Meet Katarzyna Kuczmierczyk, Chief Accountant Nitrex Poland – a dynamic force driving change. From learning the ropes to steering the Accounting team in Poland, her story is about breaking stereotypes and fostering empowerment, paving the way for gender balance and inclusivity. She stands as a catalyst for transformation, reshaping Nitrex and igniting inspirational change in the heat treatment industry.

1. Question: You’re a Chief Accountant in Poland. How has your career path led you to this role, and what unique challenges have you faced in the field of accounting?

Answer: My journey in accounting and finance began during my college days, sparking my curiosity for the world of professional work. Early on, I was fortunate to join a company where seasoned professionals generously shared their knowledge, igniting my passion for learning. After several years there, I yearned for new horizons and greater growth opportunities.

My transition to Nitrex marked a pivotal moment. Initially serving as an assistant to the Chief Accountant, my dedication and potential caught the attention of the then-director within a brief span of two months. This propelled me into the role of Chief Accountant—a milestone in my career journey.

Navigating tax accounting in Poland is a formidable challenge. The constant changes and complexity demand a commitment to staying up-to-date. Often, one inquiry yields several feasible solutions, making decisions amid uncertainty quite challenging. Maneuvering in such an ambiguous environment, where the consequences of decisions are uncertain, demands resilience. Nonetheless, confronting these challenges has taught me that navigating through uncertainties often requires taking decisive actions, even when the outcomes are unpredictable.

2. Question: What inspired you to take part in ‘The A Effect’ initiative, and how do you see it influencing the accounting field within Nitrex?

Answer: I was drawn to ‘The A Effect’ initiative primarily to connect with female colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds, countries, positions, and varying mindsets. Being the only European member of the group, I was particularly intrigued by their Western perspectives on women’s development and their attitudes toward gender inclusivity in their workplaces. Moreover, the program’s novelty, not widely known or practiced in Poland’s professional landscape, piqued my curiosity.

My participation also stemmed from a desire to understand how such initiatives operate and gather ideas on supporting my colleagues within Nitrex. I saw it as an invaluable opportunity to identify insights that could contribute to cultivating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone at Nitrex Poland.

3. Question: Can you share some of your experiences before joining Nitrex and how those experiences might relate to your involvement in this initiative?

Answer: In my previous role, I was fortunate to work for a company that highly valued its employees and consistently recognized their contributions. They organized various training sessions, primarily conducted within Poland, and actively promoted interactions between employees and management. This inclusive approach empowered us to voice our opinions and influence decisions. Feeling that our input made an impact was a deeply rewarding experience.

Currently, my team consists entirely of women. Throughout my involvement in this initiative, I’ve encouraged my team to express their viewpoints freely. I stress the importance of articulating thoughts and feelings and actively engaging within our department, considering the substantial time we spend together.

While it’s essential to acknowledge that not every opinion—whether mine or theirs—will always shape decisions, it’s vital to cultivate an environment where individuals feel empowered to express themselves. Sometimes, confidence may be mistaken for arrogance or impudence, but under wise leadership, diverse perspectives are appreciated and understood.

4. Question: As a professional in your 40s, what advice would you give to other young women entering the accounting and finance sector?

Answer: My advice to young women entering accounting and finance would be to persist and believe in themselves and in what they do. Achieving goals demands time and dedication. It’s important to acknowledge that as a young professional, continuous learning and growth are integral, and success emerges through practice and persistence. Anticipating immediate results without putting in the effort is unrealistic.

Coming from a generation that values hard work and forging one’s path from scratch, I’ve realized the significance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal life. I recognized this aspect rather late in my journey, when I found myself overly absorbed in professional pursuits, neglecting other important aspects of life.

5. Question: How do you envision the initiative impacting your department, and what outcomes are you hoping to achieve personally and collectively?

Answer: The initiative will encourage my team to ‘grab the bull by the horns’ and confront challenges head-on. It’s essential to address perceived weaknesses, as they represent opportunities for personal improvement and growth. What might initially seem like a weakness in one context could transform into an asset in another.

Furthermore, my personal growth from this initiative involves honing improved communication skills within the team. Learning to actively listen and value the perspectives of others has been a major focus for me.

6. Question: Given your global interactions with Nitrex offices, how might regional cultural and societal variations affect ‘The A Effect’ initiative’s success? How could these distinctions influence your professional growth, and do you see any insights that can promote gender equality across diverse workplaces?

Answer: I’m optimistic that this program will amplify the voices of women within the company, giving them more visibility and due consideration across various events. My aspiration is to challenge and debunk stereotypical notions surrounding women, specifically regarding their roles, capabilities, and competencies.

In certain fields, women’s attention to detail often translates into enhanced efficiency. However, in our country, prevailing societal perceptions often confine women to roles primarily as mothers and wives, rather than recognizing their individual potential for professional fulfillment.

There’s substantial progress to be made. I believe initiatives like this hold the potential to empower women who struggle with expressing themselves and asserting their confidence, enabling them to enact positive changes in their lives. It’s a step towards breaking societal barriers and promoting gender equality within the workplace.