Jump Back
Eneida Nazaraj is an Accounts Assistant at Barden. She grew up on the beautiful island of Paros, in Greece, studied accounting and finance in Greece and in 2017 moved to Ireland. In 2020 Eneida joined the Barden team. We (virtually) sat down with Eneida recently to learn a little bit more about her…
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Albania and grew up in Greece, on the beautiful island of Paros. I moved to Ireland in 2017 and live in Dublin now. We’re in the process of looking for a new house but it’s pretty hard to get at the moment!
Where did you study?
In Greece I studied at university and hold a degree in accounting and finance. During that time I studied and lived in Crete and did an internship there too, with Eurobank. I also worked in an accounting practice there.
I moved backed to Paros, and started working as an assistant in a travel company.
Not long after I moved to Ireland I started the ACCA exams. They’re on hold at the moment as I’m now studying payroll, with an exam coming up in May!
What did you enjoy most about your time studying?
Meeting with people, making friends, getting to know other people. Going for a coffee in the gorgeous weather. Also learning new things and developing my knowledge and skills. They were my best years!
How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it?
I was 15. I was working in Paros (my island!) as a receptionist with a small hotel, during the summer.
Where did you work before joining Barden?
I was working for Press Up as an assistant accountant.
Why did you choose to work with Barden?
I was in the process of looking for a new role and met the Barden team to chat about my options. They happened to mention there was an open role in Barden. I was really impressed by those I met in Barden, they were very friendly and convincing! I felt I’d know them for years, not just the hour or so that we chatted for. And the rest as they say is history!
What’s the best thing about working here?
Most definitely the environment. The people are fantastic and I feel very safe and secure working here. It really does feel like you are part of a family, and it’s somewhere you can be yourself. For me that’s really important, especially being so far away from home.
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I’m an assistant accountant and work directly with Kevin O’Hara, Head of Finance and Administration at Barden, in supporting the team and business. My role covers anything from billing for placements made, doing temp payroll, to purchase invoices. It’s a super busy role, and I really like. I love being under pressure!
What was most surprising to you about Barden?
How friendly it is and how great the people are. It really is a place where you feel secure and free to express your opinion.
The fun too is great, especially during lockdown. There were lots of fun little projects going on that really helped while we’re all working from home. They helped you to think about something different, and they also got a bit of competition going too!
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
I like learning more and new things…I’m always learning and like to enrich my knowledge in different areas. For example I’m working as an assistant accountant at Barden while at the same time studying payroll, and working to develop my knowledge of the recruitment sector…and who knows recruiter could be my next step!
What three words best describe you?
Fair, correct, a dreamer!
Have you any role models? And why?
Yes, I have. I admire those who have a hard story and never give up.
I also admire the recruiters I work with. They are helping people and helping to actually change lives.
Have you a favourite saying or quote? What is it?
Live your life, be optimistic!
We really should live today. It’s good to make plans but as we’ve seen with Covid those plans can change, and in an instant. Live for today.
Glass half full or half empty?
Half full!
What’s your favourite…
My favourite book is “The Island” by Victoria Hislop, it’s set on the island Spinalonga in Greece. And my favourite movie is WonderWoman.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
Generally I’d love to visit Africa.
But at the moment I’d like to go home to Greece.
And finally, who would win a fight between Spiderman, Batman or Wonder Woman?
I’m a fan of all of them but definitely WonderWoman!