Instru Optiikka carried out a development project for a service company that required strong skills in financial management and process development. NIS consultant Maija Rinta-Laulaja supported the project. Instru Optiikka carried out a business development project aimed at improving and automating operational and financial processes within its service business. The project required input from multiple functions across the organisation and was supported by an expert with extensive knowledge in financial management, systems development, and project management. NIS identified the right person for the assignment, and Maija Rinta-Laulaja—who has expertise in financial management, a strong understanding of IT systems, and solid experience in project management—joined the team. A successful collaboration Since the goal was to develop the company’s entire service operations, expertise from several Instru Optiikka teams was required. At the beginning of the project, Maija’s role was to act as a process development expert within financial administration. As the project progressed, she also took responsibility for coordination and communication across the entire initiative. The expert team at Instru Optiikka and the experienced NIS project consultant quickly found common ground. “It was fantastic to see the team’s willingness to change and improve. The project had a great spirit from the very beginning, and we were able to solve problems quickly. It was a pleasure working with such a team” says Maija Rinta-Laulaja. Throughout the project, the emphasis was on collaboration. In addition to leading the project, Maija fully applied her expertise for the client and also participated in hands-on work. “A close-knit team was the key to success” Maija emphasizes. Team members felt that challenges were solved together rather than individually, each focusing only on their own role. The collaboration with NIS was also considered excellent by the team. Proof of future development The project not only resulted in a functional solution for the service business needs, but also in more efficient financial management processes. “We have been very pleased to have found such a versatile talent as Maija for our team. She took responsibility naturally and carried out her work thoroughly. This collaboration was highly successful” says Nina Norberg, CFO of the company. The shared journey provided valuable learnings and a strong foundation for the continued development of the service business. “I believe the client also gained new ideas about project management that they can use in future development initiatives” Maija adds. Instru Optiikka Instru Optiikka is a pioneer in the optical industry in Finland and Estonia and part of the international EssilorLuxottica group. Their operations are driven by a desire to be a market leader in vision care and their customers’ first choice. They serve customers through the Instrumentarium, Nissen, and Keops chains.

An experienced Business Controller supported the finance team during a transition period and year-end reporting, while an ESG expert helped develop and implement CSRD reporting. During the summer of 2024, Witted Megacorp Oyj’s finance department faced a transition period with limited resources while recruiting a new Business Controller. To ensure continuity and maintain the finance function during the recruitment process, the company strengthened its team with an experienced finance consultant, Annika Tuomala from NIS, as Interim Business Controller. Annika quickly integrated into Witted’s finance team and brought strong expertise in financial management, reporting, and forecasting. She oversaw daily financial operations, further developed reporting processes, and ensured compliance with financial controls. After Witted successfully recruited a permanent Business Controller, Annika’s role evolved to supporting the finance team during the year-end reporting process. At the same time, Witted identified a need for additional support as the company prepared its first sustainability report in accordance with the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Witted selected ESG expert Aura Koikkalainen from NIS as an ideal partner to provide specialized guidance and support in developing comprehensive ESG reporting that meets the new requirements. Aura further developed Witted’s double materiality analysis, guided the ESG data collection process, and compiled the preliminary sustainability report. In addition, she helped increase employees’ understanding of the new requirements by organizing internal training sessions. Annika and Aura worked closely with both finance leadership and operational management to ensure reliable financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis. They contributed concrete insights that supported key business decisions. With the support of NIS consultants, Witted’s finance team was able to complete the financial statements and annual report within the required timeline, while ensuring regulatory compliance and working closely with external auditors to facilitate a smooth audit process. Throughout the entire transition period, the NIS consultants applied their professional expertise to maintain and significantly strengthen Witted’s financial and ESG-related reporting practices, contributing positively to the company’s continued growth and stability. About Witted Megacorp Oyj Witted Megacorp Oyj is a software development company that helps digitally advanced customers build and scale software development teams. The group’s revenue in 2024 amounted to EUR 53 million. It employs approximately 375 IT specialists, some of whom work as independent consultants and others as employees. In addition to its headquarters in Finland, the Witted Megacorp group also includes companies in Norway, Sweden, and the United States.

When Sofigate’s Group Financial Controller decided to pursue new challenges, the company needed someone - at short notice - to take responsibility for group reporting and lead a finance team of five. Despite the request arising in the middle of the summer holiday period, NIS was able to quickly provide an experienced interim professional for the role. A successful collaboration for the second time Sofigate is a leading Nordic business technology company. In the summer of 2024, the company’s Group Financial Controller chose to pursue new challenges. Annina Kaaja from NIS stepped into the role of Interim Financial Manager at the end of July. “This was the second time we relied on NIS’s interim services. We knew they had the right people for our needs, and that proved true again. Annina quickly took ownership of the responsibilities and stepped into a key role in an exemplary way,” says Virpi Hentunen, CFO at Sofigate. The interim solution enabled a rapid placement in this critical role, as a permanent recruitment process would not have been completed before the previous employee’s departure. In addition, Sofigate wanted more time to define the role and its responsibilities ahead of the new hire. One-to-one meetings strengthened an open discussion culture In her role as Interim Financial Manager, Annina’s main responsibilities included group reporting and leading a team of five within external accounting. In her leadership role, she succeeded in building strong dialogue within the team. This was supported by the monthly one-to-one meetings she introduced. “Sofigate truly had a highly competent team of ‘Sofigators,’ and trust worked well in both directions. Still, I wanted to offer team members a regular channel for open dialogue, so everyone would have the opportunity to raise topics that might not otherwise come up during the workday,” Annina explains. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Annina was involved in group reporting, including monthly reporting and the preparation of financial statements. She was also responsible for cash flow forecasting and management, reporting and monitoring fixed costs, and participated in merger and VAT projects. At Sofigate, her ability to clarify and simplify complex topics was particularly appreciated—especially in the fixed cost development project. A highly skilled finance expert delivered on short notice Sofigate would not have been able to fill this critical role before the previous Group Financial Controller’s departure. The collaboration with NIS ultimately lasted seven months. When the permanent position was advertised at the end of 2024, Sofigate quickly found the right candidate. Annina ensured a smooth transition by onboarding her successor. NIS finance experts can quickly step into new roles—for example, during a recruitment process. Our consultants offer specialized expertise tailored to your company’s specific needs, without requiring long-term commitments. Assignments can be flexibly extended and continue for as long as needed. Interested in hiring an interim expert? Learn more and get in touch with us here.

