Meet Ciska, Head of Finance at Upgrade Estate
At Upgrade Estate's finance department, it's all about a passion for numbers, and no one knows that better than Ciska, our Head of Finance. Her role is essential to the organisation, as everything related to numbers ends up with her team. Ciska is the driving force behind our financial processes: from preparing budgets to leading an enthusiastic team. But what makes her work so special, and how does she ensure her team stays both efficient and motivated? We asked her!
Can you describe your job as Head of Finance at Upgrade Estate?
"My role is very diverse. As Head of Finance, I am not only responsible for preparing budgets and overseeing financial processes, but I also play a key role in guiding and supporting my team. It’s not just about processing numbers; it’s about understanding the bigger picture and how my team can contribute to it. I’m a true people manager, which means I take care not only of the numbers but also of the people who work with them. The best part of my job is leading a team and working together towards a common goal."
How do you ensure your team works well together?
"Communication is key. We always work with deadlines and goals, but it’s equally important that we celebrate those successes together. Every year, we organise a team activity outside the office environment so we can get to know each other in a different way. I believe it’s important to listen to my team members. Every role matters; every piece of the puzzle is crucial to achieving the final result. If you take one away, it just won’t work. The atmosphere within our team is open and transparent, which allows us to work with enthusiasm and energy."
"Every role matters; every piece of the puzzle is crucial to achieving the final result. If you take one away, it just won’t work."
What is the most important aspect of your job?
"What gives me the most satisfaction is the diversity and variety. Finance at Upgrade Estate is much more than just paying invoices. We work closely with other departments and contribute to the company’s future planning. This makes my work so interesting and dynamic. As Head of Finance, you’re always aware of everything happening within the company."
How do you manage the workload at the end of the financial year?
"The year-end closings are always intense. We have two closings per year, which bring a healthy dose of stress. It’s a period of hard work but also of adrenaline. Once everything is completed and the figures have been reviewed, there’s a great sense of relief. That moment is truly the ‘cherry on top.’ We work together as a team to meet the deadline and celebrate every milestone we achieve along the way. That makes it all worthwhile."
What makes your team so special?
"The Finance team at Upgrade Estate is incredibly diverse. The typical ‘grey mouse and suit’ stereotype doesn’t apply to us at all. We have people with various backgrounds, profiles, and personalities. That diversity is our strength. Everyone has their own expertise, which means we complement each other and bring out the best in ourselves."
"The typical ‘grey mouse and suit’ stereotype doesn’t apply to us at all."
Why is working in Finance such an exciting challenge for you?
"You actually know everything about the company. Sooner or later, everything comes through Finance, which makes it extremely interesting. You get a clear overview of the entire organisation and can influence the direction we take. Additionally, the variety keeps things challenging. Collaborating with different departments makes the work dynamic and ensures that I’m challenged every day. That’s what makes it so enjoyable."
What should other people try in your role?
"Planning and organisation. If you want to get everything done on time, you need to ensure that everyone is involved. When everyone is aligned, everything runs smoothly. It’s an art to keep everything streamlined without ever missing a deadline. At Upgrade Estate, we work as a team to deliver the best results. If you’re up for the challenges of a growing company and want to contribute to the success of an ambitious team, you’ve come to the right place!"
What type of person would be the perfect addition to your team?
"You don’t need to be a finance nerd or a mathematical expert. What really matters is a healthy interest in numbers and the drive to understand and process them accurately. It’s all about having enthusiasm for numbers."
"You don’t need to be a finance nerd or a mathematical expert."
Ciska’s passion for numbers and her team is unmistakable. She knows better than anyone how to motivate her people, creating a positive and productive work environment. Would you like to join a dynamic team that’s always looking for the next challenge? Check out the vacancies at Upgrade Estate today!