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The financial sector in Georgia is not only burgeoning in the traditional sense but is also experiencing a revolution influenced by global trends. This is particularly true for international logistics companies like Girteka. Working in finance within an international logistics company presents the opportunity to navigate worldwide economic trends, coupled with understanding various countries’ economic climates, work principles, and legislative differences.
Opportunities for young generations
The historical narrative of Georgia’s financial landscape is intriguing. Once predominantly traditional, the financial sector has evolved into a contemporary powerhouse, a transformation greatly influenced by the logistical demands of international corporations. One such example is Girteka Business Services (GBS), established in 2022, in the heart of Tbilisi. This is one of the opportunities today’s young talented Georgian people have.
“Working in finance in an international company offers the opportunity to gain exposure to global markets – a captivating experience that also allows you to follow worldwide economic trends,” explains Davit Dvalishvili, Cargo Claims Specialist at GBS.
Today’s GBS is mostly covering financial and digital services that can be easily conducted remotely, from countries like Georgia, to assist Girteka’s operations in Europe. There is also another factor that more and more often convinces large enterprises like Girteka Group to establish shared services or offices in Georgia.
The employment statistics of the last decade depict a significant upswing in finance-related roles, particularly in logistics-driven financial positions. But this growth does not come without challenges.
For young aspirants, the blend of global logistics and finance can be daunting, because of gaps in specialized education and the need for practical experience. Moreover, penetrating this sector often requires a strong network. Companies like Girteka and their shared service structures allow young people to have an accelerated start.
“Young people face great challenges, especially in the financial sector, because there are serious problems in universities where the education is insufficient and without any practice. Also, one of the main challenges is that without the right contacts, it is very difficult to get into serious institutions,” explains Natia Mirzoiani, Insurance Risk Management Specialist at GBS.
Gathering international experience locally
“For all employees, including people working in the financial department, it is very important to have a comfortable environment at work, good pay, teamwork, frequent communication between the employer and employee, exchange of ideas and decisions made on the basis of mutual agreement. In my opinion, these are the most important points that make any employee as motivated as possible,” says Mirzoiani.
Georgia offers vast opportunities for young people to gain experience in European companies like Girteka. Followed by the changed working environment after the pandemic, today’s market is more open to work across borders with services located in different capitals, conducting supportive functions for whole groups of companies. This is exactly the case with GBS.
“I have only 6 months of experience working at Girteka, but I have already managed to move from one position (bookkeeper) to an interesting and promising position for me (Insurance Risk Management Specialist), in which the attention of HR and their efforts to provide maximum protection of the interests of employees play a major role,” reveals Mirzoiani, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Beyond academic and practical skills, it is pivotal to build a robust network and join professional financial associations in Georgia that can be a steppingstone to that end.
Personal growth
Working in an international company offers unparalleled avenues for personal growth, as evidenced by the experiences of individuals like Dvalishvili and Mirzoiani. Dvalishvili points out that his stint in an international setting has been a cultural eye-opener; he has not only gained insights into Lithuanian culture but has also significantly improved his English language skills. Furthermore, he has managed to fine-tune his focus and has evolved into a more goal-oriented individual.
Similarly, Mirzoiani highlights how her role demands proficiency in multiple languages, providing her with a unique opportunity to improve her English and Russian language skills. Her work in accounting and insurance has ingrained in her the importance of attention to detail and a process-oriented thinking. The experiences of these two colleagues collectively underline how international companies serve as fertile grounds for augmenting one’s cultural knowledge, linguistic abilities, and specialized skills. In such an environment, personal growth is not just a benefit—it is an integral part of the job.
