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ANNA BLOM
The controller who
enjoys variation
Being in a workplace where there’s a lot going on and where the duties
vary has always spurred Anna Blom, Group Controller at Mellby Gård. She
worked as an accountant for 16 years, and in that role she developed a
taste for working with different companies facing a variety of issues and
challenges. Anna joined Mellby Gård in 2014.
“Although I’ve been part of Mellby Gård for many years now, a
number of my colleagues have been here even longer than I
have. This shows we really love our jobs, and that this is an
exciting place to work. The Andersson family are keen to make sure
everybody thrives.”
What she likes most about her job at Mellby Gård is the variety,
the fact that her duties change as the year progresses. Although the
consolidated accounts are a common theme in her work, she also
provides vital support to many Group subsidiaries. Her duties include
working part-time as a Compliance Officer for the subsidiary Excalibur
Asset Management AB.
“I worked at different offices, in different cities and in different roles
over the years in my previous position, and this involved everything
from auditing to method development, marketing and HR matters.
I mainly worked with international companies and non-profit
organisations. When I left, I was a bit worried about switching to a job
where I might spend more time at the same office every day and end
up working with the same figures over and over. But it soon became
clear that this job is the best of both worlds, because I have lots of
contact with the subsidiaries as well.”
GREAT INTEREST IN THE OUTDOORS
Outside work, Anna is keen on outdoor activities. She enjoys riding
and beekeeping. She’s also gone hunting a few times. Her dog Jussi,
a Kleiner Münsterländer, accompanies her on these trips, and he’s
welcome in the office on weekdays, too. Anna is planning to take her
hunting exam this year.
“I’ve been fascinated by the outdoors for years, and hunting adds yet
another dimension to being out in the countryside. Now I’m about to
take my hunting exam, and I hope this will give me opportunities to go
hunting with Jussi in the future. Jussi is a lovely dog – he comes with
me to the office occasionally and is very keen to join in with our coffee
breaks!” laughs Anna.
Anna ended up at Mellby Gård rather by chance. She didn’t know all
that much about the company when she saw the ad for the controller
position.
“I already knew Rune, and I knew Mellby Gård was an investment
company. It’s actually a variety companies that work with different
things, which is something I really like. When I saw the ad, I knew
straight away that it was for me!”
Anna describes the Group Controller role as being fairly similar to
acting as a consultant. Working on the consolidated accounts does
form a basis, of course, but she also has a lot of contact with all the
subsidiaries that report their financial details to Mellby Gård. She’s
responsible for both in-house and external financial reporting.
“Contact with the subsidiaries, being able to monitor different types
of businesses and their development, is the best part of my job.”
Companies and sectors all face different issues and challenges. So I
end up learning new things all the time. And even though the accounts
framework doesn’t vary, the issues and challenges do, whether I'm
working with a hedge fund, a funeral director or Mellby Gård’s own
farm.”
IMPRESSED BY COMPANIES’ TRANSFORMATION DURING
THE PANDEMIC
After a tumultuous 2021, Anna is now looking forward to seeing how all
the companies continune to grow and develop – but she’s also hoping
to see some exciting new acquisitions. And it’s also gratifying that the
finance department took on a new colleague, Tamara Dubyna, just
before Christmas.
“I think it’s impressive to see how well the Group and all its
companies have coped throughout the pandemic, that they’ve been
able to adapt and emerge out the other side. In line with our business
strategy, Mellby Gård has supported its companies throughout the
period and allowed them take the time they needed. Looking ahead to
2022, I hope things will continue to go well for the companies and that
they won’t face any more setbacks due to the pandemic. And of course,
it’ll be exciting to see whether any new companies join the Group.
“I’m very much looking forward to seeing all my colleagues in the
office again, too, and going to visit our companies and meet them face
to face, just as we always did before the pandemic. I think 2022 will be
be a good year!”
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