After high school, I attended the University of Economics, where I majored in International Relations. Here I had several classes focusing on finance-related matters.
After graduating I had the opportunity spend a few months with the United Nations Development Programme-USA in Washington DC. I first became involved in finance, providing administrative assistance to a major fundraising programme. I learned a lot during this period about prioritisation and adherence to donor requirements, and experienced how real impact can be achieved through the dedication of both staff and community involvement.
After returning to Hungary, I stayed in the non-profit financial field. I built up further experience while always having the satisfaction of making a positive change for the beneficiaries of projects. I worked for nine years with Terre des Hommes, which is an international NGO working on child protection projects in 35 countries.
Finance professionals working in NGOs need to be highly adaptable to circumstances
After a brief detour, I joined the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) that has its European regional office in Budapest. Working in the NGO sector has many benefits. It can be a great career path for finance professionals who are open to working with a holistic approach, prepared to leave the usual silo-based working behind, and for whom it is important to see the positive impact professional finance work can have. Nothing proves this better than the number of colleagues who have been in various roles for several years and still have the energy and dedication to continue.
Finance professionals working in NGOs need to be highly adaptable to circumstances. However, dedication to one’s work can lead to overload, so work-life balance needs to be an aim for the individual and at an organisational level too.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I worked as an adviser in the IT field. Although this was a valuable and interesting time out of the NGO world, it did not allow me to build on the experience I had accumulated. It also did not give me the satisfaction of working for a good cause, something that I appreciate so much in the NGO sector.
The IFRC runs a huge operation in Europe, related to Ukraine and other impacted countries. Our workload significantly increased from the beginning of the war, with expertise provided directly or channelled through the Budapest office. I have experienced first-hand how such a big organisation as the IFRC switched to emergency mode overnight and I have met many great colleagues along the way.
This really feels like a place where I belong, both professionally and personally
If I had law-making powers, I would introduce a legal framework in Hungary that would make giving donations to non-profit organisations easier and tax deductible.
What I like most about my job is the diversity in my role. No two days are ever the same and the community is great.
My best achievement is having acquired my ACCA Qualification while in full-time work and giving birth to my two children. I am also proud of having found my way to be part of the Red Cross family; it really feels like a place where I belong, both professionally and personally.
If I weren’t in finance, I think I would have studied medicine. I would have loved to have been a surgeon.
Whenever time allows, I like to travel, especially going cycling or hiking. I love to spend as much time with my family as possible, doing activities that are enjoyable for everyone, adults and children.
