My family ran a dairy farm in Cumbria, and I was regularly recruited to help. I enjoyed every minute of it. Each day on the farm was different. There were always problems to solve and animals to attend to, and soon I was roped into helping my dad with the monthly VAT returns.
My father has had the greatest influence on my life and career choices. Being a farmer, he was always keen on business and diversifying the farm at any opportunity. It was he who suggested I study accountancy when I left school because I’d always enjoyed maths and numbers, so I went to Edinburgh Napier University to study the bachelor of arts in accounting.
I have a wide range and breadth of cross-sector finance experience. I’ve worked in the nuclear industry, higher education and now in hospitality, leisure and tourism. I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to join The Management Centre’s leadership team in 2017 as financial controller.
We must be able to understand what the financial data is telling us so we can communicate the correct story to owners or boards
The Management Centre is located in the heart of the Bangor University campus. It offers a business conferencing centre with guest accommodation, office-lets units, a café and an executive training facility. The company also manages the flagship chartered banker MBA programme. This is a professional international banking qualification partnered with Bangor Business School and the Chartered Banker Institute.
I am responsible for the finance team and all financial aspects of the company as a member of the executive management team, reporting to the board of directors. As accountants, we must be able to understand what the financial data is telling us so we can communicate the correct story to business owners or boards.
During the periods of lockdown, I’ve been inspired by the support that ACCA has provided to its members via the regular talking and wellbeing sessions. During periods of isolation and while working from home, I’ve felt very much part of the ACCA community and I’ve made lots of new connections.
I am continually looking for new opportunities and have a passion for lifelong learning with which to stretch my experiences and knowledge. I regularly read AB magazine and keep up to date on current affairs via news and LinkedIn, sector and HMRC updates, ACCA’s ‘Talking…’ sessions, and other CPD events.
