Turning Numbers into Strategy: Guest Lecture by Anna Logunova
On April 3, students of the Master’s in Finance program had the opportunity to attend a guest lecture by Anna Logunova — a member of the program’s Academic Council and Director for Controlling at Magnit, one of Russia’s largest retail companies.
A leading expert in controlling and internal audit, Anna Logunova brought not only deep technical knowledge but also remarkable storytelling that made complex topics come alive. Her lecture explored how managerial accounting and internal control systems support business decision-making, ensure sustainability, and shape long-term strategy in large organizations.
What made the session stand out was its highly interactive format. Students engaged in a vibrant discussion around real-life cases from Anna’s professional experience — some unexpected, some unconventional, all deeply insightful. The conversation touched on key challenges finance professionals face today: managing conflicts of interest, navigating the relationship between internal auditors and boards of directors, dealing with geopolitical uncertainty, and understanding the human side of corporate structures.
One of the core takeaways was the importance of partnership between business and finance teams — a partnership built on trust, transparency, and shared goals. Anna emphasized how financial experts act not just as controllers, but as strategic partners who help businesses stay agile while upholding accountability.
We thank Anna Logunova for an inspiring and thought-provoking session. Her lecture was a unique window into the real-world practice of corporate finance — where numbers matter, but people, context, and judgment matter even more.