“Our area of responsibilities is quite wide, and it takes a while to learn all the things we need to know. And then, after you have spent a few years in your position, one day you suddenly realise that you can handle anything the daily challenges might throw at you. It’s a good feeling,” says Krista Bērziņa, an expert in managing her own time and acting Global process expert at SEB Global Services.
Tell us about your journey in SEB!
SEB is my first serious job. I joined SEB seven years ago, the very next day after graduating the university. I started as a temporary team member. After a while I received a permanent position, and then after three years I was promoted to senior specialist.
After returning from my maternity leave, I took the next step, becoming process area specialist. Now with some unexpected events, I was appointed to be an acting Global Process Expert – a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and to broaden my knowledge and network.
What exactly are your responsibilities?
My team is responsible for managing internal cash accounts, which are used by different departments and organizations within SEB group, and we are also managing NOSTRO accounts – these are accounts that SEB has opened in other banks. Our job is to reconcile and support all accounts to make sure there are no discrepancies.
Krista Bērziņa
Title: Acting Global Process Expert in Nostro and Internal Cash Accounts Reconciliation at SEB Group’s business services centre in Riga
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Financial Management, University of Latvia
Personal interests: Skiing
My job is to be responsible for end-to-end processes, work on process strategy, secure continuous improvement and identify digitalizing possibilities. It is mandatory to have excellent communication skills to be able to interact with different divisions.
What do you like best about your job?
Each day is different, and I find it exciting. I am smiling each morning when I start the day by opening my mailbox to see what needs to be done. I am good at managing my time and prioritizing my tasks, and I am sort of famous within my team for being able to handle a lot of things in a short period of time.
What motivates you?
Positive feedback always gives me a boost, and it is important to say thanks to your colleagues even for the little things. Appreciation and constant development are also important to me.
In SEB I have been blessed with excellent managers, who are supportive for my professional growth. SEB is a perfect place for those who want to develop, learn new skills, are ready to change and experiment. Also, SEB devotes a great deal of effort to make sure employees feel supported and safe, and I especially appreciate it during these times of pandemic.
Our organization continues to develop and grow. Today, there are many new teams and functions that weren’t here five years ago. If you know the direction in which you want to develop, you will always find the opportunities.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Before starting my career, I used to help my dad as a downhill skiing instructor. I still enjoy skiing, and I am proud that this year I managed to teach my three-year-old son how to ski.
I enjoy hosting my friends in my home very much – of course I haven’t been able to do it lately. A lot of my team members are more than colleagues – we are friends who enjoy seeing each other outside work as well. But my greatest hobby, perhaps, is raising my son.
