Irina Chernysheva, Financial Accountant

What is your career story?

I am in Finance over 15 years, completed PhD in Economics. Before moving to Australia, I never worked in Accounting, however I was always directly related to Finance and Economics. Immediately after arriving in Australia in 2014 I start looking for career opportunities for myself, and this is the moment I decided to progress in Accounting due to my strong technical skills. It was a long way, accompanied by birth of my son, local education, learning local accounting standards, full-time job and CPA study.

Being a single parent in new country and doing new career was a challenge but it helped me to believe in myself, get more confidence and, as a result, I was able to achieve my initial goals within a couple of years, but now I have higher goals.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

This is a very important day in my country, we even have a public holiday. This is a day to celebrate women's achievements and recognise challenges. If we look back to history, one of the first strikes organised by working woman happened on March 8, when female workers started a protest against unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women. This day worldwide focuses greater attention on women's rights and equality, and this is a great opportunity to support and celebrate the women in our life (friend, wife, co-worker).

What is it like working in the technology industry and what are some of the challenges you have experienced?

Working in technology industry is very interesting experience as innovative technologies change so fast, and as a provider of IT services, our business encourages people to use technologies and stay ahead. Initially it was a challenge due to all new systems and a very dynamic business environment, but when you understand the end result, you accept challenges as technologies makes our life more efficient and allow us to perform more qualified tasks, where you want to take initiative of new projects. And this is great that we work in a business environment that allows us to grow and use the most efficient technologies for the benefit of the team and company as a whole.

Has anything in your personal life impacted / challenged or changed or working life?

My son is my biggest inspiration. The day he was born, I became much stronger and realised that I can achieve my goals, my fears disappeared as I wanted to be a good role model for my son. Being a single parent in a new country and doing a new career was a challenge but sometimes I am thinking, if not my son, I would probably never knew what I can achieve.