Development manager, financial administration

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I work as a developer of invoicing processes in the financial administration of a company that produces private social and health care services. I interpret invoicing data, on the basis of which we improve old operating models and develop new ones in cooperation with different stakeholders.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

As I was thinking about my future after comprehensive school, my mother encouraged me to go in the health care sector because new workers are always needed there. I studied as a practical nurse and worked in health care for a few years, after which I ended up working at the reception of a private medical centre.

When I worked at the reception, my way of doing work was noticed. It’s natural for me to think how things could be done better or more efficiently. I went from practical nurse to development manager of invoicing processes because I had people who believed in me and encouraged me to move forward.

Describe your typical working day or week.

My typical workweek consists of meetings in which we follow the progress of different projects. Often, the projects are related to how tasks can be automated or how access to information can be improved using different software. In practice, this requires interpreting numerical data and contacting colleagues and various organisations.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I mainly work in the office, but I also work remotely from home. I usually work typical office hours, but my working hours are flexible when necessary.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

This work requires good time management skills, a systematic approach and the ability to prioritise. You need to be gentle, as you are dealing with people in this work, but also somewhat tough to ensure that progress is made. A positive and open attitude towards changes is a necessity.

What is the best thing about your profession?

I see the outcome of my work in a very concrete manner. Invoicing projects always end at some point, and I see the development in the form of numbers. I also like the fact that I can collaborate multiprofessionally, and that I get to know the staff of different stakeholders and Pihlajalinna locations.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

You must be able to tolerate incompleteness, as things are often multidimensional and don’t always progress at the pace you would like them to.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a development manager in financial administration?

If you feel that you are self-directed and have a lot of ideas related to development, you should go for it. I’m a living example of how far a practical nurse’s degree can take you. You don’t always need to have a master’s degree in order to move up in your career. Goal-orientedness and perseverance can also go a long way.

How do you see the future of your profession?

The future looks bright. Especially in the social and health care sector, the aim is to allow employees more time for encountering people and for humane work instead of routine work. Automation development is continuous and should not be fought against.