Sara joined LUSEM in 2007, having already been employed at the university since 1994, including working as an internal auditor. Coming to a faculty full of economists as an economist herself has worked well, she says with a smile, noting that not everyone is an accounting specialist.
"It feels a bit surreal, but still good, and I’m even somewhat looking forward to it. As an economist, you're often focused on planning for the next year, and when the budget is done, it’s time to finalize the previous year's accounts, which means going back in time. Now that I'm about to stop working, it will be more about the present, and I have a positive feeling about it," Sara says.
Perhaps this is why her plans for the near future aren’t very concrete. Sara envisions doing other things, traveling, experiencing new environments, and having more time for her family and friends.
Looking back, much has changed since she studied economics in the 1980s. The current buildings didn’t exist; classes were scattered all over Lund, with some held at Sparta and others at "Gamla Kirurgen". The digital revolution has taken off, and government regulations have shifted.
In her role as head of finance at LUSEM, she has led and coordinated several change initiatives related to the implementation of new financial administration systems and procedures, as well as organizational changes.
When describing her work, she often emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking and transparency, given the economic conditions of the faculty. It’s something she hopes and believes will continue with her successor, Therése Ljungdahl.
"In recent weeks, I've gotten to know Therése, who is taking over after me, and I’m confident it’s going to be great. I’ve really enjoyed my time at the School of Economics. I want to thank all my colleagues and managers for the excellent collaboration over the years, and I will miss you all."