards so this helped auditors a great deal.

How did you become involved with IRCA Japan?

I was helping some Japanese delegates who had completed IRCA certified courses in English. More and more auditors needed help and I had built up knowledge in auditor certification. The demand for information about IRCA had also increased. One day I visited the IRCA office in the UK and that’s when it all started.

What value does IRCA Japan provide to members?

As a local representative of IRCA we directly pass our messages to Japanese auditors. In the early years auditors and other stakeholders in the industry were craving any relevant information.

We started an annual forum where IRCA Registered Auditors could physically meet us at IRCA. Before this happened, auditors only received a piece of card every year and didn’t feel connected with IRCA. At the forum we choose topics covering the current issues in the industry and this has made a big difference to our auditors in Japan. Now they can hear what is being discussed and thought about in the industry. As a result, our auditors, whether they are auditing professionals, consultants or implementers (and any other stakeholders who attend the forum), can gain knowledge directly.

They can think about their own future and decide what to focus on in their career rather than over-relying on reports from policy makers who base their ideas on the few privileged people who attend and come back from international conferences overseas.  

What is the biggest challenge IRCA Japan has faced in the past 10 years?

One of the most significant challenges was entry to the Japanese industry. We wanted to be recognised and accepted by all as an organisation that really contributes to the development of the Japanese certification industry rather than a threat or alien to Japanese players in the industry. We are proud to say we did a great job on this. Our new challenge is working out how we can evolve to absorb local requirements and be actively involved in the development of the market.

IRCA holds a robust credibility in Japan as a thought leader and sets the standard in auditor competence in industry.

How can IRCA auditors help improve corporate governance in Japan?

Through effective audits we can motivate and help ensure management intent is effectively implemented throughout business operations. Our auditors can also make sure management has confidence in what is being achieved. Now auditors have to develop their competence through continuing professional development (CPD) to meet the changing requirements of stakeholders.

How do businesses benefit from using IRCA Certificated Auditors?

Japanese corporates are using more regular audits to manage and achieve assurance. Auditors who are trained as professionals and have up-to-date skill sets assure the expected outcome of corporates. When corporates work in a global environment, accessibility to the global standard approach can help business to manage the consistency requirements. IRCA Certificated Auditors enjoy this global recognition.

What is the biggest success of the last 10 years for IRCA Japan?

IRCA holds a robust credibility in Japan as a thought leader and sets the standard in auditor competence in industry.

As a result, stakeholders refer to IRCA for guidance and policy making. We have achieved this status through our unchanged mission. We are also proud that the IRCA Japan register has grown in the past decade from 1,200 people in 2006 to 3,500 in 2016.

What is the biggest issue facing the profession in Japan right now?

The biggest issue we are facing is ensuring that corporates recognise the value of the quality profession. We would like to be seen as a professional body that can be counted on by management in big business.

What are the greatest opportunities for the profession in Japan?

The Companies Act in Japan has been revised and now corporates are required to verify and report that operations are being managed in a healthy manner. This, along with the revision of ISO 9001 to meet the requirements of the current business environment, makes now the right time for the quality profession to help corporates to succeed.