The returners: why coming back to Forvis Mazars made sense

As part of our anniversary campaign, we spoke with two colleagues who chose to return to Forvis Mazars after spending time away, each with a different journey and perspective.

Today, we feature Alina Mutea, Senior Manager, and Cristina Nimerenco, Manager, both part of our Audit & Assurance team. They left the firm at different moments in their careers and returned with new insights, stronger motivation and a clearer understanding of what truly matters to them professionally.

Interviewer: Ladies, thank you for joining me. Alina, I’ll start with you.

Looking back, what was missing for you professionally in 2018 that made you feel it was time to explore outside Forvis Mazars? Alina: From a professional point of view, I didn’t feel that something specific was missing at the time. It was more of a personal choice - I wanted to experience firsthand how the financial field operates outside a consulting environment. However, I returned quite quickly, because I realised how much I missed the dynamic nature of audit. I didn’t belong in a static role, without direct client exposure and a strongly connected team. In the end, everything comes down to people and that was something I truly valued and missed. Interviewer: How did your experience outside the firm influence the way you approached your role after returning? Alina: Even at a relatively young age - 25 at the time - I realised how much this profession helps you grow, both professionally and personally. Audit offers one of the highest levels of exposure within the financial field. You work across different industries from one week to another and interact with highly skilled professionals with extensive experience.

Every engagement brings a new challenge. There is no universal recipe - each client is different, each situation has its own particularities. Through these challenges, you constantly feel yourself improving. My experience outside the firm helped me understand that I don’t see myself in any other financial role besides financial audit. I returned more determined, motivated and eager to contribute fully to the team and to every engagement I am involved in.

Interviewer: Thank you, Alina.

Cristina, your experience was shaped by a different context and a different stage in your career.

What did your time away from Forvis Mazars teach you about yourself and the type of professional environment where you perform best? Cristina: My time away gave me valuable perspective on what I truly need in order to thrive professionally. Working in a smaller financial department showed me that I enjoy being hands-on and involved in operational decisions, but it also made one thing very clear: I perform best in an intellectually challenging environment that offers continuous learning. I realised that I am motivated by structured development programmes, exposure to complex projects and collaboration with highly skilled professionals. This experience reinforced how important a culture of growth and technical excellence is for my confidence and long-term career goals. Interviewer: Looking back, what specific aspects of Forvis Mazars ultimately convinced you that returning was the right move for your career?

Cristina: Several factors made it clear that returning to Forvis Mazars was the right decision for me. First of all, the firm’s strong commitment to professional development and technical excellence aligns perfectly with my goal of continuous growth. The diversity and complexity of audit engagements provide the depth of experience I need to strengthen my expertise and remain competitive in the market.

Just as important were the people. The openness, collaboration and genuine care for employees create a supportive environment where I feel valued and motivated. This combination of challenging work, structured learning and positive culture convinced me that Forvis Mazars is the right place to build a strong, future-proof career.

Interviewer: Thank you, Cristina.

Thank you both for sharing your stories so openly. Your journeys show that stepping away can sometimes be just as important as coming back - it brings perspective, confidence and clarity about what truly matters.

Although your paths were different, your conclusions are strikingly similar: growth, meaningful challenges and the people you work with make all the difference. 

Your experiences reflect what Forvis Mazars stands for - an environment where professionals are encouraged to evolve, explore and build careers that last.

As we celebrate this anniversary, your stories remind us that Forvis Mazars is more than a place to start a career - it’s a place people choose to return to, stronger and more certain of where they belong.