In 2003, I joined Watling & Grahame Park Credit Union, a co-operative based in London, as a part-time volunteer, where I was sponsored for my first ACCA exam. I was also studying full time for a degree in mathematics and computer science at King’s College London.
The following year, I visited Sri Lanka and decided to do a summer internship in the finance department of Brandix Lanka, one of the country’s leading apparel manufacturers. I was given the task of validating data in reports produced by the newly implemented web-based reporting system and to liaise with the software developer to rectify errors. This satisfied my interest in computer systems, while also becoming attracted to finance.
I get involved in system upgrades, implementations and workflow changes to improve finance functions
After graduating from King’s College London, I decided to continue to study part time for the remaining ACCA exams, while working full time as a trainee accountant at Abell Morliss International.
I really enjoy my current role as I get involved in finance system upgrades, implementations and workflow changes to improve existing finance functions. I have ample opportunity to use my knowledge and skills while working alongside colleagues in the IT department, as well as liaising with external software providers.
I’m also involved in preparing annual financial statements for The Channel 7 Telethon Trust, which is the world’s highest donating telethon (per capita), providing grants to support medical projects benefiting children in Western Australia.
As well as my father and grandparents, I’ve been inspired and influenced by many people. For example, while at Competentia UK, a subsidiary of a global oil and gas recruitment agency, I was encouraged by the CEO and CFO to progress within the group.
I was tasked with bringing an outsourced accounting and finance function in-house, remotely setting up and maintaining the Trinidad entity’s finance function; being part of the group-wide implementation of a SAP ERP system; assisting with two US mergers and acquisitions; and providing remote tax assistance to the Canadian entity. I was then transferred from London to Perth to assist the Australian entity while still remotely working for the UK and Trinidad entities.
I feel very lucky that I have gained the ACCA Qualification, which has enabled me to work for companies registered in the UK, Australia, US, Trinidad, Canada, Germany, Norway and Sri Lanka. I’m also grateful that in doing so, I was able to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experience different work cultures.
