Born and raised in the Slovak Republic, my journey into the world of finance and accounting began in year 2000 with my enrollment in an Master study program at Comenius University in Bratislava.
First steps
In 2005 I completed my studies at the Comenius University in Bratislava in the field of Finance and Accounting and obtained the title Master of Management. Additionally, I obtained the certificate for the study program “Audit & Assurace” at the Ghent University in Ghent, Belgium.
Entering the world of interesting accounting stories
I started my career with the audit company Ernst & Young in Bratislava and participated and led statutory audits in line with the local GAAP and IFRS for large, middle and small companies. I also completed and achieved the internationally recognized qualification of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
My passion for the topic of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has been ignited
In my role as an IFRS advisor at the largest telecommunication company in Slovakia I discovered and extended my passion for the International Financial Reporting Standards. I obtained the opportunity to work on a wide variety of IFRS topics such as which needed to be analysed in a particular business context. Based on a thorough analysis I provided internal customers with tailored accounting solutions in accordance with IFRS. I was also responsible for pension benefits accounting in line with IAS 19. Furthermore, I led a project on implementing an IT-solution for leasing of routers and telecommunication devices in accordance with IAS 17 Leases (prior iteration of IFRS 16).
In addition, I advised transactional accountants and accounting team of a newly grounded Shared Service Centre. Furthermore, I provided IFRS workshops and IFRS trainings for controllers, management, business and accountants.
Steep learning curve
Further my career path led to the Headquarter of Deutsche Telekom in Bonn, Germany where I took over a role of an IFRS expert for the Group. This role provided me with an excellent opportunity together to improve and deepen my understanding of a wide variety of IFRS topics and gather valuable experience. Among other I participated in:
- An international project for the Group on implementation of two new International Reporting Standards, the IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and the IFRS 16 Leases. I also worked on the Comment Letter for the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) concerning the Exposure Draft for IFRS 16.
- Collaborated on accounting presentations for the management and the Audit Committee.
- Conducted IFRS workshops and trainings for internal stakeholders.
- Discussed IFRS topics with external auditors and ensured that those discussions are efficient and lead to desired outcomes.
- Provided expert guidance on new business models, encompassing standards such as Property, Plant & Equipment (IAS 16), Borrowing Costs (IAS 23), Intangible Assets (IAS 38), Revenue Recognition (IFRS 15), and Leases (IFRS 16).
Achieving career maturity and gaining even broader experience
Upon assuming the role of Accounting Principles Manager at the Headquarters of Siemens Smart Infrastructure in CH-Zug, I deepened my expertise and broadened my understanding of the application of IFRS principles for a variety of business cases. I assumed responsibility for ensuring the accurate accounting treatment of various topics, including (agile) Research & Development Expenditures, Software (IAS 38), Impairment of Assets (with focus on Goodwill) (IAS 36), Inventories (IAS 2), Business Combinations (IFRS 3) including consolidated intercompany and intracompany transactions.