As a financial controller, Mensur is responsible for managing the financial affairs of Tech387 and ensuring that we are financially stable and well-managed. The role includes tasks such as: preparing financial reports, budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial data to make informed decisions. It is an important and challenging role that requires a strong understanding of finance and accounting principles and analytical & problem-solving skills. The time has come for you to meet Mensur, our Financial controller, and find out how he keeps our finances spick and span.

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A bit about Mensur’s journey at Tech387

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You have been with Tech387 for quite some time - could you tell us what keeps you here?

Tech387 is still considered a small business. The beauty is that we are currently going through a growth stage. From week to week, I keep seeing new faces around the office. Our team has finished the additional office space for the 30 new colleagues that joined us a couple of days ago. These young and ambitious people came to our office as interns at our first paid internship, Product Arena. I have to confess that I am extremely proud of this project for multiple reasons, but the main one is giving back to our society. Our internship is the perfect opportunity for beginners to make a step toward a successful tech career. But that's not all. The biggest reward will be extending a permanent position to these ambitious people. 

The growth process is a great motivation for everyone here, as we are all conscious that we are directly contributing to this transition and are all part of the ongoing successes of Tech387.

On top of that, the atmosphere in our company is very relaxed. It is not all rainbows and butterflies because we face deadlines and commitments. Our teams work when it is time to work. We also enjoy spending time together in the game room or on the rooftop terrace. The rooftop terrace is an asset during warm days when we have lunch breaks while listening to music, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the beautiful sights of our city.

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Can you tell us a bit more about your career path at Tech387?

I joined the company after completing my bachelor's. I got an opportunity to make my initial career steps while being a student. Working and studying builds strong working habits and makes the person resilient to pressure. In the past two years, I managed to complete my Master's as well. That might be a clue about how flexible the company is and how we encourage our employees to grow.

My Master's was the perfect opportunity to use the real-world knowledge I got at work. It was challenging to work and study simultaneously, but it was motivating!

Upon joining the company, I started working on small tasks. It was a process of proving myself as an asset to the company. However, I must admit that I was not alone during this process. The CEO of the company Arslan helped me throughout each task. Arslan was a perfect mentor and leader who taught me a lot about self-confidence and diligence.

I came a long way from completing small tasks to being the person in charge of all finances. The marketing and people operations departments love talking to me because I always try my best to cover their expenses. Here at Tech387, we know that a happy employee means a happy customer, and that is the reason why I ensure that all the departments receive needed budgets while keeping the company profitable.

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What are the three words to describe Tech387?

The three words that describe Tech387 are: harmonious, ambitious, and lively.

We share similar values. We set goals ambitiously - this creates a lively atmosphere of motivated individuals and a positive work culture.

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What is your favorite part about working for Tech387?

My favorite thing about Tech387 is my colleagues. Sharing the office space and collaborating on different projects is just magical. As I am the only person who deals with finances, I get the opportunity to take part in almost every project. Boredom is not a word that I know. 

We are an international team, and working with people that come from different cultures and backgrounds represents a chance to expand my horizons & learn daily.

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What does a financial controller do? Guide us through your day.

Every working day starts the same way. My priority task is to check the account balance, paying extra attention to all account activity. As a financial controller, I need to ensure that the corporate finances are as neat as a new pin. 

This might be shocking, but my second activity of the day is going through my emails and replying. *Laughs* 

I create my daily tasks based on the weekly plan and urgent tasks. Consultations with the POP department and higher management are also part of my daily activities. 

All of these activities are standard day-to-day tasks, but the crazy period for me is the budgeting season, which is about to end in a couple of days. Need I say I haven’t slept well for the past couple of weeks? The holiday break is just what I need.

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What is the most challenging part of your job?

The hardest part is to optimize the budget. It’s not only about profits and salaries. It is about investments and allocating budgets to all the departments. My two biggest nemeses are the POP and marketing departments, just kidding. I love them because they make our team happy and our brand reputable.

I have to ensure that all the commitments towards the government get covered and that we don’t fall behind on any payments. It is challenging to keep everything spick and span.

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Why did you choose this career path?

I love when people trust me and have a sense of responsibility. The thing that I appreciate the most is when people put their trust in me, and I would never allow myself to let them down. 

I am a person who loves responsibility, and taking care of finances carries a lot of responsibility. What can I say? Numbers stop being boring after they pass a million! *Laughs*

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How do you spend your time outside of the office? Who is Mensur when he is not a financial controller?

As my colleagues and friends know, I am a big football fan. I enjoy watching football, so you can imagine how much I enjoyed the World Cup in Qatar, especially the finals. It was nerve-wracking, but one of the best matches I have ever watched. I also play FIFA on my PC and follow news from around the world. But that is not where the football story ends. I also play amateur games with my friends regularly.

Weekends are for friends and family. I use my free time to visit cousins and spend some time with them at our weekend getaway house. My friends and colleagues are welcome to the summer house for a barbecue and fresh air. I enjoy the beauty of nature. 

I also try to use my free time to improve myself professionally. There is always something new to learn in finances and risk management. In the previous period, I was busy completing my Master's Thesis, but now I am starting a new course. 

I use my vacation time to travel, and I have to admit that I enjoy getting to know different cultures. My favorite country I have ever visited is Greece because it has a lot of historical landmarks, excellent food, and a great football team. *Laughs*

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What are your three most overused words/phrases?

Most of the times I say things like:

1. "Unreal..." when something is fascinating

2. "You know me..." when I share funny personal stories with people

3. "Easy peasy" when something is straightforward

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Last but not least, your message for young people

Education is one of the most important things. No matter what others say, you have to invest in yourself. Having goals in life is an excellent way to be happy.

My trick is to set short- and long-term goals. Short-term goals once completed, give you a confidence boost and motivation to focus on the long-term ones. Learning about your capabilities is a fantastic feeling. I recommend everyone to try my method. 

Work hard to achieve your goals, and don’t let superficial temptations come your way. Sometimes catching up with a friend right before a big exam seems like a good idea, but try to get some sleep and pass that exam the next day.

The results that come after diligence are incredible. Don't take my word for it - try it out yourself.