Early Career Aspirations
Inesa recalls that as a child she loved playing “accountant,” even though at that time she didn’t fully understand what accounting was, nor did she know how to conduct it, and she certainly could not have imagined that this profession would soon involve her irrevocably. Although she began her career in management, while studying for her master's and recalling her childhood dream, she decided to change her professional direction and, encouraged by her lecturer, joined the Grant Thornton Baltic UAB team in 2017 as an intern. “At that time, the scope of payroll services was small, and during my first interview, I was offered a chance to test myself in this area. Initially, I was skeptical, but after starting my internship, I realized what a dynamic and challenging field it was,” - admits Inesa.
While doing an internship and rapidly improving her skills, Inesa tried various Payroll positions - from intern to Payroll Assistant, then to Accountant, and Head of group, until she was eventually appointed Head of the Payroll Department. However, Inesa did not stop there; on the contrary, she continued to amaze with her new achievements, which led to her being invited to join Grant Thornton Baltic UAB as a partner in 2024.
“The key character and personality traits that I believe have fundamentally determined Inesa's remarkable career pace and success are her constant blend of assertiveness and consistency. Taking on a project, task, challenge, client, team - anything she holds in her hands, she carries it forward toward success. Not only does she excel at 'carrying that flag' to victory, but she also inspires those around her by her example”, - shares S. Abakumovas, Partner and Head of Accounting Projects at Grant Thornton Baltic UAB.
Photo: “Grant Thornton Nordic-Baltic Conference”
Competence and Experience
In 2021, when Grant Thornton Baltic UAB separated payroll services from accounting services, Inesa confidently took the helm as Head of the Payroll Department. Her total work experience in the Payroll Department and Payroll Group Management exceeds eight years, during which she has implemented over 80 payroll projects and successfully managed 20 international-level projects.
Inesa actively shares her knowledge with colleagues and clients by participating as a lecturer in GTB Academy activities, as well as at various business conferences, and co-authoring publications on payroll and taxation topics. Due to her rapid professional growth and high results, she was nominated as an emerging Grant Thornton International leader in 2022.
When asked where she draws her strength, courage, and determination from, Inesa emphasizes that since childhood she has been very determined and goal-oriented, as well as having a strong female leadership role model - her mother, who always taught her not to give up even when things get tough. She strives to be an example for others as well.
“Having goals, determination, consistent work, and taking on additional responsibilities and challenges on my initiative”, - are the qualities that Inesa attributes to her professional career advancements. However, she also adds that she is grateful to the entire Grant Thornton Baltic UAB team, leaders, and colleagues who have provided an environment that allowed her personal qualities to flourish. Grant Thornton Baltic UAB is a great place to grow and develop in one’s profession. Colleagues are always ready to help and support, creating a friendly, safe, and motivating work environment. The company’s international character offers the opportunity to expand professional knowledge internationally and pursue new professional heights, helping to overcome many challenges.
And there is certainly no shortage of challenges for Inesa at work, and as strange as it may sound, over time the hardest part was realizing that sometimes not everything depends on you. Delays, lack of information, technical mistakes - all of these Inesa has managed to solve through determination and clear communication. “In my professional path, I have had to make several bold and important decisions - such as the project for calculating summarized working time, when I didn’t even know the applicable payroll tax percentages; taking on group leadership after less than a year with the company; managing international and complex projects after having worked on them for only a few months; overseeing an expanded Payroll Department; implementing the payroll software “Vikarina” - in all these projects I approached with curiosity and determination, despite lacking competence at the time. Was it intimidating? Yes, there were disappointments, but at the same time, each success gave me more confidence in my abilities and encouraged me to move forward,” - says Inesa.
Photo: “I. Greičė with Grant Thornton Baltic UAB Managing Partner G. Makuševas at the company's 20th anniversary event”
Technological Achievements
Inesa is not only competent in her professional knowledge but also advanced from a technological perspective. In pursuit of maximizing efficiency at work and ensuring data security, Inesa has implemented several large-scale projects. She led the implementation of a complex international project platform and successfully resolved licensing issues for another complex project, allowing for the quick transfer of local clients to other payroll systems. She is also responsible for the implementation of the payroll software “Vikarina” and the transfer of clients, dedicating many hours to complete the project successfully in an incredibly short time.
Inesa herself is modest, stating that technology is advancing at an unprecedented speed, so she is just trying to keep up and apply as many technologically savvy work methods as possible. However, her colleagues appreciate and commend her readiness to take action in pursuit of greater efficiency. “Her initiative to improve work processes, implement technologies, and take on other efficiency measures arises not because someone motivated her, but because she sees it as necessary. Sometimes, you barely have time to mention it, and she is already on it,” says M. Mikušauskienė, Partner and Head of Accounting Department at Grant Thornton Baltic UAB.
Team Well-Being
Equally as important as professional development, Inesa values the well-being of her team, which is why she initiates monthly one-on-one meetings and weekly departmental calls to identify potential issues at an early stage. Colleagues describe Inesa as a personality filled with traits of a big heart, sharp mind, and focused energy. “She truly is an example of a wonderful colleague and an inspiring leader,” - adds S. Abakumovas.
When asked what kind of culture she strives to create within her team while encouraging its innovation and growth, Inesa emphasizes trust, collaboration, empathy, and respect for one another. “I really enjoy humor because I believe it helps people relax and see their leader as just another person like themselves”, - states the newest partner at Grant Thornton Baltic UAB. To contribute to the well-being of employees, she joined the GTB Work Council in 2021.
While it is important to be curious, determined, and willing to take initiative on the path of leadership, Inesa also believes it is equally important to trust one's team, plan, anticipate more possible scenarios, and automate certain tasks. Inesa highlights consistency, creating a plan, following it, and not hesitating to ask for help from those who have more expertise in certain areas as her greatest aid to herself and her team. “We all have room to improve, and it feels great to see positive changes in ourselves,” - she states.
Photo: “I. Greičė together with all the partners of Grant Thornton Baltic UAB”
When asked what advice she would give to future leaders, Inesa says: “From my experience, I believe that the easiest path is not always the best, and it can also be very limiting. The courage to challenge oneself and accept those challenges can lead to great achievements and pleasantly surprise us with how much we can accomplish. So, I wish everyone to DARE!”