Lee Faurillo

Accounting and eBilling Assistant

“My co-workers are consistently creative, perseverant and meticulous in resolving the firm's concerns for the day. More admirably, when efforts are not without error or shortcoming, they are resilient and determined in facing the issue and finding remedy until it is resolved.”

 

How was Japan in reality to what you had imagined before you arrived?

My idea of Japan to be advanced, safe and disciplined has been validated since I arrived. What surprises me each day is how far these qualities go. Before Japan, I did not know of a phone alarm before an earthquake, of drunk people sleeping soundly on the streets, or of a self-service cashier counter in a huge shopping center.

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

The weather and the Japanese etiquette were the most challenging for me. As I have grown in a tropical country and in a less strict discipline, I had to cope physically and mentally. The language was surprisingly less of a barrier, and I can attest to this since I survived my first seven months roaming around Japan without a mobile phone carrier or portable internet connection.

How would you describe your co-workers?

They have grit. They are consistently creative, perseverant and meticulous in resolving the firm's concerns for the day. More admirably, when efforts are not without error or shortcoming, they are resilient and determined in facing the issue and finding remedy until it is resolved. Also, outside work, they are interesting, genuinely caring and witty. I dread the end of their contracts with the firm.

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

In a support role, yes. I believe impact is made by the accounts team when money concerns do not cause delay in the conduct of business of the firm and in the success of the client.

What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?

The very long work-day routine, learning the system on the fly, and being accurate and quick at once. I look up to the people from the firm who thrive in this culture and are able to do more.

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

The discovery of differences and similarities among different cultures. Although this has been accessible through the internet, there is still always an element of joyful surprise when I hear or witness them from my international colleagues.

What have been your 3 fondest leisure experiences in Japan?

Swimming in Osaka, visiting aquariums and hiking with friends.

I am looking forward to experience ...

the holidays in Japan with my family and friends from back home!

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

I have learned that there is so much more to learn in the field and so much more to grow in me. But more importantly, I learned that I am patient and open to these learnings.

What advice would you give a potential new colleague?

I would say to act like owner. Someone I look up to once told me to always think of the bigger picture. This has been a useful guide in finding an approach to an accounts matter. Also, on a personal level, do efforts to make relationships with people here in Japan and do more efforts to keep relationships with people back home.

What three words describe the Firm best? First in English, then in your mother tongue.

Work-Oriented. Diverse. Strict. Matrabaho. Magkakaiba. Mahigpit.