Interview: Ferrexpo Meet the Team
When you did you join Ferrexpo?
I started at Ferrexpo in 2024 and have been here for about a year and a half.
Why did you choose to join Ferrexpo?
I previously worked at one of the Big Four accountancy firms, and I was eager to move from advisory environment into a business with tangible outputs. It is so different and I really enjoy it. My previous role provided me with great experience, but I felt like a small cog in a large machine, whereas here at Ferrexpo I can see the value of my work. I also like the fact that when I work on something, like a financial model for example, it is my own piece of work, which evolves with time and has real purpose. I was also attracted to Ferrexpo because it has a clear role in the global economy and a commitment to sustainability.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the mining industry?
Mining as an industry is the foundation for many other sectors, from infrastructure to technology. As an accountant, I was also looking for an industry where a broad range of accounting standards apply in external reporting, and ideally an entity listed on a stock exchange, as this creates a strong opportunity to learn and grow. Ferrexpo not only offered this opportunity but also attracted me with its focus on high-grade and high-quality iron ore products, investment in the communities where it operates, and the professionalism of its people.
Do any of your relatives also work in the mining industry?
No, none of my relatives work in the mining industry. It was actually quite exciting to go into an area that was totally new.
What advice would you give to young people, looking to advance their careers and who might be considering the mining industry?
Mining has many career paths. Both technical knowledge and soft skills like communication are needed, because most work is cross-functional. It is important to keep learning and take feedback onboard– it helps to keep you moving forward and continuously improve.
What are your main activities at Ferrexpo?
In my role as Group Financial Accountant, I oversee monthly submissions, consolidation and intercompany eliminations, and reviews of consolidated results. I also work on the Group reporting for the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, as well as external and statutory reporting including the Annual and Half-Year Reports. In addition, one of my responsibilities is to work on risk management and its reporting, along with maintaining strong internal controls.
How have the company and your colleagues shown resilience in the face of ongoing war?
The war created serious challenges, but my colleagues keep showing professionalism and teamwork. People support each other, keep operations running, and adjust quickly to new situations. This ability to adapt and stay focused has been a clear strength. From our side we just have to always be considerate and understand what our colleagues in Ukraine are going through. We do our best to support them and do as much as we can from our side as possible.
What are your ambitions at work and outside of work?
I aim to grow my expertise, take on more responsibility, and contribute to Ferrexpo’s progress. I have recently become a member of ACCA and plan to continue my studies by pursuing a Diploma in IFRS. Moreover, I am also looking forward to enrolling in the MSc in Professional Accountancy programme at University College London (UCL). Both qualifications will allow me to deepen my technical knowledge and broaden my professional perspective.
Any final thoughts about Ferrexpo and the mining sector?
I can say that mining is not only about extraction; it is also about people, responsibility, and progress. At Ferrexpo, I’ve seen the importance of balancing technical work with resilience and responsibility, especially during challenging times.