Behind every set of numbers there’s a story about what’s happening in a business, as my high school accounting teacher said. It is a principle that has guided me throughout my career. After more than 15 years in audit, I decided to move into a corporate finance role to be closer to the day-to-day decisions that shape a business and to explore a new challenge.
A few years ago, I faced a serious illness that required a long rehabilitation. Rebuilding both physically and emotionally was a humbling experience, and I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my husband and family. Returning to work afterwards required a different kind of courage. This experience transformed how I approach life, encouraging me to cherish every moment, no matter how small.
It reminds me of what I’m capable of, even on days when I forget
My favourite saying is: ‘We rise. We heal. We overcome.’ It’s a reminder that no matter what life brings, we can slowly rebuild ourselves. It is also a very personal thing for me, both the downward spiral and the slow healing. When you’re in the middle of something so difficult, you can’t always see your way out; but somehow you get through it, one step at a time. The saying reminds me of what I’m capable of, even on days when I forget.
What I enjoy most about my job is trying to make sense of financial information and explaining it in a way that’s useful for decision-making. I also like working alongside my colleagues to solve problems together. Every day brings something different, which keeps my work interesting.
I feel AI will have a major impact on accounting. It can handle the repetitive stuff and catch errors we might miss. However, I worry that people might start trusting AI output too much. Auditing requires judgment and a healthy dose of scepticism, not just accepting what the data tells you. Finding that balance with AI will be tricky.
Cyprus faces numerous challenges. We need better digital infrastructure, and our workforce needs to evolve to keep up with global standards. Transparency also needs improvement. However, as we are a small country, change can happen relatively quickly compared to larger economies. Whether Cyprus seizes those opportunities remains to be seen.
I’ve always been drawn to listening to people’s stories
If I could, I would make financial literacy a core subject in schools. Many people step into adulthood without understanding saving, credit or basic financial planning. These skills affect almost every part of life, yet they’re rarely taught. By giving students a practical financial education early on, it would help them feel more confident and prepared for life’s responsibilities. It’s a simple change that could have a big impact on future generations.
If I weren’t an accountant, I would have chosen something completely different. Perhaps I’d have become a psychologist. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of listening to people’s stories, finding meaning in their experiences, and helping them see their own strengths.
I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling and reading. I also love spending time outdoors, which helps me find balance and perspective after busy days.
