Odessa Aliorde

Accounting Assistant

“Working at SY helped me realize that for me to achieve greater things, I have to impose positivity on myself no matter how hard the circumstances I am in. Being with talented colleagues, I’m more inspired and confident to do more and be better every day.”

 

What were the initial difficulties of adjusting to life in Japan?

Living alone and away from home was one of the hardships I went through during my first few months here in Japan. Back then, I have to accept that I'm out of my comfort zone; I need to worry about what to buy and how to cook my meals for the week, familiarize the place and do everything else by myself. I was then grateful when I found new friends and community groups that helped me cope up with the new environment and routines.

How would you describe your co-workers during your initial time at work?

My colleagues have strong work ethic & high professionalism. They are truly dependable on various work concerns, passionately committed in coming up with good results in their respective tasks and dedicated in sustaining firm's integrity.

Do you feel like you're having an impact directly on the clients that you work for?

Yes, especially when our team handles billing guidelines review, clients' inquiries and requests such as accrual, budget, etc. These requests are given with utmost care and attention in order for us to deliver the same in a timely and organized manner, therefore adding value to the services that are being rendered.

What have been your three fondest leisure experiences in Japan?

Spending time with the Filipino community at the church.
Food tripping with colleagues and friends.
Making time through video calls with loved ones.

What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?

It is how to manage the expectations of the clients as well as of the different teams within the firm since we have several correlated functions. Another challenge is how to deliver quality output even in a short span of time. Lastly, to always be prepared for daily surprises like rush requests, unfamiliar concerns or issues that need to be immediately addressed.

What is the most important thing that working at the firm has taught you about yourself?

Working at SY helped me realize that for me to achieve greater things, I have to impose positivity on myself no matter how hard the circumstances I am in. Being with talented colleagues, I’m more inspired and confident to do more and be better every day.

What is the best thing about being a part of a global team?

I learned how to act and think global. Being part of a global team makes my working environment more enriching, inspiring and interesting day by day.

When I am not at work, I ...

usually stay at home, listen to my playlists on Spotify and relax. I also welcome a sudden invite from peers to stroll outside and explore places in Japan.

I am looking forward to experience ...

more exciting adventures here in Japan with friends and loved ones.

What advice would you give a potential new colleague?

Do not be afraid to make mistakes but you should learn from them. Be open to continuous learning. Enjoy the journey!

Of all the adjectives floating in your brain, give us three that best describe your life in Japan First in English, then in your mother tongue.

Energetic. Thrilling. Purposeful. Masigla. Kapanapanabik. Makahulugan.