I believe that a person should give back to society 

Stronger Roots Finance Manager

OSF Prague

The desire to get involved in something meaningful has been with me for a long time. However, with my background in tax and finance, I couldn't imagine how I could translate my passion for numbers and analytical thinking into a project that helps society.

One day I came across the website Czech.Digital. The slogan "Through ones and zeros we change the Czech Republic for the better" convinced me that this is where I could find my place. I joined the community and waited for my opportunity. I didn't have a lot of time, but I still hoped that something suitable would come up.

One day a request for "Excel Guru Wanted" came up. That's me! I responded to the inquiry. My current colleague Pavlina responded. In the course of discussing exactly what they needed an Excel guru for, she sent me a part-time offer for the role of Finance Manager of the Stronger Roots Program, asking if I could think of anyone who would enjoy the position. In truth, I replied that I had already come across the role and was interested. It's just that I wouldn't be able to promise a half-time position, I could be involved for a shorter time, about one day a week. Pavlina jumped at the chance and promptly wrote to me to say that the amount of time was negotiable, plus there was the possibility of a home office.

An interview followed, and on Friday 6 January 2023 I started as Finance Manager for the Stronger Roots International Programme, working one day a week - Friday, when most of my colleagues are in the home office. The other four days of the week I dedicated to working at a startup. I worked in this mode for one and a quarter years before I found that while the first four days of the week left me feeling drained, the fifth one recharged me immensely. 

What has helped to make my little commitment as effective as possible is the caring, organized and coaching leadership of the Program Director, Marie, the pleasant work environment and the great team of colleagues whose great efforts I never cease to admire. I increased my work for OSF Prague to 60% of my working hours during 2024. 

Part of my role includes.

• Planning and monitoring budgets,

• ensuring compliance with EU funding rules,

• preparing financial reports and audits,

• financial management of the programme as coordinator of the whole consortium of organisations from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland,

• identifying and implementing automation elements.

In addition to all this, I enrich my colleagues with news from the field of AI. My tips were given to them by the AI avatar in all languages used in our consortium, i.e. Czech, English, Slovak, Hungarian and Polish.

Collaboration with Czechitas

I have liked the work of Czechitas for a long time. I have participated in several opportunities offered by Czechitas, whether it was the Job Fair or online courses with Google scholarships - Google Data Analysis and Google Cybersecurity Specialization. As a coach, I have been involved in the AI for All course.

Throughout my career, I have watched with enthusiasm as my colleagues have grown professionally. I've noticed that they often don't show the potential that is within them, especially when they are new to the team or returning to work after being a parent. I love that Czechitas is helping these great women adapt in today's technological world. Although it may not be obvious at first glance, the courses provided by Czechitas largely cover skills needed for finance professions such as digital skills, app development, data analytics, AI and cyber security.

On top of all this, from 2025, another important area will be added - soft skills. And I am privileged to be part of it.

For me, this story started in March 2024 when I approached Czechitas with the idea that I would like to get involved in some way. After an initial pleasant conversation, Matěj, who looks after the wider team at Czechitas, put me in touch with Míša and Dana. The three of us started working on brand new courses:

• Assertive Communication and Feedback (link here)

• Teamwork and Challenging Situations (link here)

We are starting our first term in March 2025 and we are really looking forward to it. 🤩

Both courses contain topics that you don't learn overnight. It requires long term focused work. In addition to the Czechitas courses, I can help with my individual consultations. If you are a Czechitas graduate, you will get a 20% discount from me for the first 5 consultations.

I am convinced that these two courses are not the last...

Bachelor thesis on donations for public benefit activities

The first impulse to explore the non-profit sector was my bachelor thesis during my studies of taxation at the University of Economics in Prague, in which I mapped tax benefits for donors in 10 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.