Krister currently works in indirect taxation as a Senior Consultant in our Helsinki office. He also has extensive experience in transfer pricing. Krister was the first employee from Finland to go on secondment and spent three months in Amsterdam towards the end of 2025.

What was it like working with the Dutch?
Above all, it was fun! The Dutch are a lively group, and their way of working is admirable. Collaborating with the Indirect Tax team in the Netherlands was a great experience, and it was fantastic to learn from new colleagues. In hindsight, you truly realize how educational the experience was and how much exposure you gained to new areas of work.

What kind of projects were you involved in during your secondment, and what was your role?
I worked with Johan Visser, Partner in the Indirect Tax team, and on his clients’ VAT matters. The clients mainly consisted of large companies operating in the platform economy.

The projects included extensive indirect tax analyses both at the EU level and globally.

How would you describe the key differences between Finnish and Dutch working cultures?
The biggest difference between Finnish and Dutch working cultures lies in communication and decision-making. The Dutch are very direct and discuss matters openly. Opinions are expressed freely, including critical ones. This makes collaboration efficient and clear, as expectations and perspectives are communicated upfront.

Finnish working culture, on the other hand, is calmer and more considered. We tend to listen carefully and think before we speak. In the Netherlands, discussions are often more energetic. In both cultures, however, flat hierarchies are emphasized.

I believe that by combining the best aspects of both cultures, we can create a highly effective working environment.

How did you spend time with your Dutch colleagues outside of work?
Enjoying Dutch beers, running, and cycling (special mention to Tijmen for the excellent gravel routes).

Was there anything that surprised you during your time in the Netherlands and your secondment?
What surprised me most was how open and approachable the Dutch working culture is. Matters are discussed directly and actively, and you are expected to share your own views early on. The social aspect and sense of togetherness were also very strong, as the team welcomed me warmly. During the workday, it was easy to find time for more informal interaction as well.

Did the experience meet your expectations? If not, in what ways and why?
From a professional perspective, the experience definitely met my expectations and in many ways even exceeded them. The secondment provided a lot of new learning and an opportunity to deepen my expertise through hands-on client work. I didn’t expect to be involved in projects so quickly, but Johan’s inclusive way of working made a big difference.

On a personal level, the experience strengthened my independence and adaptability, while also offering new perspectives on life.

At Svalner Atlas, we are diven by the power of connection. Our culture is built around integrated teams that seamlessly collaborate across all our office locations, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and specialized knowledge. This not only enriches the professional journey of our employees but also ensures our clients consistently benefit from the collective strength and diverse expertise of our entire organization. To further enhance individual development and the cross-pollination of skills, we offer comprehensive secondment opportunities, empowering our team members to explore new environments and expand their professional networks and skills.

Twice a year, several employees get the opportunity to work at another Svalner Atlas office for a few months. It is an unique way to gain experience of a broader transnational business environment, a chance to expand skill set, and deepening the understanding of our operations across different markets.