Tomek is a graduate of MBA at Oxford Brookes University and has completed the CIMA programme. He has worked for many years in financial management, process design and optimisation in multinational companies, playing an active role in achieving strategic and financial goals, as well as contributing to the development of people at all levels of the organisation. He currently works at Ambiens, where he serves as CFO, advising the board on current issues as well as on strategic and long-term objectives.

Why Ambiens?

Ambiens is simply a place for people with passion. Dedicated to a cause which is important and crucial for all of us. A competent team led by the owners of the company, Michał and Paulina, who perfectly understand the needs of the Ambiens squad and create a unique working atmosphere under the #oneteam mindset

What would you suggest to a person wanting to join Ambiens?

There’s a reason why Ambiens is Poland’s leading RES consulting firm. Find out why.

Before you joined Ambiens, you worked for other companies, very often international companies, and brands. What guided you in accepting the challenge of working with Ambiens in relation to your previous experience?

From the very beginning, it has been obvious to me that working directly with the owners of Ambiens gives you much more opportunities to have a real impact on business decisions. Further on this, a clear division of competences along with some autonomy supported by regular dialogue for operational and strategic directions. This all happens based on open discussion, trust, and “space” to act based on an agreed agenda which is very important in our cooperation. This is what I needed and, in a way, expected when we entered the first talks in August 2021. I make no secret of the fact that I needed to leave the “corporation world” and it is a pleasure to work with the Ambiens team. I want to be part of it.

Tell me about your passions

Sport. When I was in 4th grade of primary school, I joined a volleyball class. I played volleyball for a few years until the local sports club closed and a basketball team was set up in its place. It was 1991 and then I “swallowed the basketball bug”, I fell in love with this sport and my idol has been Michael Jordan. Watching Chicago Bulls games was a must-watch, following recap games with detailed analysis of Jordan’s performance took up most of my time in high school 😊 In 2011, a friend called and invited me to the squash court. I had no idea what awaited me, and it turned out that playing squash is an addictive sport, competitive and “supplied with” lots of calories burned. I have been playing regularly for over 10 years now and don’t look forward to stopping 😊.

Tomasz Fajfer

In hindsight, what helps you to achieve your career goals?

Two elements are important to me here. Asking questions when I don’t understand a topic, while producing ideas that I thought were interesting. Also, I love working with people who “take on an entrepreneurial mindset “, who are not afraid to take on challenges, are open and honest. The greatest professional satisfaction I derive from the personal development of my co-workers and the fulfilment of their goals. Every contribution to their success puts a smile on my face. This is super important for me.

What does work as a CFO mean to you?

Business partnering is playing an increasingly important role. Of course, the accuracy and compliance of financial statements remains a key area, but there is an increasing emphasis on helping the business understand the numbers, shape strategy, and generate value through advanced data analysis. Hence, for example, controlling departments do invest time analyzing and working closely with the business, ideally at all levels of the organisation. New technologies play an important role because of the chance to automate selected repetitive processes in finance departments.

What are your plans?

I want to share my experience with others. Influence business decisions. Evaluate directions, challenge status quo, and assess returns on investments made, not necessarily financial. Hence, also contribute to the culture of the organisation and to its growth.

How do you spend your free time?

With my family, preferably actively, but if not, most importantly together during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or simply over a good coffee, which I love. After 2 years of living in a pandemic, I am looking forward to the upcoming holidays this summer.

Tomasz Fajfer

Sea or mountains?

In summer season, surely the sea – relaxing with a good book on the beach with the sound of the sea in the background, recharges the batteries for the next season. In winter, the mountains are my next passion because I love skiing.

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