My career began in 1997 as a student, as it was where I first heard about the accounting profession. I read about the leading auditing firms worldwide, which further inspired me to pursue a career in accountancy. After graduating from university, I began my professional path tackling further qualifications. I have now achieved my ‘triple crown’ of ACCA, ACA and Bulgarian CPA. My journey in audit continues.
It wasn’t in a work context, but I stepped out of my comfort zone when I spent a night on the side of a mountain last year, in a forest and under the sky. We did not have a tent or any other shelter, and it was one of the most beautiful and magical experiences of my life.
We do not need complexities, we need simplification
A lot has been said about AI, but I would like to provide another perspective. I feel our heart and soul are our connection to God and the universe. No matter how far we can go with AI, it will never be able to create another Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo or be able to create another sonnet by William Shakespeare. We live life with our heart and soul, and that’s where beauty comes from.
The main challenge that Bulgaria is facing is joining the eurozone and the adoption of the euro. We will soon see if it’s going to be a smooth transition and have a positive effect on the business environment. The biggest issues relate to the geopolitical events that are shaping the future of the world. Our ability to adapt and respond strategically to these events will decide the opportunities we create for our further development.
If I had law-making powers, simplicity and clarity would be the main principles in setting auditing standards and wider accounting legislation. We do not need complexities, we need simplification.
What I enjoy most about my job is the unpredictability of the work. You really don’t know what to expect on any one day. This unpredictability certainly expands our professional abilities, but also our perception of life and our senses.
I am a huge fan of music, opera and ballet, and adore going to musical events
I like this quote from a favourite book of mine, East of Eden by John Steinbeck. It is a great philosophy for life: ‘In uncertainty I am certain that underneath their topmost layers of frailty men want to be good and want to be loved. Indeed, most of their vices are attempted shortcuts to love. When a man comes to die, no matter what his talents and influence and genius, if he dies unloved his life must be a failure to him and his dying a cold horror. It seems to me that if you or I must choose between two courses of thought or action, we should remember our dying and try so to live that our death brings no pleasure to the world.’
Had I not been an accountant, I would have been the principal ballet dancer of the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, London. I am a huge fan of music, opera and ballet, and adore going to musical events.
Another favourite quote of mine comes from the musician Jean-Michel Jarre. ‘Music is a reflection of the images one has in one’s mind, a drug of the spirit, a way of life between necessity and pleasure, like the air, the sea and the light.’
