From the beginning of my career, my aim was to work in the corporate world. I always saw the Big Four firms as a school that could help me navigate a steep learning curve. Accounting firms offer a lot of knowledge and they serve a wide variety of industries, which helps you to understand what area you would like to specialise in. However, I felt that without being part of the day-to-day operation of a company, I couldn’t find the deep knowledge I desired.
When I was a student in Bucharest, I went to a KPMG presentation. I had no idea what financial audit was about but the passion the speakers had for their work inspired me to join them.
After three years of audit I switched my career towards transaction advisory services, joining EY. I came back to audit after relocating to Luxembourg and then moved to a firm where I focused on real estate accounting. In 2020 I joined HB Reavis, a workspace provider, and am now the country managing director.
I firmly believe that it’s never too late to pursue and accomplish one’s goals
Switching my critical thinking from pure finance and accounting to business strategies and decision-making processes was the steepest learning curve in my entire career. It was challenging and stressful but also decisive for me choosing my future path, and is why I accepted my role in HB Reavis.
The financial crisis creates uncertainty, making it difficult for businesses to plan for the future. This is discouraging companies from making long-term commitments to workspace providers, leading to decreased demand. Another challenge was that Covid-19 accelerated the adoption of remote working and hybrid work models. This shift has required workspace providers to adapt to accommodate these new arrangements. Office development construction costs are also prone to inflation and therefore these can be unpredictable in the current economic situation. These increasing costs can result in higher rents, which some tenants then cannot manage.
I enjoy that we are a very dynamic office developer and every day we have a new challenge: a new type of transaction or problem that we must solve. I also like the way we work together; we all have a common goal, and there is a lot communication and interaction between us.
By promoting financial education, we can reduce poverty and foster economic resilience
A significant milestone in my career was completing my ACCA Qualification. I found that balancing the exams with my demanding audit work was always a challenge, but I was highly motivated and achieved success. Although my ACCA Qualification has been a long journey, I firmly believe that it’s never too late to pursue and accomplish one’s goals.
If I had law-making powers, I would prioritise the issue of financial exclusion and promote inclusive economic growth. My focus would be on legislation that encourages banks and educational institutions to offer accessible financial services to underserved populations. This would entail the establishment of affordable banking products, as well as financial literacy programmes. By promoting financial education, we can reduce poverty and foster economic resilience.
If I were not an accountant, I would have liked to become a professional basketball player or referee. I’m an amateur player in Luxembourg and I have a real passion for the sport; I would have relished the opportunity to compete at a professional level. In my spare time I derive immense pleasure from physical activities like playing basketball or working out at the gym. I also thoroughly enjoy hiking.
