Meet Ana - Country Accountant for Spain & Portugal
What did you do before your current role?
I worked in Shell Shared Service Centre based in Glasgow as a Country Accountant and Account Manager for Shell Portugal.
Why did you choose AstraZeneca?
I wanted to change industry and work with more than one country. I chose AstraZeneca because it is a company with great reputation in the business and in the way it treats its employees.
What was your recruitment experience like?
I had a capability interview and had also to do a presentation to both HR and my line manager. I was treated very well.
What does your job involve?
As a Country Accountant, I am responsible for the reporting and controls team (general accounting) for Portugal and Spain and I am also Account manager for these countries (the country liaison manager from the EBS side of the relationship with these markets).
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working together with both the markets and the other the departments within EBS. It is vital for my role to understand both the business and all the financial processes of my two countries.
What's the most challenging aspect of your role?
It is very challenging to ensure data accuracy and delivery at the same time that I need to manage relationships between EBS and the markets for all the areas. I need to be aware of any new projects, developments and issues for both Portugal and Spain. Together with this, I also need to manage my own team.
In what ways do you feel that your team is leading edge?
We challenge ourselves in order to develop our knowledge of the processes and business and strive to deliver a good customer service, gaining the costumer trust and building good relationships.
What makes a great Country Accountant in your opinion?
Being able to listen, challenge situations and wanting to learn and improve. The constant aim for a good relationship with Spain and Portugal, and for the delivery of a good customer service.
What skills do you need to be successful?
Accounting/ financial and systems knowledge, people and management skills and customer service.
What do you enjoy most about working for AstraZeneca?
It is a very relaxed and friendly environment. The relationships with both colleagues and markets are very good. I feel respected and that my opinions and ideas are valued.
What's the trait you most admire in other people?
Good people with the right influencing skills. Honesty and respect.
What general advice would you give someone about their career?
Be professional at all times, challenge processes and self and aim to learn always more. Also a balance between ambition and modesty, always respecting others, helps to build good relationships and develop the person influencing skills.
If you were not a Country Accountant, what would you be?
I would always want to have a job in finance. Probably in group finance.
