A Day in the Life of Florencia Coordinator, Office Services

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born in the Philippines and from grade school my family moved to various cities due to my father’s job. I learned new dialects, made new friends, adjusted to new schools and immersed myself in varying cultures. Those experiences prepared me for my move to Sydney more than 25 years ago. 

A short while after University, I worked in human resources where I supported managers in recruitment and staff development. While studying a Master’s in Business Administration, I discovered that finance was interesting. So, when I moved to Australia, I switched careers. I was employed as a trainee accountant and later became a business reporting analyst, assisting with implementing accounting system automations and upgrades.

Why did you join Anti-Discrimination NSW?

I joined ADNSW in 2014 which was an excellent decision as I’ve learned so much about human rights and social justice. As I didn’t grow up in Australia, I knew little about Aboriginal culture and history but through ADNSW I’ve become friends with Aboriginal people and been privileged to experience Aboriginal culture. 

I’ve stayed at ADNSW as I’m inspired by the passion of my colleagues to eliminate discrimination and I want to be involved, even in an indirect way. 

I love change and learning new things, and so when the SAP system was introduced during my second year with ADNSW, I wanted to be a part of the team that would implement the change. 

Can you describe your role?

I am the Coordinator, Office Services. I support the Executive Manager with financial management, office administration and some HR matters. These involve a wide spectrum of tasks and so my workdays are varied. I may have a quiet moment reviewing our operating statement and then the next hour I will be moving around the office checking on equipment and assets! 

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic stretched my flexibility and I am proud to be part of a team that provided the necessary support so that office services, such as maintenance and mail collection, could continue. Our team was the last to work from home and the first to return to the office.

What do you like most about your job?

I am content to be in the background supporting managers and staff fulfill their roles. I enjoy the opportunity to be in the community, helping the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Team at the Yabun Festival and other outreach activities.

I like that the processes involved in my job are dynamic and respond to changes. At the moment, our records management system is being digitalised and accounting processes are being updated to be harmonised with the wider department. 

Although a personality test would describe me as an introvert, I enjoy interacting with people and my job provides this opportunity.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I love the outdoors – the smell of the sea and the grandeur of the mountains. I do bush walks and road trips. I also visit galleries with friends and get mesmerised by a Rembrandt or an Impressionist painting. 

I come from a musical family that loves to sing and play musical instruments. I used to be with a choir and that kept me busy during Christmas and Easter seasons. 

I also help with community outreach through my church and the Filipino community.