Staff Spotlight: Kirill Chernushkin

Next up for our staff spotlight is Kirill Chernushkin!

Kirill is our Controller at Associated Labels and Packaging and is a massive resource to our company. He oversees our Accounting department and is an integral part of our leadership team as he constantly looks for new and innovative ways to improve ALP's processes.

1) How long have you worked at Associated?

I have worked here for thirteen years.

2) Describe your journey at Associated so far.

It's been quite a fun ride. I started in production, running a guillotine machine for cut-and-stack labels for a couple of weeks until a position in the warehouse opened up. I was excited to be in the warehouse – I loved how busy it was, and it was great to interact with production staff and build relationships with people I wouldn’t otherwise have. It also allowed me to learn production processes, and I use that knowledge to this day. And, of course, to annoy my wife during our shopping runs because I recognize every other label on the shelves – “oh look, we print this too.”

I started taking accounting courses to become a CGA while still working in the warehouse. Shortly after, I began volunteering in our accounting department for a couple of hours every day after my shift in the warehouse. Eventually, I transitioned to an Accounts Receivable position on a full-time basis. Since then, it has been a blur, and it is hard to believe I am closing in on my 14th anniversary here – time flies when you are having fun. Well, I am an accountant, and “fun” for me is spending hours investigating and fixing a $1.00 discrepancy.

3) How would you describe the work environment?

I would say we have a sense of togetherness and unity. Working with friends makes everything much more enjoyable.

4) What is your favourite thing about working here?

Collaborating with other people. The feeling of accomplishment and comradery we get to experience whenever we achieve something as a group is incredibly energizing.

5) What's been your best day at work so far?

This is a difficult question – it’s almost like deciding which of your children is your favourite. I have had many fantastic days here, and they are always made better by the great people I share my days with.

6) What are you most proud of since working here?

Realizing how far we have come as a company over the years. Whether it’s something extremely technical or anything related to how we treat each other at work, we continuously grow as a group. It makes me proud to be part of this family every time I think about what we have achieved.

7) What is the biggest challenge you've had since working here?

The pandemic. It brought a whole set of challenges that we had to learn to navigate and overcome.

8) Do you have a particular moment or memory at Associated that stands out for you?

There are so many to choose from. We usually have either a Christmas party or a summer barbeque each year, and those always produce fond memories. 

9) What does a typical day look like for you, and what are you currently working on?

Every day is a little different, but a lot of work in accounting and finance revolves around deadlines, so in many cases, it’s managing what needs to be done and, more importantly, when. At the moment, we are working on our fiscal year-end processes and preparing for the yearly audit. We are also working on multiple module upgrades for our ERP software – exciting times ahead!

10) Describe the advancement opportunities here.

I think I am an example of our company's commitment to promote from within. Work hard, stay focused, and the opportunity will come.

11) How does Associated support professional development?

We continuously invest in professional development, whether it’s sending employees to seminars and workshops or supporting them in their quest for a diploma, degree, or professional designation. There is, of course, a wealth of knowledge and experience that we possess and are willing to share internally, too.

12) What is on your wish list for the next five years?

I hope to grow a proper beard and not the three-to-five hairs I manage on a good day presently. But, as far as more realistic wishes are concerned, I would like to be able to travel again. As for professional goals, we have a number of projects lined up that I hope will make a big impact on what we do, and seeing those projects become a reality is something I very much look forward to.

13) Given the chance, who would you be for a day?

My son. I would like to see the world through his eyes and hopefully understand him better to be the best father I can be for him.