I love processes, algorithms and tackling problems and challenges. That’s why instead of audit I wanted to go into business, preferably in a production company. I started with accounting and business partnering, working on efficiency of production and KPIs, but ended up dealing with investment funds, supervising due-diligence processes and advising the management board.
Initially, I paid for courses privately, which sometimes meant eating only porridge
Since childhood I have been fascinated by mathematics as my mother worked in finance. I grew up surrounded by numbers and currencies. I studied financial mathematics before getting my first job in a management accounting department, where the financial director became my mentor. He felt I lacked accounting knowledge, advising I do ACCA to further my career.
Initially, I paid for courses privately, which sometimes meant eating only porridge. However, my next employer was willing to help with my education and I gained my ACCA Qualification.
I have yet to work for a company where I was in my comfort zone. I came to organisations that were in the process of restructuring or sale, so the changes – on both the HR and process sides – were a constant challenge. However, this gave me a huge opportunity for development in a short time, especially when I reorganised the entire management reporting system for a German company. In my current organisation, I take an active part in structural changes, from local units to those with a global reach.
Currently, the biggest challenge is the unpredictability of the markets, rising inflation, volatile energy prices and galloping labour costs. However, we have more tools and digitisation of processes is increasing, which makes our work easier, but it is so important to implement them well, understanding needs of the entire organisation.
I like to show how processes affect each other and how they then affect the financial results
Remote working during the pandemic showed that we are able to work globally; borders are no longer so important and the exchange of information is faster and more effective. We have seen huge progress in technology, including artificial intelligence like ChatGPT. If I had law-making powers, I would like everyone to have access to the necessary education, knowledge and development that will provide later career opportunities.
What I enjoy about my job is gathering different teams from across the business and teaching them about interdependencies. I like to show how processes affect each other and how they then affect the financial results. This builds our processes, so that each participant understands their role and can improve their part from the inside. Building a sense of belonging is also very important to me, with the teams engaged and feeling appreciated. I love to contribute to the organisation I am in.
I feel I am an example that if we really want something, we can achieve it
I think my biggest achievements were thanks to hard work. I was able to graduate from the University of London, be a member of ACCA, and do additional certificates at MIT and Cambridge University. Commitment and passion for finance allowed me to develop in this area, and I feel I am an example that if we really want something, we can achieve it.
If I wasn’t in finance, I would probably go into garden design. Nature calms me down and is regenerative; there is a lot of logic in the job as well.
In my spare time I’m a swing dancer. I love to dance to live music, especially lindy hop, jazz and blues. This passion for dancing takes care of my work/life balance.
