On graduating from university, I started my career as an accountant in a small practice in Sofia, Bulgaria. After spending a few years there, I realised that I was ready for the next step.
I was fascinated by audit work and the perspective that it provides, so I joined EY. There, I spent five years executing and later leading audits for various clients in different industries, while I also completed my ACCA Qualification.
I enjoy the challenge of coming up with creative solutions to help the company be more profitable, but at the same time balancing the risk
Audit work gave me a great perspective of various industries, but I felt that I lacked the in-depth knowledge of a particular company. In 2012, I decided to take a position as an accounting and tax supervisor at Philip Morris Bulgaria. However, I realised that I missed the dynamics of the audit function, so in 2013 I joined the internal audit team of Ingram Micro. Early in 2021, I took an interim position as director of regional finance for Ingram Micro Benelux.
My time spent with EY gave me a lot, both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to get to know a diverse range of industries and at the same time to work with very talented and bright colleagues. However, working in the corporate environment has different dynamics and skills, adding different value to the business, which I was interested to explore.
Being the largest technology distributor in the world, Ingram Micro has a key role to play in helping companies adapt to the ‘new normal’ as we emerge from the pandemic. IT requirements are changing, with digitalisation continuing to accelerate in all sectors, so e-commerce is thriving. This makes the services and solutions the company provides more important than ever.
I face many challenges in my role. I have to navigate quickly through the high-pace, complex and changing business environment in which we operate.
Throughout my career, I have made several risky decisions when I believed this would contribute to my development. This required stepping out of my comfort zone and has been challenging for me at times. However, having clear goals has helped me to set the right priorities for myself, and not to give up too quickly.
If I had law-making powers, I would enhance the legislation to allow more use of technology in the battle against corruption. It would also facilitate integrated systems implementation across different institutions to ensure transparency.
I enjoy the challenge of coming up with creative solutions to help the company be more profitable, but at the same time balancing the risk. I also like learning from my colleagues about aspects of business operations.
My biggest achievement is becoming better at silencing my inner critic. It's about building more trust in myself to move forward, take on challenges and enjoy the journey that will eventually get me to my goals.
I love animals and nature. If I were not an accountant I would have worked with animals, animal welfare organisations or had my own sustainable farm.
Outside work, I love to travel and spend time with my family and friends. I read, cook, take long walks and play with my dog.
