The people behind the numbers: interview with Agnese Gintere, RSU Administrative Employee of the Year

Behind financial statements and budget figures, there are always people, their work and the goals they strive to achieve together. This is something Agnese Gintere, Senior Financial Controller at RSU Financial Control Unit, knows well from her day-to-day work. In October this year, she received the RSU Annual Award in the category of Administrative Employee of the Year. 

For more than 15 years, Agnese has been responsible for financial processes at the university, making a significant contribution to budget planning and execution. Her colleagues appreciate not only her precision and sense of responsibility, but also her patience, helpfulness and willingness to explain complex matters, offer assistance and work together to find solutions. 

A conversation with Agnese about her professional journey at RSU and her hometown of Cesvaine, which remains her peaceful oasis. 

Recognition that brings joy and inspiration 

What does the RSU Annual Award, presented by your colleagues, mean to you? 

To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised. I received lots of heartfelt congratulations and heard so many kind words. I am happy to be part of the wider RSU team, which includes so many skilled and positive colleagues. 

Your colleagues particularly appreciate your patience, sense of responsibility and willingness to help. Which personal qualities do you consider most important? 

I have always approached my work with a strong sense of responsibility. I think this is something my family instilled in me from an early age. At the same time, I have always enjoyed working with people, listening to them and finding compromises. 

Patience is certainly one of the qualities that helps me both in finance and in day-to-day collaboration. There are often different situations and needs behind the numbers, so it is important to take the time to understand the situation, see things from another person’s perspective and find a solution. We all have our own work to do, and it is important that we can help and work together. 

More than 15 years at RSU 

You have worked at RSU for more than 15 years. How did your professional journey at the university begin, and what has kept you here for so long? 

After completing my bachelor’s degree at the BA School of Business and Finance, I went on to pursue a master’s degree at Riga Technical University. It was around that time that I joined RSU, quite simply by applying for a vacancy. Back then, I could not have imagined that this decision would lead to a fulfilling professional journey lasting more than 15 years. 

I started out as an accountant in the Finance Department, where I became familiar with RSU’s accounting processes. Even then, my work involved close cooperation with colleagues and other departments. Later, I continued working in finance as a financial specialist, and I now work in the Financial Control Unit. 

RSU is a large and diverse organisation, so working in finance is interesting and never monotonous. The university has more than 140 units, each with different responsibilities. Each has its own needs and specific requirements, which makes the work varied and interesting. 

This work has allowed me not only to understand how each structural unit operates, but also to see how RSU has grown and become stronger over the years from a financial perspective. 

Financial knowledge that helps others 

What is the most challenging aspect of your work, and what gives you the greatest satisfaction? 

At times, the challenge is the amount of work that needs to be completed in a relatively short time. For example, during the budget planning period, I need to liaise with all RSU units, prepare the necessary information and carry out various types of financial analysis, while the greatest satisfaction comes from being able to help colleagues resolve financial issues. Even if a question seems minor, it can be very important to the person seeking an answer. 

When I first started working in the Finance Department, more experienced colleagues emphasised that administrative staff should help academic staff and other colleagues with financial matters. Our colleagues work in research and technology and are experts in their respective fields. We, in turn, should use our knowledge and expertise to support them. Everyone has a part to play in this collective effort, and I always keep this in mind. 

Cesvaine – a place to return to 

You were born and raised in Cesvaine. What continues to connect you to your hometown? 

Cesvaine will always have a special place in my heart. It is where I spent my childhood and school years. 

Cesvaine Castle is particularly dear to me. I had the opportunity to attend school in the castle until the end of Year 10. Unfortunately, I also witnessed the devastating fire that destroyed the castle in 2002, which was a very painful experience for many people in Cesvaine. I remember that cold winter morning when people stood outside the fire-ravaged castle, shocked by what had happened. That is why it is such a joy to see that the castle has gradually regained its splendour. Whenever I return to Cesvaine and have some free time, a walk to the castle is almost a must. 

Cesvaine is also my second home, as my parents live there. It is a place where I can switch off from everyday life and find peace. In a way, it is my haven of peace. 

Apart from my parents’ home, there is no one particular place that draws me back. In fact, there are many such places in Cesvaine, as each is associated with childhood memories of things I did, learned or got up to. That is probably one of the things that makes a small town special. 

Movement, sports and shared adventures 

Working at RSU can be demanding. What helps you recharge, enjoy life and maintain a sense of balance? 

I like to exercise and clear my head after work. I have been skiing for many years now, and it is still one of my favourite things to do. My home region of Vidzeme is close enough to Gaiziņš for me to round off the skiing season there almost every year. Winter there often lasts well into March and April, when the snow has already disappeared elsewhere. 

Last summer, a running club for RSU staff and students was set up, and I am involved in it too. It is a great way to spend time together and get some exercise almost every week, simply for the fun of it. I enjoy walking, trips to the seaside, Nordic walking and longer hikes in the mountains. I also enjoy travelling and discovering other countries. 

I am also a keen supporter of Latvian sport. I particularly enjoy following ice hockey, basketball, and biathlon, cheering on Latvian athletes both at home and abroad. I really enjoy sharing these experiences with other fans, and this sense of togetherness strengthens my sense of patriotism. I also regularly attend concerts.

My husband has always supported my interests, and he is also my favourite companion on all kinds of adventures. Sometimes, he even gives me a little nudge and makes sure I do not get lazy. 

I think it is important in life to stay interested in what is going on around you, keep active and appreciate the people around you. That is what gives me energy in my day-to-day work. 

Agnese Gintere received the 2026 RSU Annual Award in the category of Administrative Employee of the Year in recognition of her long-standing and significant contribution to the university’s financial processes.