Recently qualified CIMA member Olga Kozmiruk (pictured left) is a finance manager for the production directorate at Sakhalin Energy, a consortium set up to run one of the world's largest integrated oil and gas extraction projects.
CIMA asked Olga about training in a remote region and the increasing popularity of the qualification in Russia.
Based on an island off the eastern coast of Russia, the Sakhalin II project has been producing around 100,000 barrels of oil a day since 1999. The second phase of the project has introduced two new production platforms, 800 km of new oil and gas pipelines and Russia's first liquefied natural gas plant which will service Japan and Asia Pacific.
What are the main responsibilities in your role?
I currently have two roles: senior asset accountant and deputy to the production directorate's finance manager. This means I'm responsible for the interface between finance and the production directorate, the provision of financial accounting services and management information, business planning, budgetary controls and the promotion of business controls. It keeps me busy!
What are the best things about your job?
For me, the best thing is representing finance in the business. My role really makes me feel part of the company and I know exactly what's behind the numbers in our reports. It's a very satisfying feeling to know that I'm considered part of the team and that I can bring value to the company.
What skills have you gained or developed through studying CIMA?
My English has definitely improved and of course I gained a lot of knowledge about business and the ability to interpret and present information to assist with decision making. I also look at the numbers from a different perspective now.
What aspects of your CIMA studies have been most relevant and useful to your job?
The more you learn about the business, the more you understand that everything we studied is based on real life. Even if I don't use some of the tools in my current job, I can see how they work across the company.
What misconceptions do people have about your job?
Sometimes people think they only need to involve the finance team when they need the solution. My desire is to instil the idea that we can help with business decisions as well and the earlier they involve us, the better.
Why did you choose CIMA as your financial qualification and how did you hear about it?
The decision was made by the company's senior finance team. However, as trainees, we also thought that CIMA would provide a broader knowledge of finance than other qualifications. Everybody agreed that the qualification would enable us to work in different parts of the business rather then just accounting.
Why does your employer prefer you to study CIMA?
The company really appreciates the qualification and the hard work we put into it. There are now four qualified accountants in the team and we've all been promoted to different areas as it was understood that we'd be able to offer invaluable experience to the rest of the company.
How do you see CIMA contributing to your future career progression?
Having the CIMA qualification certainly opens more doors and gives you more opportunities to develop your career. I'm also proud that the qualification is becoming more popular in Russia.
Please add any other comments about your experiences as a CIMA student.
Briefly ' hard work. My advice to anyone who's thinking about becoming a CIMA student is that you need to prepare yourself for this marathon - it took me four years to complete my studies. There were some sacrifices, but it's worth it. I'm already benefiting and that's great.
Is your employer supporting your studies?
Sakhalin Energy is very supportive and four years ago, it established its Accountancy Sponsorship Programme.
I was honoured to be in the first trial group. Because of our remote location on Sakhalin island in the Sea of Okhotsk, we weren't able to travel to the training session. But the company managed to bring tutors to the island to help with revision, which was very helpful. My company appreciates that its employees are a valuable asset and that professional development is vital for the company's sustainability and growth.
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This article was taken from a case study published recently at CIMA People.
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