Money Forward, Inc.

How Diversity Powers Engineering Careers at Money Forward

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— We understand that the engineering team includes engineers from diverse nationalities. What is the reasoning behind this approach?

Nishikata: The primary reason is talent. To deliver great products quickly to our users, we want to attract skilled professionals with diverse perspectives from around the world. This has accelerated our team’s growth.

 

In addition,​​ our development bases in Vietnam and India are an integral part of our team, so working in only Japanese would limit our collaboration potential. That’s why we’ve prioritized embracing cultural diversity and creating an English-friendly environment in Japan.

Choi: Exactly. We view our overseas bases not as vendors but as team members. That’s why we invest in systems that enable smooth collaboration. ​​W​​ith Japan still facing a shortage of IT engineers, it’s even more important to build an environment where talented people can cross borders and thrive.

—Trust appears to be central to your organizational culture. How do you encourage collaboration across such diverse teams?

Nishikata: Trust really is the foundation. To build it, we constantly revisit the question: Why are we doing this work?

Our mission, vision, values, and culture are translated into concrete “Action Guidelines,” which are further tailored at the division and team level. The process of defining these together gives members a chance to share what they personally value. This strengthens understanding and trust—when someone acts a certain way, others can see it as rooted in those values.

On the language side, we ​are ​gradually increas​​ing​​ the ratio of English speakers ​​within​​​​ ​​ teams, so everyone grows accustomed to communicating across languages. I also share my own struggles with learning English to create a culture where it’s okay to ​ ​make mistakes and challenge yourself.

Choi: We also make full use of AI tools for translation and writing support. Meetings that include non-Japanese members are conducted entirely in English.

In addition, we run an initiative called TERAKOYA, where Japanese employees act as buddies to help non-Japanese colleagues practice Japanese conversation and learn about local culture. These small interactions often spark meaningful connections.

—So your initiatives support Japanese team members in adapting to globalization, while also helping non-Japanese colleagues understand Japanese culture.

Nishikata: Exactly. In the Account Aggregation Division in particular, most of the partner services we integrate with are based in Japan, so members need to understand Japanese specifications and websites.

That’s why we emphasize to non-Japanese members that learning Japanese and understanding local business practices are directly tied to career opportunities.

We aim to create an environment where all employees—Japanese and non-Japanese alike—can broaden their career possibilities.

— Money Forward has also introduced flexible work styles, such as remote work and flextime.

Nishikata: Yes. When I was raising my daughter, those systems were a great help. But I believe what matters even more than the​se​ systems is the understanding shown by the people around you.

 

It’s not just about childcare— employees may also need to care for family members or manage their own health needs.That’s why we value a culture of mutual support, where everyone understands that there are times when you may need help, and times when you can offer it to others.

— What career opportunities are available at Money Forward?

Choi: We have an internal job application system called the Challenge System. It allows employees to move across very different stages and domains of the business. Some teams are in the early product stage, others are already mature. Employees can try out diverse environments within the same company.

 

For example, one team member transitioned from Customer Success to Product Management, while another moved from Talent Acquisition to Data Engineering. One of our strengths is a culture that supports those who step forward.

 

Nishikata: In management roles, you’re entrusted with significant decision-making authority. It comes with responsibility, but those who embrace challenges, learn from failure, and apply those lessons thrive here.

 

Choi: People with many ideas, who want to try “this and that,” will find Money Forward a great fit.

 

— What skills and mindset do engineers need to succeed here?

Nishikata: Technical skills are of course essential, but so is determination. If you can explain what you believe and what you want to do logically in your own words, then through discussion, the team can find better directions. A mindset of considering business impact and cost-effectiveness is also highly valued.

We’re a fast-growing organization, so information isn’t always neatly organized. You need the mindset to ask: “How can I find the information I need? How can I move forward?” and then act on it.

 

Choi: I would add respect. With people from such diverse backgrounds, respect is the foundation of teamwork. Those who thrive here are open to learning from others while generously sharing their own expertise.

 

— Finally, could you share a message for those considering a career move?

Nishikata: When thinking about a career change, it’s natural to wonder, ​​“​​Which option is the best?​​”​​ But in the end, whether that ​​choice​​​​ ​​ becomes the right one depends on what you do afterward. For me, adopting that mindset has made my career far more exciting.

 

Choi: At Money Forward, there are many paths—whether as a specialist, in management, or by broadening your career across different domains. And sometimes, the most rewarding opportunities are the ones you least expect. In my own case, I had the chance to take on HR-related work, which turned out to be far more rewarding than I had imagined.

 

It’s a company where you can shape your career while also embracing serendipity—those meaningful discoveries that happen by chance. I encourage you to take on the challenge.

— Through this interview, I could really see that Money Forward not only cares for its users, but also values its employees and partners. Thank you very much for your time.

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