Quick questions for a Regulatory Affairs Associate
Meet Cirlene, a dance-loving Regulatory Affairs Associate who digs into legal systems, sharing her extensive knowledge with colleagues and customers. Her expertise lays the foundation for compliance within Pagero solutions and opens new markets for our customers. Originally from Brazil, she now lives in Gothenburg and can offer valuable insights into what it’s like to move to Sweden.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you ended up in Sweden?
Sure! I came here because I met a tall, blue-eyed Swedish guy in Brazil, and we started dating. Six years later, I moved here. In Brazil, I worked in Quality Assurance in the automotive industry. I hold one Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and two MBAs in Quality & Productivity and Strategic Business Administration.
What’s your role at Pagero?
I work in Regulatory Affairs, mainly with compliance. This means I research legislation and CTC mandates to understand how they work in various countries. I then inform the company about them, so that we can make sure all invoices sent through Pagero comply with respective regulations. Part of my job is also keeping our customers updated about what’s going on in terms of mandates and such things – perhaps more than making them compliant, keeping them compliant.
What’s a typical day at work like?
I usually write compliance updates and alerts. Everyone in the team is responsible for specific countries, but since all of us need to know about all countries, we share information internally. Additionally, I prepare and hold webinars and presentations, and answer questions from our internal customers (other departments at Pagero) about e-invoicing, CTC mandates and pertinent legislation.
Do you have any hobbies that you are passionate about in your free time?
I love dancing, and I used to dance a lot of salsa, bachata, sertanejo, zumba, forró, and samba. When I moved here, I joined the local samba company. Unfortunately, my schedule hasn’t allowed me to dance that much lately. In Brazil the traditional music and dances are very much a living tradition, everyone knows them and participates.
“We collaborate, share information, and help each other. I really like this way of working. It’s kind of a friendship, but still professional.”
What was it like moving to Sweden?
I love living here and I love Sweden, but winter is not my favourite season. I really don’t like cold weather and cold water. However, I did try going into the sauna and then taking a dip in the ocean! Culturally, moving here was a bit of a shock. Swedes can be social and friendly once they get to know you, but they also tend to be a bit formal. I have been to a few parties here where they sat elegantly drinking wine, smiling and talking. In Brazil, when we party it's noisy, everyone dances… it is a party.
What motivates you most in your work?
For me, it’s learning. This is an area where you are continuously learning. It is not possible to stay in this field if you don’t stay up-to-date and evolve.
Why did you decide to work at Pagero?
I applied for the job because it was within compliance, which I had a lot of experience in, although the specific field was new to me. During the recruitment process, however, I also started learning about Pagero and I really liked what I saw. I need to feel that I belong in a company to work there, and I do that here.
What's the best thing about Pagero and working here?
The atmosphere in my department. We collaborate, share information, and help each other. I really like this way of working. It’s kind of a friendship, but still professional.
What would you consider the most awesome tech invention from the last century?
Internet. I can now talk with my friends and family on the other side of the planet. I would not be working with the things I do if it weren’t for the internet.
