When Maida first learned about BIRN, she was immediately drawn to its mission: building serious, independent investigative journalism in a region that needed it.
“Even in its early stages, the organisation already had a strong sense of purpose and ambition. It was clear that this was not just another NGO but a place with a long-term vision. It felt like the beginning of something that wanted to last and make an impact,” Maida recalls.
Before joining BIRN, she worked in the private sector for over 15 years, combining finance, procurement and brand management. That experience helped her to develop skills in strategic planning, project management and efficient resource management, which she later applied at BIRN.
“I started as a Financial Officer, expecting to manage finances in a relatively small organisation. Very quickly, I realised I had joined something much more dynamic.
“As the organisation grew, so did my responsibilities. In 2014, I became Financial Director. Over the years, I was not only managing numbers but I was also building financial systems that could support continuous growth,” she explains.
Looking back, her expectations in 2008 when it comes to BIRN were not only met but evolved alongside the organization; the change in it since her joining has been profound.
“In 2008, we had five donors and projects. By 2010, that number more than doubled. By 2014, we managed 18 projects, and later, more than 35 projects annually. Growth was not only numerical, it was institutional,” Maida recalls.
While she believed in BIRN’s potential, she could not have imagined the scale of regional recognition and influence it would achieve.
“That growth was not accidental,” she says. “BIRN is built on vision, passion, discipline, dedication and long-term thinking. Every aspect contributing to its success has been carefully considered: from journalist training, preparing manuals and books such as ‘Digging Deeper’, a book for journalists on investigative reporting published by BIRN in cooperation with Sheila S Coronel, an expert in investigative journalism and professor at Columbia University.
“It is a practical guide with techniques, advice, story examples and tools that help journalists to develop in-depth investigative skills – which is why many in the region refer to it as a ‘primer’ for journalists,” Maida adds.
Special attention has been given to financial transparency and accountability, building strong teams, professionalizing processes, careful risk management and fostering regional cooperation.
Every detail matters to ensure the organisation reaches its full potential, builds donor trust and has a lasting impact on the region. However, there were some big changes over all this time.
“The biggest changes that I have noticed are the scale and complexity of projects, the number of employees and regional cooperation, as well as the professionalization of systems and procedures and stronger internal controls and financial governance. We’ve evolved from a small operational structure into a mature organisation managing multi-donor, multi-country portfolios with high accountability standards,” she explains.
This growth has required an exceptional level of dedication and effort from the team. “During key development phases, we worked for months under intense workloads and extended hours to build systems, meet donor requirements, and ensure the organisation’s stability and credibility. The progress BIRN has made – from five projects up to 35 – is the result of that sustained commitment and hard work,” Maida notes.
And considering all the tasks she is responsible for, when it comes to her everyday business routine, there is rarely a “typical” day.
“My work includes review of all payments made through electronic banking, compliance with legal regulations, reviewing accounting entries, monitoring budgets, overseeing compliance, preparing all financial data for donor reports, and ensuring the accuracy of our internal financial database. Every transaction matters. Financial discipline is not just technical; it is the foundation of donor trust and long-term sustainability,” she adds.
Explaining what she likes most about her work, she says she loves numbers because “they never lie.
“They cannot be altered to fit wishful thinking and they cannot become what they are not. They reflect reality – unchanging, impartial, and clear. If we listen to them, we understand the true story of our work, our challenges, and our achievements,” Maida says.
What she appreciates most is knowing that strong and accurate financial management creates space for the leadership to focus on key priorities, such as fundraising and strategic development, while journalists can concentrate on producing impactful investigations.
“I have always believed that when finances are stable and transparent, the organisation can operate with confidence and independence. But, if I could change something, I would simplify administrative burdens and reporting complexity, allowing even more focus on strategic growth and long-term development,” she says.
The role of Financial Director, especially managing a large number of projects, is demanding, stressful, and carries significant responsibility. It requires multiple layers of document control and compliance, meeting the requirements of staff, project managers, and audits conducted by authorized firms.
“The work is complex, with many tasks happening simultaneously, and it demands constant attention to detail and coordination. Without a strong and dedicated finance team supporting me – financial officer and administrative officer – managing this complexity and ensuring accuracy and transparency would not be possible,” Maida explains.
In her opinion, one of BIRN’s greatest strengths has always been its leadership and talented people with vision.
“The vision of Gordana Igric, the founder of BIRN Hub, was decisive. Her clarity of purpose, strategic thinking, and extraordinary dedication set the direction for the entire organisation. She worked tirelessly, often beyond limits and her standards shaped our institutional culture.
“Two lessons she shared with me in 2008 have stayed with me ever since: “Never do anything that is not in accordance with the law, and always manage donor funds responsibly and transparently.” I follow these principles every day in my work,” Maida stresses.
From her perspective, the success of any organisation depends significantly on the strength and vision of its leadership. In BIRN’s case, that leadership created a foundation of ambition, resilience and integrity that still defines BIRN today. Other key strengths are highly committed and long-term donor trust.
After a day filled with numbers, reports, and strategic decisions, Maida values moments of calm and balance; she spends her spare time doing what benefits her physical and mental health.
“Spending time with my family helps me to recharge and maintain perspective. I also practice yoga and Qi Gong, which help me stay grounded and focused. These practices bring both physical and mental balance, especially after intensive working days,” Maida says.
She also loves to spend time outdoors. “Whenever I can, I spend weekends hiking in nature. Being outdoors, walking in the mountains, and disconnecting from daily responsibilities gives me new energy and clarity,” she concludes.