When people hear the word consultant, they often picture a suited outsider showing up with a PowerPoint and a long list of everything you’re doing wrong. In reality, modern consulting is about partnership, practical solutions, and creating meaningful change together. Here, we break down four common myths - and what actually happens behind the scenes. 1. “Consultants only point out what you’re doing wrong.” Myth in practice: You imagine someone walking into the office, highlighting flaws, and then disappearing. Truth: A good consultant is more like a coach than a critic. They roll up their sleeves, work side by side with your team, and focus on finding ways to make things run more smoothly. Feedback isn’t about blame - it’s about identifying the best path forward, together. 2. “They don’t understand our industry or our day-to-day challenges.” Myth in practice: You worry you’ll spend the first month explaining the basics while deadlines pile up. Truth: Skilled consultants start by immersing themselves in your world. They listen, observe, and ask the right questions until they truly understand your market, your challenges, and your team’s daily work. Then they create solutions tailored specifically to you - never a one-size-fits-all template. 3. “Consulting services are expensive and only deliver short-term value.” Myth in practice: You see a large invoice and wonder whether anything will really change in the long run. Truth: While consultants are an investment, the return extends far beyond the duration of the project. More efficient processes, stronger decision-making, and clearer strategies can deliver results for years - and often save significantly more than the initial cost. 4. “Consultants aren’t committed—they come and go.” Myth in practice: You picture someone working for a few weeks, sending a report, and moving on to the next client. Truth: At NIS, our consultants often work with clients for several months - sometimes years - and become part of the team. This long-term approach builds trust, deep understanding, and results that last. Having a consultant on site isn’t about an outsider coming in to judge - it’s about creating real change, together. With the right partner, you get more than expertise: you get someone fully invested in your success. Thinking about consulting support? Let’s talk about the results we can create for your business.

The financial year-end period is the most intense phase of the year for many companies. During Q4-Q1, the amount of reconciliations, reporting and auditor contact increases significantly. At the same time, finance departments are often affected by sick leave, personnel changes or projects that have been delayed. This means that the need for extra support increases significantly. Why interim solutions make the biggest difference An interim consultant can step in quickly and take responsibility for critical moments in the process. This reduces pressure on the regular team and ensures that important deadlines are met. Since consultants are used to working in new environments, the impact is clear from day one. Higher quality in financial statement work When the workload is high, the risk of errors in reporting increases. An experienced interim consultant contributes with security, structure and quality, and also facilitates the dialogue with auditors by being able to quickly handle questions and explanations. Which roles make the biggest difference? The roles that most often create the greatest impact are: Accounting economist Financial Controller Group Controller Business Controller Effects we often see Companies that strengthen ahead of financial statements typically experience: Shorter closing times Fewer adjustments afterwards Less overtime A more stable and structured process Do you need reinforcement? NIS helps companies with interim expertise in accounting, controlling and reporting. Please contact us if you would like to strengthen your team for the annual closing.

Dealing with IFRS reporting can initially feel overwhelming. However, it doesn't have to be complicated. With the right experienced partner by your side, even the most challenging reporting can be successfully completed. Why outsource IFRS projects? The IFRS standard requires in-depth knowledge, and creating calculations and documentation from scratch is time-consuming. By leaving IFRS projects to specialists, you ensure the best possible results while saving your own team time. When going public or if you have a foreign parent company, an IFRS conversion project may be relevant. The transition to international accounting standards is a comprehensive process that requires the right support. NIS experts have successfully completed even the most complex IFRS conversions. Interim support is also a smart choice. If you need to cover for parental leave or reinforce the team during intensive IFRS closings, NIS can quickly provide experienced interim consultants. NIS helps you with: IFRS conversions and project management Interim support, for example during parental leave or organizational changes Advice on complex IFRS and consolidation issues Implementation of new standards (e.g. IFRS 16 Leases) Purchase price calculations according to IFRS 3 Development of accounting manuals IFRS support for corporate acquisitions Ongoing advice and practical support in IFRS consolidated accounting NIS consultants support you throughout the entire IFRS journey – from planning to practical implementation. And we don't leave you alone after the project is over, but remain there to support you when you need it. Why choose NIS as your IFRS partner? Rapid access to experts – Our consultants have deep IFRS expertise and many years of experience in consolidation and interim assignments. Reduced risk – We have documented experience of complex IFRS projects, including conversions for Valoo and KH Group . Practical and smooth service – We work closely with both staff and auditors and train you in the new standards. Business Focus – Each project is tailored to the customer's business, lifecycle and resources. Our goal is to make even complex issues as simple as possible. Do you need practical IFRS consultation and want to know more about NIS? Contact us here.