Laura Iliescu
- head of financial reporting and control – ING Romania
- ACCA member since April 2006
Laura was 12-years-old when the revolution took place in Romania in 1989; an event, she says, that made a lasting impression. ‘In this new demanding and competitive society, you have to be informed, aware of your abilities and limitations, and realistic about your goals. Above all, you need the courage never to give up on your dream.’ After finishing high school, Laura left her home town of Ploiesti and enrolled in the Faculty of Finance at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest.
To get a head start in her wished-for career in banking, she took a three-year intensive programme offered by the Romanian Banking Institute; a decision that was rewarded on graduation with a training contract in Romania’s largest and state-owned bank. She stayed a year, not because she disliked banking but because Big Four firm PwC offered her a challenging job. ‘PwC would provide me with a professional education, a diversity of experience and contact with companies flourishing in different industries. I joined as a junior auditor along with 15 new employees in their largest office in Romania. You really have to make your own opportunities.’
In 2005, Laura took time out from work to enjoy motherhood; it was also a time to reassess her career aspirations and work-life balance. ‘I decided that I could not excel in two areas which demanded my full commitment: audit work and my family.’ Putting her daughter first, she quit public practice and PwC, which she describes as a ‘fantastic working place’, to go freelance as an audit and internal control consultant. By the time she felt ready to return to full-time work, a position arose as a senior lending and structured finance specialist at ING Romania, part of ING Group, a global financial institution and one of the most recognised and respected financial services brands in Romania. The role developed the skills she learnt at PwC and also introduced her to investment projects. ‘Due to my experience at PwC, I became the undeclared source of advice on accounting, reporting and tax issues. And the fact that the department’s work quality and level of knowledge increased as a result of my involvement filled me with pride.’
In early 2007, Laura was appointed head of financial reporting and control, which sees her fulfil a senior reporting role and play a part in strategic decision-making at ING Romania. ‘I was given this opportunity as a reward for my commitment, achieved results and knowledge of ING business but also as recognition of my finance expertise, qualifications and potential.’ Although in her early 30s, Laura says she has achieved her dream of a career in banking and finance. ‘Life is too short to do something I don’t like or undertake a job which doesn’t send me home satisfied. And satisfaction wins over money.’ Laura is also a member of the ACCA Romania Steering Committee and the Chamber of Financial Auditors of Romania.