Curiosity about businesses brought me into finance. I grew up surrounded by a family business, gaining early exposure to the company’s accounts. My parents’ encouragement was also significant. While in Bucharest, the ACCA qualification was suggested to me as the best qualification to provide me with the expertise to succeed. It was in Vancouver, Canada, however, where I first gained experience in accountancy and consulting. It gave me the chance to manage a portfolio of clients from multiple industries.
I then moved to Best Buy, the largest consumer electronics retailer in Canada, spending seven years with the company. I gained experience overseeing several divisions, but I enjoyed the steep learning curve even though reporting deadlines were very strict and the technology remarkably complicated. I recently joined Lämneå Bruk AB in Sweden, a company that specialises in manufacturing machines for the wire industry. I manage monthly financial reporting, as well as the adoption of new technologies.
Sweden’s economy is highly competitive, renowned for its innovative capabilities and technology. The business environment is supported by an educated and skilled workforce with a strong institutional framework. The workforce promotes an attractive market, especially for businesses that require advanced technical knowledge. Sweden’s government also invests largely in research and encourages innovation in sustainable technologies.
Emigration has enhanced my ability to adapt to diverse professional cultures and business practices
However, Sweden is characterised by relatively high taxes and strong regulations in some industries. This can become challenging, especially for newcomers, as compliance can be costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, companies often need to expand internationally to achieve significant growth as the domestic market is relatively small and the economy is characterised by export-oriented sectors. Lämneå Bruk AB is an example of this – with over 90% of its machines exported, the company has achieved a strong international presence.
On my personal journey across borders, I stepped out of my comfort zone when I emigrated to Canada, and then for a second time when moving to Sweden. I left to seek new challenges and experiences, but there is an adjustment phase, which usually takes a few months. Emigration has enhanced my ability to adapt to diverse professional cultures and business practices.
My favourite quote comes from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: ‘There is nothing permanent except change.’ It highlights the idea that our world is in a perpetual state of change, so professionals should leverage change, and see it as an opportunity to improve.
What I enjoy most about my role is working with large datasets and finding problem-solving opportunities by using technologies such as Power BI. I am curious about potential solutions and eager to explore different strategies through data analysis, so I can deal with numbers to transform details into relevant insights for data-driven decision-making.
My achievements are a blend of professional milestones and personal fulfilment. Firstly, my ACCA qualification equipped me with advanced skills that I could build on. I am also proud of my contribution at Best Buy, when I optimised workflows and converted complex operations into quantifiable metrics.
When I am not working, I dedicate my time to learning Swedish
If I had law-making powers, I would require businesses to train new talent, making it mandatory for corporations to have students participating in their daily activities. Real-world experience complementing the students’ academic learning would help them build successful careers.
If I were not in finance, I would have pursued a career in programming. Tech industry skills are applicable across all sectors, and new languages and software emerge regularly, which then provides fresh career opportunities.
When I am not working, I dedicate time to learning Swedish, which is both challenging and rewarding. I also appreciate Swedish music, which enriches my understanding of the language and culture. Additionally, I enjoy sailing, as it allows me to connect with others through shared interests.
