Nikolaj tells ACCA members: ‘I’m proud to work for values-led company’

Nikolaj is part of the Financial Planning and Analysis team focused on improving efficiencies during a period of rapid growth for Mainstream

Mainstream Finance Business Partner Nikolaj Perekotij gives his ‘view from’ inside one of the world’s leading pure-play renewable energy companies, in this article for Accounting and Business, the online magazine for members of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

I started my role as a finance business partner in May 2022. It’s a very exciting role and involves collaborating with several teams, including commercial, finance transformation, business development, project management and financial reporting across various global regions.

I will be assisting in the preparation of the group’s three-year budget and working as part of a wider FP&A team to help analyse the group’s performance in the most efficient and effective way possible with a goal of improving processes and eliminating non-value adding activities.

I’m proud to work for a values-led company. Our strategy for a just energy transition includes a commitment to sharing the benefits of renewable energy with the communities we are working in, ensuring no-one is left behind as our vision is realised.

My near-term priorities include gaining a better understanding of the business, our processes and regional activities. This involves building relationships and visiting our offices in Chile, South Africa and Asia Pacific. I recently came back from a two week trip to our office in Santiago, which was a very rich and valuable experience. I’m also highly involved in implementing a new FP&A reporting tool along with reviewing and optimising our existing processes and reports.

A traditional challenge for the wider renewable energy industry has been establishing long-term policies and frameworks to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Our strategy of government engagement is focused on helping policymakers to put in place the energy market reforms and regulatory frameworks that give a clear line of sight for long-term investment.

One trend of increasing importance concerns collaborations across all aspects of the supply chain. Mainstream has a proud record of identifying the right partners to expand its footprint in the right markets, and the common theme is that they all share MRP’s vision, mission and values.

Working with Mainstream teams around the world is one of the ‘exciting’ aspects to Nikolaj’s role, and has already provided an opportunity to explore Chile since joining the company in May

Momentum behind renewable energy is gaining pace. Last year’s COP26 climate action summit showed acceptance of renewables as an affordable, readily deployable solution. This year, there is a new realisation that they can deliver energy security and independence. It all adds urgency to improving the workforce diversity that’s needed to drive a truly global energy transition, and this is something MRP is working on in all fields, including finance.

I have a lot of interests outside of work. Personally, I believe in achieving a balance between a healthy mind, a healthy soul and a healthy body. I go to the gym, do horse riding, travel, read and try different foods, among many other things, with the aim of ticking all the boxes.

I believe that the key to achieving a work-life balance is planning: planning your days in advance, prioritising, and not being afraid to ask for help or to say no – although recognising, of course, that this becomes a little more complicated at the start of a new role!

The most important business lesson I have learned in my career is to respect and love yourself. Nobody should tolerate a working environment where they feel undervalued and disrespected. There will always be employers who recognise and appreciate your potential, skills and personality.

• This article has been reproduced, with kind permisson, from the September issue of ACCA’s member magazine Accounting and Business.