Interview with Mohamed Ali Soula

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Mohamed Ali Soula, a senior auditor from Forvis Mazars in Tunisia, who joined Forvis Mazars in Japan for a three-month stint under the MOVE program. This initiative aims to provide our staff with global exposure and enrich their professional and personal experiences.

Mohamed, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to Japan?
Sure! My full name is Mohamed Ali Soula, and I'm 29 years old. I've been working as a senior auditor at Mazars Tunisia for over two years. I moved to Japan to gain international experience and work as an auditor for financial services.

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How did you get interested in the MOVE program, and why did you choose Japan?
I was looking for a new challenge in my career, and I used the MOVE program opportunities. For the location, I was very interested in Japan because of its culture and work environment. The application process involved several interviews, and I was asked about my experience in Forvis Mazars in Tunisia and also what I am capable with.


What was your work experience like in Japan?
I worked on two audit projects which were foreign clients and took some PCAOB trainings by Japan team. The work environment in Japan is very structured and methodological. I also learned a lot about internal controls and detailed work processes, which I plan to suggest implementing in Tunisia.
 

How did you find living in Japan and adapting to the culture?
Actually, this was my first time living alone AND also first time going outside of Tunisia. It was transformative. The rules and structure in Japanese society contribute to a better quality of life. The efficient transportation system and the kindness of not only my colleagues, but Japanese people in general made my stay enjoyable. Whenever I needed help, no one refused to do so. It totally opened up my world. 


What feedback do you have about the MOVE program, and would you recommend it to others?
Overall, my experience was positive. I would recommend the MOVE program to colleagues interested in experiencing Japan's unique culture and work environment, and also to colleagues who wants to open up their world.


We are proud to support our staff in gaining global experience and look forward to more success stories like Mohamed's. The MOVE program continues to be a valuable initiative for fostering international collaboration and professional development.