Inga Baranauskienė is our beloved Finance Manager. She is a person who had never imagined herself working for the gaming industry, but now it seems like one of her best career decisions!

Inga is really structured and responsible on the one hand, but on the other hand, when she closes her laptop, she’s an adventurous and outgoing individual. Let’s meet her!

Could you tell us the story about your career path and education?

My own experience is probably not quite traditional. I studied computer programming, but due to circumstances at the time, I retrained in finance. Since then, I have been actively working in the field of finance, but the subject of programming gave me a great advantage, and due to my occupation is always nearby and helps me a lot.

I joined Wargaming’s Lithuanian office when it was just developing in mid-December 2020. At that time, it was just the beginning of settling in Vilnius, so I had the opportunity to go through all stages of the company’s growth and change.

Name several reasons why you chose to join the gaming industry. What is so attractive in the game industry?

I have been working in the gaming industry since 2015, and it has been a lucky break for me.

I did not consciously choose to enter the gaming industry. The thing is about luck when you meet the right person at the right time and place, and they help you make a decision that turns out to be a great success. To this day, I’m still grateful to that person.

In 2015, I met a man who owned a game development studio. At that time, the game industry was not very well-known or popular in Lithuania. But unknown things are often attractive. Especially if the person you meet is so charismatic! So, I really liked those ideas, projects, approaches, way of thinking and drive. I didn’t think long – after receiving the offer, I joined the team!

Working together was easy, probably because I have both a programming and financial background. This made it possible to quickly understand and absorb information, work with it, and deliver results, insights, and suggestions.

This experience shows that there is no need to be afraid of challenges or to leave your comfort zone – new things force you to do it, but if you are open and try, you will definitely succeed.

Could you share your perspective on what is so unique about Wargaming?

Wargaming is a large and very multicultural company. We have a powerful community. Everyone is open-minded and tolerant, so building strong relationships with colleagues is easy. It’s also great to see how friendly and supportive our team is. And in general, it is a good indicator of a healthy work environment.

Also, working here, you have to learn and adapt very quickly. It forces each of us to improve in many ways!

What’s so special about your area of responsibility?

Finance is a very structured and responsible area. I believe that discipline is an essential part of doing my job right. It’s also important to be able to work through complex problems with unusual solutions. And no jokes with numbers!

I strive for accuracy and efficiency in all of my work, but I also understand that there is so much more that goes into being a successful finance manager than mere numbers. As such, I am constantly trying to stay up-to-date with new developments in the finance world and educate myself on both new technologies and best practices.

By the way, it’s nice to have experienced colleagues at other Wargaming offices.

Could you share your thoughts about the privileges of being in Lithuania? What do you like the most about this country? Tell the fact why everyone should visit Lithuania!

I am a proud Lithuanian, and I love my country. I am convinced that living in Lithuania is the best ratio of ecology, comfort, culture, friendly people and economic stability.

In my opinion, Lithuania is perhaps only by Italy, but only for vacations :)

Overall, I’m so lucky to call Lithuania home and would highly recommend anyone considering travelling here gives it a shot – you won’t regret it!

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are pretty diverse, but my main passion is photography. I enjoy exploring new places with my camera – it’s a great way to capture the world’s beauty. I also love travelling, tending to my garden and taking care of plants. Recently I’ve been feeling a push to get back into horse riding – something I used to do a lot when I was younger. It’s always exciting to pick up an old hobby again and see how it fits into your life now.

Do you have a joke to tell?

The biggest jokes are of life – when you say that you should never do something. And ta-dam ­– you do it! And you’re even happier about it.

What advice would you give to a new joiner?

Advice for new joiners – be open, flexible, brave and ready for personal changes! Here it’s the same as when you get to a big city. You must learn how to drive on 4 or 5-level highways and still maintain speed.