From Germany to Japan: Expanding career horizons through the MOVE Program

Q. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your role?

My name is Nick-Leon Flohr, I’m 27 and based in Germany. I joined Forvis Mazars in Frankfurt in 2022 and currently work as a Senior Associate. My role involves conducting annual audits under IFRS and HGB standards, managing all audit areas, and delegating tasks to colleagues. Outside of work, I enjoy playing football and spending time with friends.
 

Q. What motivated you to take on this MOVE program in Japan?

It started with a personal trip to Japan in 2023. I was fascinated by the culture and people, and I wanted to return. When I learned about the MOVE program during a presentation in Germany, it felt like the perfect opportunity. After earning my Advanced IFRS Accountant certificate, I applied. I was eager to experience Japan’s work style and ethics firsthand.
 

Q. How has your experience been so far?

Very positive. I’m working on 4–5 projects here, mainly component audits, so I can apply my existing skills. The open-office concept makes communication easier, though the working style differs from Germany in some ways. Thanks to my colleagues, I adapted quickly. Outside work, activities like futsal, dinners, and even karaoke have been highlights.
 

Q. What differences have you noticed between working in Germany and Japan?

Several. For example, audit areas are more separated here, and the open-office concept was new to me. Task allocation is also different—specific areas are assigned at the start of an engagement. Communication is more frequent, and emails often include many recipients in CC, which surprised me at first.
 

Q. How has this experience deepened your understanding of Japanese culture?

It’s been eye-opening. Japanese culture emphasizes politeness and respect, regardless of background. Even with my limited Japanese, people appreciate the effort, which makes interactions warm and positive.
 

Q. How has this assignment contributed to your professional growth?

Immensely. My English has improved because I use it daily, and I feel more confident in business conversations. I’ve strengthened my IFRS knowledge and problem-solving skills. Experiencing a different work style gave me new perspectives that I’ll bring back to Germany. I also learned the importance of respectful communication, which I plan to apply at home.

Q. What about your personal life—how has this opportunity impacted you?

It was challenging at first to be away from family and friends, but I discovered a lot about myself. Over time, I built a routine and found activities that make me happy here.
 

Q. Did you face any challenges, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was connecting with people initially. Japanese colleagues can be reserved, but Julien, a colleague from Belgium, helped me integrate quickly. Outside work, I used the Meetup app to join football games, which helped me make friends.
 

Q. How did the company support you during this assignment?

Extremely well. Everything was well organized, and any questions I had were answered promptly. I didn’t have to worry about logistics, which shows how committed the company is to this program.
 

Q. Would you recommend the MOVE program to others?

Absolutely. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and grow personally and professionally. Plus, international experience always makes for interesting conversations.
 

Q. What’s next for you after this assignment?

I’ll take a vacation in Vietnam before returning to Germany for the busy season. Looking ahead, I plan to start preparing for the German CPA exams in 2027.

At Forvis Mazars, programs like MOVE bring our global network to life ー fostering collaboration and creating meaningful growth for our people and our business.

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