An illustrator once described the AOI as “a little organisation with a big voice”. This is a very true statement, and our big voice is not only possible thanks to all the illustrators and members who contribute to it, but also to the dedication of our passionate staff team.
Get to know them in our new series of interviews! Starting with Helen Ridley, we continue our series with Tsveta Todorova, who joined the AOI team last year as our new Finance Manager. Find out more about her role as well as her interests below.
Hi Tsveta! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at the AOI.
Hi, my name is Tsveta and I am the Finance Manager at the AOI. I am looking after the financial side of the organisation and assist members with finance related questions. This can range from direct debits, updating bank accounts and debit/credit cards on record, and outstanding balance on accounts.
What does your working week look like?
On Monday I look at my priorities for the week and what tasks need my attention. On Wednesday I check where I am with my task list and what needs to be completed by the end of the week. I think it is difficult to quantify my weekly responsibilities as they vary from dealing with internal matters to assisting members with their queries. I started in September 2022 and so far, every month has been different from the previous.
What’s your favourite thing about your role? And what’s the most challenging?
One of the things I love about my role is the people I work with. We all come from different backgrounds and bring different skills and life experiences to the table. In terms of the role itself, I like the variety.
The challenging bit for me is when I have clashing deadlines. As much as I try to plan there is an element of uncertainty, but that keeps it interesting.
What’s been your favourite experience at the AOI to date?
A few come to mind. One of my favourite things is getting monthly cat updates from one of our colleagues, Fig. It puts a huge smile on my face and makes my day.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Photography and travel have been my greatest passions for quite some years. In the pandemic, I picked up cooking. Lately, as I study an accounting qualification, my focus is mostly on finance even outside work.
What 3 things would you recommend to watch or listen to?
Book: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hussaini.
It is a sad book, so have your napkins ready.
Movie: 3 Idiots by Rajkumar Hirani.
One of my favourite movies. Please do not be fooled by the title- it is a great movie, a comedy with a message!
Exhibition: Thin Air, The Beams.
An immersive experience with light beams. It’s one I’d really like to see in the near future and it is running until July 2023.
Thanks you Tsveta for taking the time to answer all questions!
Continue meeting the rest of the AOI Team:
– Helen Ridley, Awards Coordinator.