I have always been interested in finance, so I chose to study economics and then I decided pursue a career in accountancy. I spent several years in London and while, there I did the online AAT diploma. It was very hard juggling work and studying but I knew I had found something I was passionate about.
I then discovered ACCA and realised that the qualification was well known all around the world; it seemed a great career path for me.
On my return to Slovakia, I worked for over four years as an audit assistant before being promoted to manager. It gave me a great opportunity to take on interesting projects, giving me priceless experience which I still find invaluable.
I applied for a role at one of the big audit firms but the position required being away from home from Monday to Friday. It was then that I got my priorities straight; I decided that I was looking for a good-quality role but a work-life balance, too.
I soon found the perfect company for me: a beautiful sports and leisure resort near my home. They were looking for an accountant and I knew I had found my next challenge. With my strong background, my position evolved quickly from senior to chief accountant and, after one year, to a finance manager.
My current position is a perfect balance of internal audit, accounting, tax support, managing people and much more. The role’s complexity fascinates me and keeps me busy.
Since the whole world is switching to automation, VAT simplification would be wholeheartedly welcomed
The view from the window energises me every time I look outside. There is a wellness centre, gym, cinema, hotels, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, horse-riding facilities and much more. Whenever family or friends visit me, we come to my workplace to have fun!
If I had law-making powers, I would simplify the VAT regime. The current system is unnecessarily complex, especially for provision of services. Since the whole world is switching to the automation of accounting processes, VAT simplification would be wholeheartedly welcomed by the business community.
My biggest achievement so far is completing my ACCA studies with a first pass in every module. There were challenging times when I had to sacrifice my holidays and weekends to study. I found it useful to go into depth across my subjects; sourcing different materials gets a different viewpoint on topics, which helped my understanding.
AI will present in the future, revolutionising the workplace and our lives. To be at the forefront of this would be hugely exciting
In 2016, I was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for the highest pass mark in Slovakia for one of these exams; it was a great feeling to be rewarded for my hard work with a lovely ceremony.
If I wasn’t in finance, I would do something in the artificial intelligence field. I find everything relating to automated processes, robotics, aerospace and sci-fi very thought-provoking. I am fascinated by the opportunities AI will present in the future, revolutionising the workplace and our lives. To be at the forefront of this would be hugely exciting.
Outside of work, I like running, which clears my mind. I also enjoy meditation with yoga to calm down after a stressful day. I like candles but don’t like the scented ones from shops, so I decided to make my own. I add herbs to them, mainly sage, to release some positive energy while they burn.
