転職する際、誰もが必ずその理由を問われます。そしてほとんどの人が正直に次のように答えます。

「上司が苦手で」「給料が振るわず」「長時間労働が辛くて」

転職理由の質問はしかし、ネガティブな理由でもポジティブなものに変えなければなりません。問題は、どうしたらネガティブな転職理由をポジティブに言い換えられるのか、ということですよね。

Date: October 8, 2025 (Wed)

Time: 9 AM - 11 AM

Venue: CCI France Japon - Nihonbashi Honcho YS Building 2F 2-2-2 Nihonbashi Honcho Chuo-ku 103-0023 Tokyo

Over the past year, Japan’s labor landscape has continued to evolve rapidly. While foreign firms face pressure from global market shifts, many are doubling down in Japan, capitalizing on the weak yen and stable workforce. But salary expectations, working styles, and employee values have changed—and companies must adapt.

In this insightful episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host Dr. David Sweet engages in a conversation with Andrew Silberman, the President and Chief Enthusiast of the AMT Group.
With over 30 years of experience, Andrew discusses the nuances of leadership and talent development across global markets, particularly in Japan.
He highlights the importance of cultural awareness and the role of effective communication in bridging gaps in international operations.

Native Japanese and advanced English

Technical skills: SAP (Concur, Hana), Oracle, Oracle BI Publisher, NetSuite, Salesforce, Hyperion HFM, Oracle BI, COGNOS, Sunsystem, Glovia, Kanjo-Bugyo, Yayoi, Shokyaku, Microsoft Office Suite

Brings deep expertise in financial reporting (JGAAP, IFRS, US-GAAP), audit/tax compliance, ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, Oracle, Hyperion), and has held leadership roles across diverse industries including consumer goods, IT, e-commerce, and manufacturing

Certifications:  B.A. in Business Administration

Technical Skills: SAP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Yayoi Accounting, Kanjyo Bugyo, Monitor ERP, Microsoft Excel/Word/PowerPoint

Accounting Frameworks: IFRS, USGAAP, JGAAP

Core Competencies:

• Full-scope accounting: AP/AR, monthly/annual closings, tax filings, social insurance, payroll
• Strong cross-functional support: marketing, project coordination, sales assistance, PMO experience
• ERP/system implementation and reporting for global clients
• Government project work and consulting experience with Big 4 and luxury retail

Core Competencies

• Monthly, Quarterly, and Year-End Closings (local and consolidated)
• Tax Coordination with external consultants (Income, Consumption, Property taxes, etc.)
• Audit Experience – Japan GAAP audits, partial US GAAP audits, internal audits (SOX compliance)
• Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Analysis in multinational settings
• Fixed Assets Management and depreciation tracking
• Cash Management and treasury support
• Board Reporting – Preparation of financial reports for local and overseas executives
• ERP Systems – Proficient in SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Navision, and SUN System
• Team Leadership – Managed small teams, supported department heads across functions
• Cross-Functional Communication – Liaison with HQs in the U.S., Europe, and Asia

According to FocusCore's Salary Guide 2025, more than 50% of companies cite regular 1-on-1 meetings and consistent feedback sessions as their primary strategies for talent retention. Team bonding events and engagement activities also play a role, though to a lesser extent.

But does this align with your team's approach?

Interestingly, in the same Salary Guide, the top three factors that matter most to professionals are: salary, responsibility, and opportunities for career progression. This raises a critical question: do current retention strategies actually address what employees value most? Or are the drivers of loyalty and retention fundamentally different from what employees seek in their work?

We welcome your perspective.