My Career Path: from childhood choices to finance consultant in Europe
Not as a standard CV presentation, but to get to know each other better, I would love to describe my career path - from childhood choices, through career challenges, to where I am today.
Welcome! I am Ira Sadovnik, 27 y.o., a Senior Financial Analyst working at ideals and an independent finance consultant for growing businesses and individuals.
My professional journey started in the 4th grade when I read a poem ‘I grew up as a business woman’. Even as a child, I loved counting money - whether it was gifts from relatives or earnings from my little business (I used to sell small items to my classmates, and they paid with their pocket money).
At high school my favorite subjects were - maths, geography and physical education. Now I work in finance, travel 4-6 times a year and do sports every day.
?? University
Driven by passion for business, efficiency, and building connections, I pursued my studies at Odessa National Economic University with a Bachelor degree in International Economics, studying all subjects in English (many thanks to this possibility). Then I realized the need for more practical business knowledge, so I completed a Master’s degree in Accounting, speciality - Analysis of business process in entrepreneurship. And it is exactly what I am doing right now - something quite rare among people.
?? First Step
At 21, I started my first career-related job as an Audit Assistant (though my very first job was at 13 - I’ve always loved working :) I audited marine industry companies, analyzing ship efficiency. That’s when I began studying for the ACCA and passed the Tax Compliance exam. After one year, I quit and started my journey as an independent consultant.
A 9-to-6 office job, sitting at a desk even when there’s nothing to do? Not my style. I’m passionate about results and efficiency.
?? Challenge
I started to work in a hospitality sphere, and it was a total challenge - to build a financial system from scratch without any experience working as an accountant. However, I had a strong theoretical foundation, a desire to succeed, access to online courses, and a wide professional network. That project was just the beginning - now there are four restaurants with management reporting presented in Google Sheets and auto-renewable dashboards, all working successfully.
?? Growth
After a couple of years leading the finances of a small family-run restaurant business and managing a team of three accountants, I knew it was time to grow internationally. I wanted to work in a larger company where I could keep learning and evolving. That’s when I joined ideals, a fast-growing SaaS company.
In my current role, I focus on building rolling forecasts, long-term financial models, and strategies for new market entry - one of my recent projects was creating a 5-year revenue model, that helped shape its go-to-market strategy.
Ability to drive business decisions and changes through a comprehensive analysis inspires me, and I see vast opportunities for growth.
?? Sharing Knowledge
Along the way, I started sharing my expertise with small and medium-sized businesses and individuals. My goal here - is to develop a clear, effective, and realistic financial model that supports in reaching business and personal goals.
As a financial consultant, I break down complex financial concepts into clear and simple terms - whether it’s analyzing personal finances or calculating the ROI of building a new tennis court / cafe / shop.
I follow principles of mindfulness in finance management, aiming to promote a trend toward conscious and straightforward financial practices.
I continue to support businesses by providing concise financial insights. I am the one who drives efficiency and positive change, and that is what motivates me.
I’ve become the businesswoman that little girl in the 4th grade dreamed of becoming.
Nice to meet you!