I started off my career working in Schlumberger in Accounts Payable but quickly realised I would like a more varied role. I then moved to University of Aberdeen as a Financial Accountant working with charities, trusts and the public sector. After a good few years and an ACCA qualification under my belt, another role then caught my eye at Tendeka (now TAQA), as Group Financial Accountant looking after numerous entities. I worked my way through various roles there, including Group Finance Manager, ERP roles and ultimately Group Financial Controller. After 10 varied years, I decided a move was needed and jumped ship in March 2020 to Bilfinger as Financial Controller and I am currently Finance Director for two out of our four business units.

I love being involved in the decision-making process, I love hearing people’s thoughts, opinions and even the debates. I find it so interesting, and we all thrive from improvement and accomplishment. Whether it be through leadership teams, departmental catch ups or lean workshops, collaborating with people helps us all.

In reality the people are probably the part of my job I love the most. I am so lucky to have had great coaches and mentors along the way who have supported my career. I am very grateful for my first bosses who explained the basics in a way a textbook never could, the ones who championed me for promotions and for those who place their trust in me.

Oh and I like the numbers bit too….

Absolutely not, I wanted to be a vet. I was adamant that this was going to be my career from the age of 7 selling plagiarized home-made animal magazines for 10p at school! However, work experience at the age of 15 taught me it wasn’t all that exciting. I spent 90% of my time observing cats and dogs being spayed and neutered and dealing with their aftercare while they were still asleep. A husky collapsed on my last day there and I got to see one exciting surgery but I decided it wasn’t for me.

Now, I know what you are thinking! Finance is much more boring…..but the truth is I took it as a higher and loved it. And here we are.

I see huge changes to accountant’s roles over the next decade. AI and enhanced reporting tools are bringing in massive changes. You can process and analyse so much data at the touch of a button and remove so many administrative burdens. I see these tools continuing to improve at a rapid pace and make everything even more efficient. For me, this is where teams start adding more value. Accountants can be true business partners and get into the figures and work with the business to really drive improvement.

COVID did change the way I view work in that it underscored the importance of agility and resilience in financial planning and operations. Remote work showed us that productivity isn’t tied to a physical location, and it highlighted the importance of scenario planning and risk management, and I now people do see finance not just as a numbers function, but as a strategic partner in navigating uncertainty.

It is not easy. But nothing worth having is ever easy. It might be the toughest few months of your life to begin with and have some challenges along the way but you will get there and never look back. You might waiver and want to go back, but you will come out the other side and if not, what is the worst that can happen? You move onto something even better? Always remember you moved for a reason.

The hard work you put in over the years will be worth it and rewarding. The people you will meet along the way will become some of your best friends and your biggest champions. They are going to teach you to become the best version of yourself, personally and professionally. You will make mistakes, but don’t dwell on them, pick yourself up, learn from them and move on.

Not feeling like an imposter. I am not sure that will ever go away. I always strive to do better, whether it be in the latest presentation, a new project, or engaging with my team. In saying that we can’t do it all, but I will definitely keep trying.

In truth, there is not much time out with this job and having a 4 year old toddler. Spending time with him is certainly not relaxing, but my favourite thing to do. Other than that, recently have got back into running and have started a couch to 5k, don’t ask me how that is going, but I always feel better afterwards!

Only friends and colleagues very close to me know this but I am the Mum of a heart warrior.

He wasn’t diagnosed at birth and it was missed through various checks, which quite frankly I am still traumatised by. We were flown to Glasgow for life-saving surgery and spent 6 long weeks in Glasgow Children’s Hospital in the wonderful PICU. I can’t even explain how amazing this unit is. I will be eternally grateful to the surgeons, consultants and nurses and other staff.

We were one of the lucky ones, and I am actually tearing up writing this that sometimes others are not. I wanted to get this in there to say thanks to the charities close to my heart. Crossbasket House (formerly Ronald McDonald House) who housed us to be close to our baby, Tiny Tickers who are relentlessly fighting for babies to have a simple check up that could save so many babies from being sent home seriously ill and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity who continue to invest in and provide equipment, research, improved facilities and services for children and families.

You all do such amazing work and I will forever champion your cause.