Meet Rita Péter our Finance Manager

Welcome, Rita, we’re very happy to have you! Could you please start by telling us about your current role at Hypatos and what it entails? 

I’m currently working as a Finance Manager at Hypatos. I’m part of the Finance team, where I am responsible, among other things, for mandatory reporting, including monthly and annual financial closings, financial audits, modelling on profitability per customer and ESG reporting. Additionally, we ensure the safeguarding of our liquidity, which involves tasks such as cash collection from our customers or applying for research grants. Beyond finance, we’re part of the Empowerment group, working closely with HR and Legal to support teams across the company, in areas such as financial guidance, compliance, and strategic planning. This helps the organization grow and navigate its next chapter successfully.

‍

Life Before Hypatos: Can you share a bit about your journey before joining Hypatos? What led you to your current career path, and were there any pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your professional trajectory? 

My journey started in Hungary, where, at 18, I decided to study Finance and Accounting. I didn’t know much about it at that time, but it sounded interesting. After my Bachelor’s, I went on to earn a Master’s in International Economics, studying in English. I also got to spend a semester in Germany through Erasmus, which was an incredible experience.

While finishing my Master’s, I landed my first full-time job at BP’s Shared Service Center in Hungary. Juggling work and studies was tough but taught me a lot. In June 2019, I moved back to Germany and joined a Fintech start-up as a Financial Accountant. That was my first real hands-on experience with accounting in a start-up, and I loved how much impact you could have in a smaller company. I quickly realized that I preferred that fast-paced, dynamic environment over a big corporation. After another role, I joined Hypatos in March 2022, and it’s been a great fit ever since.

From Day One to Now: Reflecting on your time at Hypatos so far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of working here? How do you feel you've grown both personally and professionally since joining the team? 

I started as a Financial Accountant, focusing primarily on accounting-related tasks. Over time, I gained insight into commercial finance, including funding rounds and key aspects of controlling, such as analyzing actual performance against the budget. I also stepped into a managerial role, which has been both a rewarding experience and an exciting challenge.

The Spark of Passion: What ignited your interest in Finance? Was there a specific moment or project that made you realize this was the path you wanted to pursue?‍

I've always found truth in the numbers; it feels like home to me. While I can't point to a specific moment, it's rewarding to see how the reports we create serve as valuable starting points for other teams to improve their processes. 

Navigating Challenges: Every career journey comes with its fair share of obstacles. Can you recall a particular challenge you faced either before or during your time at Hypatos, and how did you overcome it? 

As an international company we must be compliant with various local regulations and therefore also rely on external accountants to support our work. That’s why it’s important to develop a habit of critically reviewing work that is provided by a third party, in order to ensure that it’s up to the Hypatos standards.

Hypatos Team: How would you describe our team and company culture? Any memorable team experiences you'd like to share? 

One of the best aspects of our culture, for me, is the combination of flexibility and trust.

No matter where you are in the world, you have the freedom to get your work done effectively. This supportive environment is one of the key factors that motivate me to open my laptop each day. It's also great to connect with colleagues from different countries during our quarterly offsites, collaborate on the big picture, and plan ahead, while having fun—whether it's escaping from a room, participating in a quiz or working out together. These get-togethers really help us build genuine connections making collaboration much smoother when we're back to our daily routines. It’s a perfect balance.

Personal Projects: When you're not diving into projects at Hypatos, what do you enjoy doing to unwind and recharge? Whether it's a hobby, a favorite pastime, or a fun interest, we'd love to hear about the activities that bring a smile to your face. 

Sports have been a big part of my life since childhood, and I’ve explored a broad range of activities over the years. I played handball for 15 years, participated in two Spartan Races, ran a half-marathon, and enjoyed playing squash, padel, and floorball. I’ve even tried Hot Yoga, which was a unique experience! 

Mentorship and Support: Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development. Have you had any influential mentors in your life, and if so, how have they helped shape your growth and perspective? 

My first manager in Germany, who is a Chartered Accountant, encouraged me to pursue the ACCA qualification. That was the first time I seriously considered furthering my education to become a Chartered Accountant in addition to my university degrees. Fortunately, this was supported by my managers at Hypatos, providing me with the resources I needed to pursue it.

Future Aspirations: Lastly, what are your aspirations for the future, both within your role at Hypatos and beyond? 

Well, in the short term, finishing my studies and becoming a Chartered Accountant.  For the long term, I find that our product can help companies succeed, as I know firsthand how challenging manual invoice processing can be. I still remember my first internship 10 years ago, where my daily tasks included opening stacks of envelopes, numbering the invoices as they arrived, scanning them, entering them into the ERP system, and finally filing them into physical folders.

That’s why, being part of a company, which is creating a solution that helps people work better and faster, makes it even more rewarding. My aspiration is to continue working and developing in an environment that makes life easier through innovation and problem-solving, just like the one we have.  

‍