My professional journey began in 1997, after graduating from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest. KPMG Romania was recruiting and, feeling curious, I grasped this opportunity. The ‘audit scent’ was strongly imprinted in my head.
After some time in banking, I decided to set up my own audit practice and in 2001 I joined a small local accounting firm, Soter. Currently, Soter & Partners is among the top 10 Romanian consultancy and audit practices.
I am a member of the Chamber of Financial Auditors in Romania and was on its council for three years. I’m also a member on the International Federation of Accountants committee and have been active on the ACCA Global Forum for SMEs.
Audit is a beautiful job – there is always a story behind the figures!
My influences have been the close friend who convinced me to send my resumé to KPMG Romania and an inspiring manager at KPMG, who motivated me to obtain the ACCA Qualification; I am immensely grateful for that! I also owe a great deal to my business partners. However, the most important influence and support throughout my career has always been my husband.
I went into practice to prove to myself that local audit practices can be just as good as large audit firms and that a local market can grow its own professionals. But I haven’t stepped out of my comfort zone. The very nature of the audit profession has made me risk-averse, as the smallest professional mistake may be a risk to our business and my reputation.
If I had law-making powers, I would make a structural change in all public entities, especially in professional bodies and regulators, while digitalising administrative processes. I’d educate young people to contribute to transparency and decision-making. I believe that health, economics, education and justice are tightly interconnected and strengthening one will inherently affect the rest.
Audit is a beautiful job – there is always a story behind the figures! I love ‘reading’ these stories and finding the characters and the action in the numbers.
Professionally, my most significant achievement has been to mentor three of my staff to obtain the ACCA Qualification and grow them into trustworthy professionals. I am proud to promote ACCA as I could never have reached my current position without it. I’m also very proud of my audit team. Personally, my biggest achievement is my wonderful family.
If I weren’t an accountant, I’d have probably been a teacher. I believe in the power of education, helping people become the best version of themselves.
I love reading and playing with my kids. I greatly enjoy cooking and baking in my kitchen, especially when sharing a meal with my family and friends.
