I graduated in Accounting & Finance from Robert Gordon University in the late 90’s. Part of the course was a placement which took place at Amerada Hess, my first experience with an E&P Operator. I loved the placement and made many contacts which I still value today. In my journey so far I have had experience within Oil Services and Advisory roles but it’s been the E&P Operators where I have most experience in Joint Venture Accounting, Analytical, Economics, Transitional and Managerial roles.

Believe it or not, this is my third time at Dana, having previously held an Economics Manager role, returning in a contract capacity as Financial Controller for maternity cover. This time round I’ve been at Dana for 4 years and have a team of 16 responsible for Asset Accounting, Cost Control, Hydrocarbon Accounting and Crude Shipping.

The variety…every day will be different from the previous. The asset portfolio offers all stages of the E&P life cycle which means I could be working on exploration, developments, investing in production or managing decommissioning spend.

And the people…there are some great people in Dana, in particular my team whom I enjoy working with and take pride in their development and success.

Sadly, yes. Since about P7 in school until making my choices for applications to University, Accountancy has always been an area of interest. I did enquire about the RAF after leaving school but ‘signing up’ to 17 years service when I was only 17 years old quickly changed my mind.

Undoubtably. Technology will continue to evolve at an accelerated pace. The role of an accountant has the opportunity to broaden in many ways with more focus to support value creation within the business.

Flexibility, technology and dress code; we all did our best within the challenge of the pandemic. Video calls, patience with poor Wi-FI, lack of physical space to separate work from home and working in shorts. For me, it proved we didn’t need to be in an office but it also proved we need the opportunity to interact in person.

• Technology exists and works. Fact.
• Hybrid working offers the best of both worlds. Fact.

Dana continues to invest in its technology, has a hybrid working policy and a compressed working week. I wouldn’t want to work any other way and I can’t see me wearing a tie any time soon.

Be clear on what is the factor to move. Do your due diligence on the potential employer …. I once joined a company on the premise of growth, investment and arrived to find the opposite. I’d have been better staying where I was.

Be prepared for a potential counter offer and how to handle that. In both instances, look for advice from those close to you and whom you can trust.

In 2024 I would say to my 18 year old self to be open minded and try things. Careers are not marriages, and you’ll likely have a number of employers over time.

Be determined to succeed in what you do and make sure you learn along the way.

You’ll make mistakes, everyone does, so long as you learn as you go and give your best no one can ask any more of you.

Lots….both personally and professionally within Dana and beyond.

I see lots of opportunities within Dana to make an effective contribution so while I continue to enjoy what I do I’ll keep doing it. When I was a teenager I worked in hospitality and loved the interaction with people. So beyond Dana potentially something in that sector or in a role that I can help develop people further.

Like most people, spending time with family and friends. I have set a personal challenge to climb a certain number of Munros and I’ve bagged 10 so far so that will be a focus outside of work.

They say a dog is man’s best friend. I’m not a pet person so I’m not sure I would agree. My children have wanted a dog for years, especially my son, so I’ve decided to take my own advice, be open minded and try things!

So, we have welcomed Sandy to our home whom I’ll help raise on behalf of Guide Dogs for The Blind Association. I’ll try something new and make a contribution along the way, win win.