Broadening the Possibilities of an Accountant Through Overseas Experience — Six-Month Secondment in Malaysia: Interview —

The Foundations of His Career and a Long-Standing Aspiration to Work Abroad

— To begin with, could you tell us about your background? 

Sone: I joined Forvis Mazars in August 2022. Currently, I work as a Manager, overseeing team members while engaging in listed company audits, SPV audits, and referral projects from overseas Forvis Mazars offices. In referral engagements, I collaborate closely with auditors from Forvis Mazars firms around the world. In addition to audit work, I am also partially involved in firm management. 

— Have you always had an interest in working internationally? 

Sone: Yes. At the core, I’ve always wanted to became fluent in English and eventually become an accountant who can work internationally. After obtaining my CPA qualification, I gained audit experience at a large audit firm. However, given the size of the organisation, I felt that opportunities to work abroad were somewhat distant. Around that time, I received a scouting message from Forvis Mazars and learned about the MOVE overseas secondment program. As I learned more, I felt that this might be a place where I could finally pursue an international opportunity, which led me to join the firm.

Stepping forward despite uncertainty in English 

— Before applying for MOVE program, what concerns did you have about working overseas? 

Sone: To be honest, I was very worried about whether my English would be sufficient to handle local work. I imagined myself joining a local team and wondered, “Will I really be able to perform my duties?” 

— What motivated you to take on the challenge despite those concerns? 

Sone: Working overseas had been a dream for many years. I knew I would regret it if I let this opportunity pass. After joining Forvis Mazars, I had more chances to use English through client work and communication with international colleagues, which gradually reduced my resistance to using the language. That gave me the confidence to take the leap and apply.

Challenges in Malaysia and navigating Business Development from scratch 

— What was your role in Malaysia? 

Sone: I worked as part of the Japan Desk, mainly responsible for Business Development (BD). The Japan Desk supports Japanese clients by leveraging accounting and tax expertise and local experience. My mission was to enhance visibility of Forvis Mazars and develop new business opportunities. To achieve this, I actively participated in local Japanese community in Malaysia, including the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, and promoted our firm and the services we provide. 

I had no prior BD experience in Japan, and this was also the first time the Malaysia office had established a Japan Desk. Everything truly started from zero—I had to carve out the path myself.

— We heard that you experienced homesick right after arriving in Malaysia. How did your feelings evolve over time 

Sone: Yes, at first everything was unfamiliar—language, culture, daily life. I felt somewhat homesick. Every day felt like trial and error, with no clear answers. I would ask myself each morning, “What should I focus on today?” and take things one step at a time. 

While exploring different BD activities—sending direct messages to companies and registering with the Chamber—I discovered that there was a strong Japanese community in Malaysia. I sensed that this might lead to business opportunities, so I decided to jump in. I contacted every group I could find online and actively participated in networking events, gatherings, and even golf sessions. Before I knew it, my weekends were fully booked with networking golf. 

As time passed, I built stronger relationships with local colleagues and I began to see progress in my work. Through BD activities, I realized that I genuinely enjoyed interacting with people. It was a different kind of growth from audit experience—I felt I was developing my “human skills.” 

As the end of my assignment approached, I found myself thinking, “I want to achieve more,” and even, “I don’t want to leave yet.” Given the limited six-month period, I did feel some frustration about not being able to fully realise all the results I had hoped for. 

Growth through overseas experience and looking ahead

— What outcomes did you achieve through your experience in Malaysia? 

Sone: Through continuous networking, I connected with a sales representative from a major Japanese global company. He introduced me to the company’s finance team, which led to Forvis Mazars being invited to participate in an audit and tax tender. If we secure the engagement, it could impact across eight countries in APAC. I feel I was able to plant the seeds for future opportunities. 

I also learned the importance of continuing to communicate—even if my English wasn’t perfect. Overcoming the psychological barrier to communicating with people from different backgrounds was my biggest personal achievement.

— Did this experience change your values or approach to work? 

Sone: In Malaysia, people place great importance not only work but also life and personal time. Experiencing that firsthand changed my own perspective. While I remain committed to my work, I have come to value my personal life and overall well-being more than before. 

— Would you like to challenge yourself with another overseas opportunity in the future? 

Yes, absolutely. I want to leverage this experience and challenge myself again—whether through overseas projects or another secondment. In Malaysia, I was able to build connections with many Japanese companies, so I’d be interested in returning to further develop that network. 

I would also like to try establishing a Japan Desk in another country from the ground up, or even join an overseas audit team and gain hands-on experience in global audit work. 

A Message to Those Hesitating to Take the First Step 

— Finally, what message would you like to share with CPAs who are interested in working overseas but feel uncertain about their English skill 

Sone: I was not particularly confident in my English abilities myself. But once I decided to try—trusting that “things will work out somehow”—the path opened. At Forvis Mazars, we have not only language training programs but also a culture that actively supports international challenges. If my experience can encourage someone to take their first step, I would be very happy. 

We look forward to seeing where Mr. Sone’s next challenge takes him. Through the MOVE Program, Forvis Mazars will continue to promote global collaboration and create meaningful growth opportunities for both our people and our business.

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