In the fast-changing world of accounting, strong leadership is essential to keep teams aligned and clients satisfied. Dovilė Pundinienė, Head of Accounting in the Baltics at Leinonen, has been leading the charge since the Baltic operations merged in early 2024. With a career spanning over a decade at Leinonen and a strong presence on LinkedIn with 8,000+ followers, Dovilė is a respected expert in her field.
In this interview, she shares insights into her career journey, the challenges of uniting three countries under one accounting function, and the future of accounting in an increasingly digitalized world.
What inspired you to pursue accounting, and how did your career lead you to Leinonen?
I have always been drawn to exact sciences, especially mathematics. By the 10th grade, I was sure I wanted to study economics. I earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in accounting and finance from Vilnius University. My career in accounting began during my bachelor’s studies when I had an internship at a local accounting firm. I immediately fell in love with the field and have been in it ever since.
Before joining Leinonen, I worked in a small accounting firm handling clients from various industries, then moved to an in-house accounting role at a furniture manufacturing company. While this was an exciting experience, I realized I missed the dynamic nature of working with multiple clients. That’s when I applied to Leinonen, and everything happened very quickly—I sent my application late in the evening, and by the next morning, I had already received a call for an interview. The company’s values, culture, and professionalism stood out to me immediately, and even after 10 years, I still experience that “wow” effect working here.
It has been nearly a year since the Baltic countries were unified under one accounting function. What were the biggest challenges you faced in this transition?
This year has been full of challenges—some expected, some surprising. I had to build my team from scratch, familiarize myself with different accounting regulations and processes in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and establish a unified working culture. For the first two months, I focused solely on learning how things functioned in each country before implementing changes.
The biggest challenge was shifting the mindset from working as separate national teams to thinking as one Baltic unit. Each country had operated independently for 30 years, so bringing everyone together required careful communication and collaboration. It was a bumpy road, but I enjoy the process because it allows me to create something valuable for both employees and clients.
How do you ensure seamless collaboration among teams in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, considering cultural and regulatory differences?
Strong communication is key. At the beginning, people were understandably cautious, wondering what kind of leader I would be and how things would change. However, I am an empathetic person who values listening and teamwork. My approach has been to work closely with employees, understand their perspectives, and integrate the best practices from each country rather than imposing one country’s way of doing things on the others.
For example, Estonia is known for its highly digitalized tax and business environment, while Lithuania and Latvia follow more traditional frameworks. We are taking Estonia’s best digital solutions and applying them where possible in the other two countries. Similarly, clients in Lithuania and Latvia often value a more personal approach, which we are integrating into the overall Baltic client experience.
The accounting industry is rapidly evolving with automation and AI. How do you see the profession changing in the next five years?
Automation is already reshaping accounting, and this trend will continue. Simple bookkeeping tasks will become fully automated, and accountants will shift towards advisory roles. Instead of manually entering data, accountants will analyze reports, provide insights, and act as strategic advisors to clients.
At Leinonen, we are already seeing this transition. Clients expect us to be more than just bookkeepers—they want financial advisors who can help them make informed business decisions. Those who embrace technology and develop analytical and advisory skills will have a strong future in the industry.
Those who embrace technology and develop analytical and advisory skills will have a strong future in the industry.
Dovilė Pundinienė
What has been the client response to the unification of the Baltic accounting teams?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One of the biggest benefits for clients is the introduction of a single point of contact for multiple countries. Previously, if a client operated in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, they had to coordinate with separate accounting teams in each country. Now, they have one key accountant managing all three countries, making communication and reporting much more efficient.
Clients appreciate the simplicity and consistency of this approach. They no longer need to juggle multiple contacts and can receive unified financial insights for their operations in the region.
Leinonen operates with strong Finnish values. How does this set the company apart from local firms in the Baltics?
When I first joined Leinonen, I immediately noticed the difference in culture compared to local firms. The Finnish approach to business emphasizes transparency, fairness, and employee well-being. For example, during the Christmas season, Leinonen gives employees additional paid time off to spend with family—small things like this show that the company truly values its people.
Many employees at Leinonen stay for a long time, and I believe this is because of the supportive environment. The company provides growth opportunities, invests in its employees, and maintains a strong ethical foundation.
Leinonen values transparency and professional growth. You have embraced this by building a strong presence on LinkedIn—what inspired you to become so active on the platform?
It started when we worked with an HR agency that introduced us to the concept of employee ambassadorship. I took part in a training program on LinkedIn strategy and decided to become an ambassador for Leinonen. At first, it felt a little intimidating, but I quickly realized the power of sharing insights and engaging with professionals.
Now, I see LinkedIn as an opportunity to contribute to the accounting community, connect with industry leaders, and attract potential employees and clients. Some of our new hires have even mentioned that my LinkedIn presence influenced their decision to apply to Leinonen.
You have a demanding leadership role. How do you unwind in your free time?
I love reading, especially leadership books and detective novels. If I find a great book, I can stay up half the night reading it! Traveling is another passion—whether it’s exploring different cultures, enjoying nature, or simply experiencing new cuisines. I also enjoy painting by numbers—it’s a very relaxing activity that helps me switch off from work and focus on something creative.
Maintaining work-life balance is crucial. While my role is demanding, I make sure to set aside time for hobbies and family.
What are your professional goals for the coming years, and what advice would you give to those looking to grow in their careers?
My priority is to continue strengthening the unified Baltic accounting function at Leinonen. I see a lot of potential for further integration and growth. On a personal level, I have some career goals that I am working towards, but I will keep them as a surprise for now!
My advice to others is to dream big and take action. Small steps lead to big achievements. Hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace change have shaped my career, and I believe they are essential for success in any field.
A huge thank you to Dovilė for sharing her insights and experiences with us! It was fascinating to hear about her journey and the future of Baltic accounting under her leadership. We wish her continued success and look forward to seeing what the future holds for her!
