In Division 2, he deals with settlements, and in his free time he is involved in helping young people with a migration background: financial accountant Firas Aldera.
A conversation outdoors: Do you enjoy going for walks?
Aldera: I go for a walk every day. It's important for me to get some fresh air in between, as I sit a lot in my job.
You've been at the university since 2020 - what brought you here?
Aldera: I come from Damascus in Syria and have been in Germany since 2016. In Syria, I studied economics with a focus on accounting and all my certificates were recognised here. I also completed a one-year further education programme in Germany to become a financial accountant. I found out about the vacancy at the university through the newspaper.
What are your tasks in Division 2?
Aldera: At the moment, I'm responsible for asset accounting and reimbursement of expenses. This concerns expenses that are not booked via our purchasing portal. I check these transactions and arrange payment.
I am also involved in some project tasks that contribute to improving data quality.
Why did you choose this job?
Aldera: The most important thing for me was that I work in a field that I studied. I enjoy working with numbers. And I work in a pleasant environment with nice colleagues where I feel very comfortable. That's why I hope that I will also have a future here.
How would your colleagues describe you?
Aldera: Likeable, friendly and very attentive.
What do you do when you're not working at the university?
Aldera: My work with numbers and documents can be dry. That's why it's important for me to have something colourful in my life in my free time. I volunteer at the Kaiser19 meeting centre, where I founded a youth group. With currently 30 children and young people from Iraq, Syria, Morocco and Lebanon, for example, we go to the cinema once a week or go climbing. We also talk about topics that are often not discussed at home, such as love, refugee stories and money.
The centre has already won the Oldenburg and Lower Saxony Integration Awards. What is important to you?
Aldera: That the programmes are aimed equally at children and young people. That is often not the case. I can also pass on my own experience and advice.
What does success mean to you in general?
Aldera: Success means constantly reflecting and trying out new things. That way, I can continue to develop and never stand still.
Interview: Lara Schäfer
