Germany
France
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Hungary
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USA
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Japan
South Korea
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Elena Baisch
Head of Controlling
Employee story Elena Baisch
Position: Head of Controlling
Department: Controlling
With ElringKlinger since: 2018
What do you do at ElringKlinger? What are your responsibilities?
I am responsible for controlling at ElringKlinger's German companies. My team and I have a wide range of tasks. First and foremost, we act as business partners for the German plants. In addition to various ad hoc analyses for the plants, management and the board, we also carry out recurring tasks, such as monthly, quarterly or annual financial statements. The most intensive phases of the year are planning and the annual financial statements.
How did you end up at ElringKlinger and what made you decide to work here?
I always wanted to work in controlling because numbers, data and facts have always been my thing. Towards the end of my master's in Business Administration & Management, I saw an open position at ElringKlinger. The fast response in the application process convinced me: I applied in the evening and received an invitation to an interview the next morning. The second interview was just as quick. I found that very appreciative and it definitely influenced my decision.
"ElringKlinger gave me opportunities repeatedly,
even though I was young and less experienced."
How has ElringKlinger contributed to your professional development?
ElringKlinger gave me opportunities repeatedly, even though I was young and less experienced. I started as a plant controller and quickly took over controlling for the French and Hungarian subsidiaries. Later, I took on Group reporting. During my performance review, I expressed a desire for more responsibility and was supported in the ‘EK Drive’ high-potential programme. While I was still in the programme, ElringKlinger offered me the position of Head of Controlling Germany, which I have held since 2022. It is special that ElringKlinger trusts young people so much and gives them opportunities early on.
What is the best thing about your work here?
Definitely the people. We have a great team, we communicate openly and support each other. We also often help each other across teams. What I particularly like about my work is the variety and the fact that I learn something new every day. In controlling, you also get close to many topics.
How would you describe the culture in your team?
Our team culture is open, direct and very supportive. Friendships have developed and after-work events are regularly organised for the entire department. Our error culture is also strong: it is never about who made the mistake, but how we solve the problem.
"Thanks to flexitime arrangements and the option of remote working, you have a lot of flexibility."
What comes to your mind when you think about work-life balance at ElringKlinger?
Thanks to flexitime arrangements and the option of remote working, you have a lot of flexibility. I usually work three days in the office and two days remotely, which is great because I don't live right on site.
What annoys you about your job or what is particularly challenging?
I get annoyed when we lose focus or when things take a long time. ElringKlinger has grown rapidly and is breaking new ground in many areas. One challenge is that the entire organisation has to keep pace with this growth and these new developments.
Describe yourself in three characteristics.
Direct. Flexible. Quick to learn.
What was the highlight of your week?
A challenging mountain bike tour in the Swabian Alb with wonderful weather.
What do you do to switch off?
I do sports and go out into nature. I play tennis, love winter sports and enjoy cycling. Spending time with family and friends also helps me to switch off. And I actually switch off on my way home from the office.
