There are jobs, behind-the-scenes jobs, that not many people want to do, because they require hard work, rigor and seriousness, but also the ability to work as part of a team without necessarily being in the spotlight and reaping the glory. Nadja Lamisch possesses these qualities and has successfully carried out the mission entrusted to her: treasurer of Joomla.
At the end of her term, she stood for re-election and was re-confirmed in her post. This well-deserved re-election was well worth an interview to get to know the woman who holds the purse strings.

Congratulations on being re-elected as Treasurer for Joomla, Nadja! You’ve been our Treasurer for 2 years now, could you tell us what this job entails?

Thank you so much! I’m truly honored to have been re-elected. As Treasurer, I’m part of the board and we meet every two weeks. I’m responsible for overseeing our finances and ensuring everything runs smoothly. This involves working closely with our bookkeeper, who I meet with monthly to review our accounts. I keep a close eye on all incoming and outgoing payments, making sure that invoices are paid on time and reimbursements are processed promptly. At the end of each year, I work with our accountant to prepare and finalize our tax documents.

Why did you decide to run for another term?

The job has become a well-integrated part of my routine, and I’ve become quite adept at managing the responsibilities it entails. More importantly, I have a deep appreciation for the work Joomla does and take great satisfaction in contributing to its success. Being on the board has been a rewarding experience, not only because of the professional growth but also because of the wonderful team I get to work with. The strong sense of teamwork and the enjoyable atmosphere during our meetings have made this role particularly fulfilling. These factors combined made the decision to run for another year an obvious and easy one.

If you look back on the things you've done since your first election in 2022, what are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of implementing regulated processes and simplifying our accounts. When I first took on the role, our financial systems were quite complex and often cumbersome. By introducing more streamlined procedures, we’ve been able to make our workflow much more efficient. The old systems are still in place, but they are rarely used now, which speaks to the success of the new processes. This has not only made my job easier but has also benefited the entire board by providing clearer financial oversight and reducing the time spent on administrative tasks.

Were there things you hadn't expected to happen, or things you’d underestimated?

Absolutely. One of the biggest challenges we faced, which we’ve mentioned several times before, was dealing with our bank. At the beginning, it was incredibly difficult to manage our accounts due to various complications on their end. Even now, we occasionally encounter issues with the bank that can be a bit puzzling.

What does it take to be a good treasurer?

I believe consistency is key. Regular work helps maintain a clear overview of the finances. This regularity ensures that nothing falls through the cracks and that every transaction is accounted for. It's crucial to stay on top of things, even if the workload varies from week to week. Some tasks, like monthly reports or reconciliations, are due less frequently, while others, such as tracking daily transactions and processing invoices, require more regular attention. Organization and proactivity are essential to keep everything running smoothly. Additionally, having a good working relationship with the bookkeeper and accountant can make a significant difference, ensuring that all financial matters are handled efficiently and accurately.

What is it you like so much about Joomla and its community?

The people, without a doubt. I truly love our community. We recently had Joomladay DACH, and it was fantastic to reconnect with everyone. It's like a big family reunion, where you see familiar faces and meet new, wonderful people each time. The warmth and bond within the Joomla community are unmatched. There's a shared passion for what we do, and that enthusiasm is contagious. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by such dedicated and supportive individuals who genuinely care about Joomla and each other.

What is it like to be on the Board? 

Being on the Board is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s rewarding to influence key decisions and steer Joomla’s direction. The teamwork and problem-solving are enriching, and the connections you make are invaluable. The work can be challenging, but seeing your impact on the community makes it all worthwhile.

What do you see as the most important job for the treasurer within Joomla? 

The most important job for the Treasurer within Joomla is to ensure financial health and transparency. This means overseeing transactions, maintaining accurate records, and using funds effectively to support Joomla's goals. Providing regular financial reports to the board is crucial, as is fostering strong relationships with bookkeepers and accountants. Ultimately, the Treasurer ensures Joomla’s financial resources are managed responsibly, enabling the organization to thrive.

What should be our biggest challenge, as Joomla, now and in the future?

I believe our biggest challenge is finding new people to support and contribute to Joomla. Increasing our community members would distribute the workload more evenly, preventing burnout among our dedicated volunteers. Anyone can participate and make a difference. Growing our team not only makes the workload lighter for everyone but also brings fresh perspectives and ideas, ensuring Joomla remains innovative and vibrant in the future.

How can we help in achieving these goals and addressing the challenges?

Be a volunteer! Everyone has something valuable to contribute. By volunteering, you can help spread the workload and prevent burnout among our current volunteers. Whether it's through coding, documentation, marketing, or just spreading the word about Joomla, every little bit helps. By getting involved, you become part of a vibrant community and can make a real impact. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn new skills and meet like-minded people.