PIVARA SKOPJE IS AN EXAMPLE OF A COMPANY WHERE GENDER EQUALITY IS EMPHASIZED AND GIVES EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL
In the past, the world of finance was much more a world of men. If you remember, even in the movies “the clerk”, the one who works in bank or a large company, was usually a gentleman who with much thoroughness was taking care of the finances in the company or the customers. Today, women are a part of the financial sectors of almost every company and many of them are on senior managerial functions. Today we speak with Magdalena Hristova. By profession an economist, Magdalena is already 3.5 years in the Finance department of Pivara Skopje, working as Financial Controller and her work is more than complex because she leads a team of about 20 people, being responsible for controlling the finances and preparing financial reports for the company’s operations.
Tell us about your beginnings…. Where you began your career, when did you join Pivara Skopje and how you progressed?
The numbers have been my obsession ever since I was a child and I was destined for them since high school. I went to economy secondary school and then I continued my education at the Faculty of Economics at the Financial Management cathedra. Immediately after graduating in 2002 I got a job at ProCredit Bank. There I learned that what you learn at the college as a theory is completely different from what is applied in practice and that you need to put a lot of effort to understand the work. During 10 years in the bank, I gained experience building my career naturally and thanks to the efforts I was moving forward. I started as a Credit Analyst, then I was promoted in to a Head of Financial Control department, later in to a Head of the data processing and finally in to a Head of Finance department. After 10 years in the banking sector I accepted the challenge and position of CFO (Chief Finance Officer) of Carrefour in Macedonia. This step was a huge challenge for me, primarily because of the change of the service sector in to a trade sector as well as the challenges and responsibilities of the position. Working in a dynamic environment in the trade sector, the need for daily decision making toward further growth of the business has made me stronger and more courage and just confirmed me the words of Paulo Coelho that if you wish something strongly, the whole universe will go towards achieving your goal.
After two years in the trade sector, I got an offer to join the team of Pivara Skopje. For me it was an incredible change, a new challenge and opportunity for greater professional development, work in a new and completely different environment, in the production sector. In Pivara Skopje I started as an Internal Auditor. This position allowed me to quickly learn the processes and procedures in the company, and gave me the opportunity to give my contribution through proposals for their improvement. My desire to learn new things and the proactive approach to work was quickly recognized by my superiors and after I got a new offer for the position of Financial Controller. Again, new challenge. Of course, I accepted and now every day I broaden my horizons and knowledge in the field of finance and the FMCG (Fast moving consumer goods) industry.
What does your job position includes?
Financial controller position in Pivara Skopje includes responsibilities for several departments within the Finance: accounting, databases, credit control and financial reporting and budgeting. This position includes daily communication, customer support and timely responses to their requests, supporting other departments in the company for timely execution of planned projects and activities. At the same time, this position is responsible for evidencing accounting documents, accurate and on time preparation and submission of reports in accordance with local regulations. Because Pivara Skopje is a joint venture company, my responsibility at this position also includes monthly reporting for the operation of the company to our shareholders and a preparation of an annual business plan. In one sentence, a very complex matter, but is also a challenge and responsibility.
What are the core values and skills that you apply daily to be successful and successfully lead your team?
I enjoy in every moment of my work. For me, the key factors for success is to love our jobs, to have passion for new challenges and everyday communication, to support and trust your team members. If there is mutual understanding, communication and trust the team will function as one. Equally important is the employees to feel that they are part of every project and the satisfaction of successfully completed projects is common. Success, to me, is a result of teamwork, and that it is a proof for me that the entire effort, time and love that I have invested in the work and building the team is not in vain.
What are your greatest achievements in your career, something that makes you especially proud?
To feel fulfilled and proud, you need to be satisfied on your private and on your professionally plan, achievements in career and private life are parts of а whole. Therefore, I would point out two things that make me especially proud: my continuous learning, improvement and career advancement and the continued support of my husband and our two children.
According to you, what is the role of the women in improving gender equality in the business environment?
To me, all actors in the society can contribute to improve gender equality in the business environment. Today companies in the selection of candidates increasingly pay attention to quality and the competencies they possess, not the gender. Unfortunately, in our region still prevails that a woman should be dedicated to children, family, and the man is the one who should work. I am happy that Pivara Skopje is an example of a company in which gender equality is emphasized as an advantage, giving equal opportunities for professional development to all.
What is the formula of a business woman who succeeded in everything: to have a happy family and successful career. Is there a way to make a balance between private life and career?
There is no simple formula and simple answer to this question, but primarily important is the support of colleagues and the support of the family. I live with the thought that everything is possible and anything can be done if you want. In this regard, I will quote Mary Kay Ash that says “Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know that so it goes on flying anyway.” To be one hundred percent dedicated mother and wife, professional life may suffer. To be successful on the professional field, at some point private life may suffer. It is important to know how to compromise, to have a clear vision for you and your future and always to have a goal you want to achieve in life.
Who is your biggest support in life?
The support from closest family, the children, the husband, my parents. They are something indispensable and invaluable. Joy of children’s faces after a busy day at work is the greatest wealth and watching them, you begin to realize the meaning of life.
What is your life motto?
My life motto is to dream because every dream that is sufficiently strongly desired becomes reality.
