60 years with the masters of testing: Kateřina Bajerová

When I was working for my previous employer, we received a request from SZU for temporary assistance. They were short of accountants (due to long-term illness and an employee leaving), so I started helping out in the accounting department at SZU.
I got to know the testing environment and met new colleagues. I proved myself and we all got along so well that after two years at SZU, I was offered a full‑time position.
I hesitated for a long time—it was a tough decision, because I had worked for my previous employer for 22 years. On the other hand, I already knew the Engineering Test Institute and knew what to expect. So one thing led to another, and now it’s been four years since I joined.
And I don't regret it. Today I work as the Manager of the Accounting and Invoicing Department and, together with my team of six colleagues, we safeguard the company’s finances and ensure that all data and cash flows run precisely, efficiently, and flawlessly.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I like playing with numbers.

Is there a moment or project you are truly proud of, and why?
I’m happiest after the accounting closing, when I know everything worked out perfectly and balances down to the last crown.

Does your work ever impact someone’s real life?
"Yes, our work has a direct impact on the companies we cooperate with. By carefully ensuring timely processing and payment of all invoices, we help our suppliers operate without delays and uncertainty."

What does your typical day look like? Or does no such thing exist and every day is completely different?
Most workdays are fairly similar, but now and then there’s a day when it feels like the whole company has conspired against me—my door is constantly opening and everyone needs help with something ;)
Whether it’s correcting an invoice or another document, helping fill in a form for a customer, or just giving advice on how to proceed with a task.

What is something few people know about you?
I enjoy playing billiards and I have two cats.

What is the biggest “oops moment” you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it?
Just this week, I had quite an embarrassing moment. I’m not exactly the best at parking, and on one parking lot I wasn’t able to get out of my parking space. A man parked next to me watched for a while, then got out and offered to help. I was already a bit desperate, so I accepted. But as soon as he sat behind the wheel, he immediately got out again—he realized my car had an automatic transmission and it scared him.
He then decided that if I sat next to him and shifted the gears for him, we could manage it together. And we did ;)

How do you recharge your batteries outside of work?
By cycling, gardening, and taking trips with my family.

What lifts you up the most when you're having a bad day?
Talking it through with someone. I always feel better afterwards—especially if it's over coffee and something sweet.

What would you like to tell people who don’t really understand the testing and TIC sector yet? Why should they know it exists?
Testing is a very interesting and meaningful field because it ensures the safety of the products we use every day. Thanks to it, we can all rely on the fact that the products around us have been verified and work the way they should.

Thank you, Kateřina, for the interview!
The SZU Team