Karoliina – Accountant

Karoliina Kaukua, an accountant, joined Lapp Automation’s finance unit in early spring 2022 after her maternity leave. Over the past year and a half, she has smoothly integrated into the company’s team.

Karoliina graduated as a financial administration specialist and has worked in finance since 2005. Previously, she handled almost all tasks in the finance departments of logistics-oriented industries, except for controller and managerial roles.

“I’ve gone through different stages and understand how the financial cycle works. The finance department is great because you’ll find it in every company, regardless of the industry,” Karoliina explains.

Karoliina’s team manages the accounting for two companies: Lapp Automation and Lapp Connecto. Her own workload varies depending on the time of the month and year. She works on tasks such as processing bank statements, managing accounts receivable, bookkeeping, collections and payment reminders, coding purchase invoices, as well as auditing and financial statements.

Now Karoliina has seen Lapp Automation’s financial cycle for over a year.

“I like that my tasks run smoothly now. At the same time, I keep learning new things, which motivates me. My job gives me a broad understanding of the company’s finances.”

A strong sense of community is a resource

Lapp Automation’s finance team is a mix of experienced professionals and newer members. Currently, the team consists of Karoliina and five other specialists.

“Already during the job interview, I noticed that the staff seemed friendly and experienced. My manager conveyed that the company wants to invest in a skilled and sufficiently large team. I quickly found a great group at the office to have lunch and coffee with. Team spirit is a driving force,” Karoliina says happily.

Collaboration extends beyond the team and beyond Finland

“I work with customer service and purchasing and sales teams, for example in complaint situations when a customer needs a credit. I use English daily. At the turn of each month, we work more closely with finance departments in different countries.”

According to Karoliina, the German-owned group strongly trusts local companies and experts. She sees the family business background as a positive aspect. The best example of this was the football and volleyball tournament held at Helsinki’s Bolt Arena in the summer, which brought together over 800 employees from dozens of countries.

“It was an amazing event, and I enjoyed it to the fullest. I was the captain of LAPP Finland’s volleyball team, and our team included two Polish and two German colleagues in addition to Finns. It was great to meet new colleagues. It’s fantastic that the employer organizes such opportunities for us.”

“You can sense that the owners care about employees’ well-being. LAPP is a great fit for relaxed and energetic people,” Karoliina adds.

Fitness boxing, skiing, and classic American cars

Karoliina lives with her family in Klaukkala. Her commute takes 25 minutes, and during busy weeks, she works remotely a couple of days a week.

“I appreciate our family-oriented company, where families with children are taken into account. Flexibility is important when you have small kids.”

At home, she is greeted by her husband and two daughters, aged 2 and 5. Family life revolves around the children, but Karoliina says she has already returned to her fitness boxing hobby.

“It’s an excellent hobby for an office worker. I also have a long history in skiing, even competing in the past. We’ll definitely ski with the kids as they grow.”

Together with her husband, Karoliina enjoys classic American cars. The couple owns several cars.

“We have a great group of friends we spend free time with. Our latest acquisition this summer is a 1964 Cadillac, which we’ve already taken for a cruise.”

The family also has a cabin in Posio – fittingly on the shore of Lake Kaukuanjärvi.

“Our plan is to gradually upgrade our wilderness cabin for winter use as well,” Karoliina says.

If you have any questions, Karoliina will be happy to answer: karoliina.kaukua(a)lapp.com