At Leinonen Baltics, accounting is more than numbers — it’s about trust, precision, and insight that help businesses make confident decisions. Today, we are proud to introduce Sigita Jackuniene, Head of Accounting at Leinonen Lithuania. Sigita shares her career journey, thoughts on the future of accounting, and what makes working at Leinonen special.
Can you tell us about your career path and what led you to choose accounting as your profession?
I’ve always had a number-driven mindset — it runs in my family. My grandmother and mother both worked in finance roles, carefully ensuring that “balances would balance,” as they used to say. Watching them, I saw that accounting was not an easy profession, so at first, I didn’t plan to follow that path.
When Citco Group of Companies launched its first shared service center in Lithuania, my real accounting career began. Working with diverse international clients, being close to their business decisions, and having the ability to influence the numbers — that’s what truly drew me in. I still remember my very first client call to Luxembourg — I prepared for it emotionally and professionally for an entire day! Looking back, I’m proud of that moment and of how much I’ve grown since then.
How do you ensure high-quality results, stay motivated, and keep learning in such a detail-oriented field?
I enjoy teamwork because it means moving toward a shared goal and celebrating success together. Whether serving clients or collaborating internally, I see it as a partnership where everyone’s input matters. High-quality work is essential because it impacts the whole team.
Analytical thinking is important, but curiosity is key. It drives us to dig deeper, ask questions, and understand the “why” behind numbers. Combined with technical expertise, curiosity turns accounting into a tool for insight and impact.
I stay motivated by focusing on the bigger picture and remembering the value of my work. Clear goals help me stay structured, while preparation, double-checking, and reconciliation ensure accuracy. Teamwork also motivates me — knowing my work affects both clients and colleagues inspires me to give my best.
Learning doesn’t stop after school. I actively seek opportunities through training, certifications, and industry updates. Preparing and delivering trainings for colleagues has helped me grow professionally and personally.
How do you approach collaboration, handle conflicts, and what advice would you give to young professionals?
For me, collaboration is built on communication, trust, and respect. We can have different opinions, but what matters most is working toward a common result. Open dialogue and mutual understanding strengthen both the outcome and the team connection.
I value colleagues who show respect, openness, and a willingness to share knowledge — these qualities create an environment where everyone can grow. When conflicts arise, I approach them with curiosity. Hearing another perspective is valuable, and I don’t believe it’s necessary to always be right. If someone expresses concern, it means they care, and that matters most. Curiosity helps me stay calm and find the best solution together.
My advice to young professionals is to build a strong foundation. Take the profession seriously and learn as much as possible from senior colleagues — their experience is invaluable. At the same time, invest in independent learning. Being able to “read” the numbers means understanding the story behind them and the impact they have on decisions.
How will AI change accounting in the next 5–10 years, and what should businesses and accountants prepare for?
AI will automate many routine tasks like data entry, reconciliations, and reporting. I see this as an opportunity, not a threat. With AI handling repetitive work, accountants can focus on analysis, decision-making, and advising clients — areas where human judgment, ethics, and curiosity remain irreplaceable.
Strong accounting knowledge will still be key. AI can improve efficiency, but it cannot replace professional judgment or ethical thinking. Accountants who combine technical expertise with openness to new technologies will be best prepared. This shift will create new opportunities — moving from processing numbers to interpreting them and guiding business decisions.
Businesses should also prepare for greater transparency and digitalization in taxation and reporting. For example, the upcoming VIDA – VAT in the Digital Age initiative will change how VAT reporting and cross-border transactions are handled, introducing real-time data exchange and e-invoicing. Financial reporting trends point to shorter decision paths and faster close processes. Timely, accurate reporting builds trust and agility, supported by automation and clear workflows.
What makes Leinonen unique, what attracted you to join, and how do you see the company adapting to future changes?
I was drawn to Leinonen because of its Scandinavian approach — equality, respect, transparency, and a strong focus on work-life balance. This philosophy, combined with a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, keeps me motivated and proud to contribute.
Leinonen stands out because every employee has a voice in decision-making. The path to decisions is short — when we know, we act. This creates agility and trust. There’s also a strong sense of responsibility for the services we provide, with everything carefully checked and approved.
Working with international clients is another highlight. Many projects involve multiple countries, which broadens my perspective and deepens my understanding of business. Seeing how different cultures approach accounting keeps my work dynamic and helps me grow.
Looking ahead, I believe Leinonen is well-prepared for industry changes. We stay alert to market trends, participate in professional discussions, and embrace digital innovations. For me, change means progress — finding new ways to serve clients better. With our strong professional base and collaborative culture, I’m confident Leinonen will continue to evolve successfully.
How do you balance work and life, what inspires you, and what advice would you give to your younger self?
I don’t expect every day to be perfectly balanced. Some days require more time for work, and that’s natural. Over time, I make sure to balance busy periods with rest, hobbies, and time with loved ones. Skiing in winter helps me fully disconnect, while traveling and exploring art exhibitions inspire fresh perspectives and creativity.
One book that shaped my thinking is Atomic Habits by James Clear. It taught me the power of small, consistent actions and how tiny improvements lead to big results over time. Few people know that I deeply value volunteering — supporting community projects gives me new perspectives and reminds me how meaningful teamwork can be.
If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to trust your decisions and move forward without regret. Embracing choices, even when they don’t turn out as planned, is a powerful way to grow both professionally and personally.
Thank you, Sigita, for sharing your inspiring journey and valuable insights. Your passion for accounting and commitment to continuous learning show how important this profession is for building trust and driving success. At Leinonen, we are proud to have professionals like you leading the way.
