I came into finance later than most. Growing up, education wasn’t seen as a priority for girls, so I left school with few qualifications.

My early working life included jobs as an office junior and a supermarket sales assistant — it was there that a manager saw potential in me and encouraged me to pursue a college course via day release. That support helped me gain confidence, and I followed a passion of mine by working with horses for five years.

My career took a turn when I moved from outdoor work to the factory floor in a chicken plant, and later to Germany, where I worked for the NAAFI. This marked my first real step into finance, working as a cash and stock control clerk. While there, I also completed a GCSE in Accounting, which sparked the beginning of what would become my career.

Returning to the UK after three years, I set out to earn my professional qualifications — A-Level Accountancy, AAT, and then CIMA — all while working full-time and self directing my studies through textbooks and determination. I held junior finance roles in an agricultural supplies company, a public transport business, and qualified with CIMA while working at Durham University. I didn’t stop there — I went straight into a part-time MBA, marking the end of a 10-year journey of studying and learning.

At Durham, I was part of a major Oracle Financials implementation, acting as a bridge between consultants and end users. That led to a role as a training consultant for Oracle, where I enjoyed the variety of working with different client organisations.

In 2003, we relocated to Scotland to pursue a dream of owning a smallholding, and I took a role as a Planning Accountant at Aberdeen University. I also began delivering finance training for the Chamber and trained as a life and business coach.

In 2008, just as the financial crisis hit, I became a self-employed consultant. My first contract took me to HM Treasury for a nine-month change management project, revamping civil service expenses and implementing Oracle. I was working on the same floor as the team tackling the banking crisis — a fascinating experience to observe.

From there, I worked with Aberdeen Sports Village, helping set up its back-office functions. What was meant to be a three-month contract became a seven-year journey as Finance Manager including exceptional growth and the building of the Aquatics Centre. That role eventually led me to the Chamber, where I am now Finance & Business Services Director. My team and I manage everything from finance, HR, and IT to office maintenance — and all the bits in between.

I've had some brilliant roles, but this has been the best so far. Being self-employed made me realise I thrive in teams and smaller businesses — places where I can be hands-on, get involved in all areas (some might say I poke my nose in!), and truly make a difference.

People often assume it’s all spreadsheets and numbers, but it’s so much more than that. I love helping and advising people, developing the next generation, and working with a team in an organisation that genuinely wants to make a difference — now and into the future.

Definitely not! It wasn’t even on my radar. My path into finance happened almost by accident. Discovering I had an aptitude for it while working for the NAAFI gave me the motivation to pursue it further. At school I wanted to be a teacher and I guess I’ve achieved that in a roundabout way.

Absolutely. AI will undoubtedly reshape aspects of the role — automation is already replacing some routine tasks. But I believe accountants will continue to be vital as interpreters of financial information and trusted business advisers. The human touch, the ability to understand and explain the story behind the numbers, remains essential. I also think we are good intrapreneurs and facilitators.

It reinforced my belief that teams work better together, in the same space. There’s so much value in the spontaneous conversations and the learning that happens by osmosis. Beyond that, workplaces are the lifeblood of local communities — they matter more than ever.

Be clear on what you want from your next role. Map it out – get it out of your head and onto paper yes paper. Using pen and paper activates multiple brain regions, enhancing cognitive functions like memory, focus, and creativity, compared to typing.

Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way process — you’re assessing them just as much as they are you. Go with your gut and pay attention to your first impressions of the business.

It’s okay not to have all the answers — what matters is knowing how to find them. I spent too long in my early career worried I’d be “found out.” Don’t blindly trust Google or AI — always question the source. And remember, every day’s a school day. The moment I stop learning is the day I hang up my spreadsheets.

One of my favourite quotes is: “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Suzy Kassem

Stop procrastinating and start whatever it is you’ve been putting off.

I want to continue to be of service — helping people through my role at the Chamber, and by further developing my coaching, training, and hypnotherapy business.

Horses, horses, horses — my first love. There’s something deeply humbling about a flight animal choosing to trust a human predator. Horses teach you to be present, to quiet your mind — a constant work in progress for me, as my mind can be so busy!

I once worked in a chicken factory, shovelled horse muck for a living, and later stood on the same floor as those trying to save the UK banking system.

My journey has been anything but linear — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.