Azizul on Controlling, People and Progress

My Philosophy: Progress Over Perfection 

I believe in progress over perfection or protection. When things are “perfect,” they feel finished. But as people, we should continuously challenge ourselves to become better. I see this mindset reflected in my work at Evonik. As a controller supporting the Human Resources, RD&I and Taxes Functions, I review numbers together with the research and compliance contexts behind them. My colleagues help me understand what happens in the research background - from skin tissue to animal nutrition and beyond. I’m happy to work in a company that truly values progression. We don’t stop after achieving a breakthrough innovation; we continue to develop integrated solutions that bring benefits not only to our people and the company, but also to humankind. This is why Evonik’s values resonate strongly with me. As a B2B company, Evonik can sometimes be difficult for people to understand. For me, the most exciting part of Evonik is the people 

What Does Being a Controller Mean to Me 

For me, a controller is an interpreter. Everyone can read numbers, but not everyone understands the story behind them. 

My role is to translate financial data into insights that researchers, business colleagues, HR, and senior leaders can understand and use. I see myself as a connector between numbers and people. 

Many people confuse Controlling with Accounting. Finance and Accounting focus on reporting accurate numbers and ensuring compliance, while Controlling is about interpretation, storytelling, and explaining what the numbers mean for the business. 

My Career Path and Motivation

My background is in accounting, finance, and financial auditing. During my time in auditing, I realized that improving processes requires being inside an organization where you can influence decisions and execution. That insight led me into Controlling. 

I aspire to become a CFO one day. What motivates me most is continuous improvement -challenging processes, supporting colleagues, and ensuring financial information remains relevant in a changing environment, including the rise of AI. 

What I Value Most About Working at Evonik 

I value Evonik’s global collaboration and flexibility. I work closely with colleagues across Asia Pacific,  Europe, and the Americas, and I appreciate that knowledge and processes are shared globally rather than limited to one region. 

I also value Evonik’s support for flexible work. At the same time, I hope to see more face-to-face employee events in the future. Digital tools are important, but personal interaction creates stronger connections and deeper understanding. 

The Biggest Challenges for Future Leaders 

One of the biggest changes is the speed AI brings. While AI can provide information quickly, human interaction remains essential for context, interpretation, and decision-making. 

Professionalism, transparency, and trust are more important than ever. Future leaders will need to balance technological efficiency with meaningful human communication and strong people-management skills. 

Skills and Mindset Are Important for Success in Controlling 

I believe three skills are essential: analytical thinking, confidence in communicating insights, and the ability to be a trusted point of reference. 

Trust is fundamental because people often turn to controllers for clarity when situations become complex. Recognition is equally important. It motivates individuals, strengthens team spirit, and creates a culture where people feel valued. For me, being recognized for helping others grow and succeed is especially meaningful.