A day in the life of a Finance Manager
This month, we shine a spotlight on Estara staff member Iolanda Calabrese to find out more about her and her role as Finance Manager.
How long have you worked with Estara?
3 weeks
Describe your job in 25 words.
Lead the day-to-day financial operations of Estara – ensuring the integrity of financial systems, accuracy of reporting and the insights that enable strong organisational decision-making.
If your role had a slogan, what would it be?
It's more than just numbers – it's about partnering with the business to understand what the numbers represent and their impact on the business.
What are the top 3 things you must get done each day in your role?
Check in with the Finance team to ensure that bills are getting paid and billing is occurring.
Monitor the financial performance of the organisation to ensure that there are no surprises.
Promptly respond to financial queries from the organisation.
Tell us about a typical day in the life of a Finance Manager and the things people may not know you do.
One thing that I have learnt from being in Finance Manager roles for over 10 years is that no one day is the same - every day brings new challenges and problems to solve. You think you have the day all planned out until you walk into the office, and you encounter a whole range of tasks and activities that aren't on your to-do list.
What’s your favourite snack or coffee order?
Almond milk latte and anything coconut flavoured – coconut ice-cream, bounty chocolates, cherry ripes, coconut flavoured peanut butter. Yum!
What song best describes your workday rhythm?
Pump up the Jam by Technotronic – because the deadlines just don't stop - the work continuously needs to get pumped out!
What are you…
Reading? I am reading Under Her Care by Lucinda Berry (psychological thrillers are my go-to)!
Watching? I don't watch much TV, but I am an avid fan of Grey's Anatomy – 22 seasons and counting!
Listening? I'm currently listening to the Mel Robbins podcast and Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families podcast.
What’s the best part of working at Estara?
In the short time that I have been working with Estara, I am enjoying working with the friendly, passionate and dedicated people of the organisation; knowing that they are making a difference in the lives of our clients.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
When I'm not working, I enjoy reading, group gym classes, having coffee with friends, cooking with the family, visiting my 96-year-old grandma and of course, spending quality time with my three kids such as bike riding, nature walks, visiting the local library and attending theatre shows.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Before Kids - Vietnam (such a beautiful culture, delicious food and the sites are amazing especially the colourful markets) and Rome (I love the pebble stoned streets, architecture and historical sites around every corner).
After Kids - Cairns, Normanville, Victor Harbour (anywhere near a beach and bike trails).
Have you got any interesting facts about you ?
Hmm, interesting facts...
I have (accidentally) attended the Logies red carpet. A long story but one of the highlights was meeting the cast of Home and Away, Rebecca Gibney, Marina Prior and Dannii Minogue.
I have had a gym membership for 28 years – if only I had bought shares at the beginning!
Thanks Iolanda! Look out next month for our next staff feature.