I started my ACCA qualification in 2017. It was hard self-studying, but I’m pleased to say I passed all my exams first time. I wish I could say someone inspired me to be an accountant, but it was a pragmatic choice that I made in high school based on my skills and the potential for financial growth. I studied economics at university and started working at Genpact in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, while also taking my double master’s degree.
I then moved to Krakow, Poland to work for Heineken Global Shared Services, as well as working for them in the UK. I decided to move to a new role in Dublin in 2018 with Pfizer, where I started my leadership journey. I then took my current job for HelloFresh in 2021 in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has a severe shortage of qualified professionals
A significant challenge for Dutch businesses is the rising cost of living in the Netherlands, fuelled by increasingly high wages. As companies seek to reduce expenses, wage bills are often under pressure, leading to frequent layoffs and wider instability across the job market.
This high-wage environment also impacts individual consumers, as growing labour costs directly translate to higher prices. Post-pandemic caution and broader geopolitical instability are further reducing consumer spending on non-essentials like dining out, as more businesses find themselves becoming ‘little luxuries’ that are not needed anymore.
Before 2015 I had never lived abroad, but I decided to take a leap of faith
The Netherlands has a severe shortage of qualified professionals, especially in finance, forcing companies to recruit internationally. The nationwide housing shortage and escalating rent prices complicate things further. While the government’s significant tax break for highly skilled migrants partially alleviates these challenges, the housing shortage is a significant barrier to talent acquisition and successful relocation.
I have stepped outside of my comfort zone many times in my career and in my personal life. Before 2015 I had never lived abroad, but I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Poland to work for Heineken. I had realised that I was struggling to make a living and that I deserved better. I didn’t move alone, as my husband was always supportive of my decision.
After Poland we took another chance and moved to Dublin where I worked for Pfizer. While I enjoyed the company and my colleagues, our life in Dublin was not what we hoped for – we felt very isolated when the pandemic hit. We needed to return to mainland Europe and find somewhere that was more suited to two young professionals who enjoy travelling and eating delicious food.
What I like most about my job is being surrounded by professional people. I really enjoy witnessing the development of my colleagues, whether they are improving their skills or gaining new perspectives, which then allows them to make more mature decisions.
As a finance professional there is always the fear that at some point AI will take over
My favourite quote comes from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. ‘Change is the only constant in life.’
I believe that AI will help with automation and strategic decision-making based on more realistic forecasting and planning. AI should complement and enhance the financial strategy of business, and humans should not be replaced by technology. However, as a finance professional there is always the fear that at some point AI will take over and some roles will become redundant.
If I had law-making powers, I would make healthcare and education free for everyone. They should both be considered basic human rights.
If I weren’t a qualified accountant I would have liked a career either as a lawyer or an architect.
I’m passionate about travelling in my leisure time. I also love cooking, gardening and exercising.
