My career has been a non-traditional path; my journey really started with an asset accounting role within the subsea industry. I enjoyed the culture and to move forward I decided to study for my ACCA qualification.

After qualifying, I moved to a growing subsea contractor, where I spent 12 years and enjoyed an incredible career trajectory progressing from senior project accountant to finance director. My personal highlights include building a resilient and talented finance team, leading a private equity exit and thereafter being part of a leadership team that successfully managed post-acquisition integration, brought together great cross functional teams and delivered significant growth to the new owners.

While my time in the subsea sector was amazing, I had a growing concern that my experience was becoming limited to one part of the energy industry. By the end of 2024, I felt it was time to make a change. I’m now consulting for Score, working closely with the CFO and supporting strategic growth. I was keen to work in a business with private equity backing and an active acquisition strategy, I joined Score at a key time to be involved in the integration of acquisitions in APAC and the Americas. This role has given me invaluable exposure to a different business model, being involved in global operations has broadened my experience significantly.

I have also recently been appointed as a board trustee for All Life Chances, a charity with a strong focus on securing the support of local businesses to break down barriers for children living in Aberdeen’s priority areas. Growing up in Northfield, which falls within these priority areas, I have strong ties to the community. I was very fortunate to be encouraged into an education pathway from a young age and after learning more about the challenges local children face and especially the lack of awareness around career opportunities, I wanted to do more. The charity is growing quickly under the leadership of an inspiring all-female leadership team, and supporting its work is both a privilege and truly rewarding experience.

As my career has progressed into leadership roles, I most enjoy having a seat at the table and being involved in shaping the direction of the business.

There’s a high level of trust that comes with senior finance positions—something I’ve always found incredibly motivating. I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who trust me not only to deliver results but also to act as a sounding board for key decisions and at the right times provide constructive feedback. For me this makes a finance role more impactful and gives it real meaning.

At school and even after graduating, I wasn’t set on a specific career path. I studied law at the University of Edinburgh. My main interest was always in the commercial side of the course, and I knew I wanted to build a career in the energy sector. Becoming an accountant felt like a strong way to progress, while allowing me to retain the commercial foundations of my degree.

Core technical skills will always be essential, but I believe the real change will be in the way that finance departments use advances in technology to enhance financial data and support decision-making.

Being able to use data effectively is crucial for providing timely and accurate financial modelling, scenario planning, and rolling forecasts. FP&A professionals are becoming increasingly important being the link between financial data and strategic business decisions.

Myfirst leadership role as Head of Finance happened during the covid pandemic and included a private equity exit. It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me valuable lessons in resilience, leading through change, and performing under pressure.

Before and after the pandemic, I would have described myself as very much an “office person”. However, to my own surprise I now work mostly from home, I’ve found that I can give the same high level of commitment to my work whilst also being more present for my family. That said, I do think remote working has to be balanced carefully against the needs of the business.

I would always encourage speaking with your current employer first—often a conversation about your reasons for wanting a change can lead to new opportunities within the company.

If you do decide to move on, be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone. Changing jobs is very challenging, but it’s also where a lot of growth happens. The professional development, new experiences, and sense of achievement you gain are incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, it often comes down to trusting your instincts and knowing when the timing feels right.

Avoid fixating on having the perfect career path; setbacks happen but don’t let it hold you back.

I used to answer this by stating my vision of an ideal role, but my perspective has shifted. I’m now thinking broader and more long term. The energy industry is evolving, and my priority is to continue developing my skills so that I stay adaptable and well-positioned to contribute meaningfully within the sector for many years to come.

Maintaining balance has become a real priority for me. Outside of work, my focus is on switching off and being present with my family—though that often means most weekends spent at my son’s football games.

I’m lucky to have a large family, and I’ve taken on the role of “party planner,” which means there are always some social events in the diary to have fun outside of work. I do enjoy a good night out or a weekend away!

I’m not sure it’s interesting but in recent years, inspired by my cousin’s Spotify playlist, I have become a huge country music fan. A bucket list moment for me this year was seeing Zach Bryan at Hyde Park – it really was the best day and did not disappoint!