In conversation with Zehra Sönmez
Zehra Sönmez joined Lindström in 2020 as an invoicing and accounts receivable specialist. Since then, she has risen to the role of centralised order to cash team manager in the Finance department located in Helsinki.
Zehra moved from Turkey to Finland to work for Lindström just before the pandemic began. In Turkey, she had worked as a CPA, with Lindström Turkiye as one of her clients. Upon moving to Finland, Zehra faced the challenges of adapting to a new country and company, all while navigating the difficulties of a global pandemic.
There are always opportunities to grow
Zehra worked as an accounts receivable specialist for one and a half years and as an invoicing and account receivable specialist for six months before being promoted to a senior position within the same team. She was later promoted to team manager for invoicing and accounts receivables (OTC).
Zehra’s team is responsible for the Baltics and Southeast European countries. Despite the geographical divisions, all team managers collaborate closely, functioning as a single cohesive unit. She leads a team of seven, contributing to a total of nineteen people under the management of two team managers.
Zehra joined a new team when starting at Lindström
Zehra Sönmez works for the Centralised Core Function team, which was established a year before she joined Lindström. The team was still finding its footing and receiving tasks from various subsidiaries in different countries, meaning team members didn’t know each other well. It took extra effort for Zehra to adapt to a new culture and company and integrate into the team. Her then-manager supported her onboarding by pairing her with a senior member who showed her the ropes in the office. Gradually, she learned to navigate all the new aspects and has since thrived in her role.
The people are the heart of the company
The onboarding process has since improved significantly, making it easier for newcomers to integrate into the team. Now, as a team manager, Zehra finds it incredibly important to support her team and new members from start to finish. She takes pride in sharing her knowledge and experience with those around her.
The most important thing is to let people know they are supported and trusted. If there is something she doesn’t know, she will always find someone who does to ensure the right information reaches the right people. She values the diverse stories and backgrounds of her team members, seeing them as a source of richness. They also maintain close contact with local teams, ensuring a smooth flow of communication.
The “We Care” Culture
The “We Care” culture at Lindström truly prioritises its employees, which is evident in many ways. Lindström ensures that people feel welcome, regardless of their country of origin, and makes sure they are comfortable within their teams. While everyone can do the work, finding the right people who fit Lindström’s culture is key. When hiring, Zehra focuses primarily on a person’s attitude and whether they will fit the team and Lindström. Work experience and education are secondary considerations for her.
Zehra finds the work-life balance at Lindström excellent; employees can design their work flexibly. Trust is a cornerstone at Lindström, with no micromanagement. The company offers new opportunities and supports professional growth, making it simple to move between departments.
Who: Zehra Sönmez
Role at Lindström: Centralised order to cash, Team Manager
Location: Helsinki, Finland
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