What has been your career path so far?
I trained and qualified as an accountant at Sayer Vincent in 2006. I progressed to Audit Manager post qualification, completing a Diploma in Charity Accounting to add to my ACA qualification. I enjoyed working with a variety of charities, adding value where possible to help them improve their financial controls and reporting environment.
In 2013 I left Sayer Vincent to join Young Lives vs Cancer as the Head of Financial Accounting. I had many different roles at Young Lives vs Cancer across the Finance Function before becoming Associate Director of Finance in 2017. I am proud of the work that the finance team produced at the charity during my tenure, with improvements made to the control environment, and financial reporting and analysis. On reflection, although incredibly challenging at the time, a highlight was the business partnering and regular reporting and analysis work that we were able to provide to the Executive team and Trustees during the pandemic to ensure that quick insightful decisions were made to not only secure the future of the charity but leave it in it in a stronger place financially.
In 2022 I took a 4-month career break. During the break, I was made aware of a short-term project vacancy at Sayer Vincent at an Alumni event and rejoined the firm. I had previously enjoyed working at Sayer Vincent and knew that despite becoming a larger organisation since I left, it continued to employ great people with a shared passion for the sector. The work was also different to what I had done at Young Lives vs Cancer and so I was curious to rejoin the firm at a time of growth and try something new. I was employed as the Audit Technical Manager on a permanent contract at the end of 2022.
In August 2024, in a full-circle moment, I became Head of Finance at Sayer Vincent. I had enjoyed my time providing technical support to the Audit Team, but felt it was the right time to return to a financial leadership role. The opportunity to do so at Sayer Vincent, where my accounting journey began was too big an opportunity to turn down.
What do you enjoy about the charity sector?
The people and the impact that charities have on some of the most disadvantaged people in society.
I have worked with some of the most caring, driven, and intelligent people in the charity sector. They get out of bed each day to make a difference, and it is both humbling and inspiring to work with such colleagues.
Having worked in a charity and seen first-hand the impact that the charity has on the lives of families at the most difficult times of their life, reinforces this is the only sector I want to be involved in. Through working at SV, I continue to hear about a diverse range of charities doing wonderful work. The financial environment is tough for charities at the moment, and I am proud of the work we do at Sayer Vincent to support and improve the financial environment of charities.
Best part of the job?
Working with wonderful colleagues in the best sector.
In terms of the job itself, I enjoy the business partnering aspect – producing reports and analysis for the Executive team and partners, providing challenge and support to ensure we make the right financial decisions that support our strategy.
What is something people may not know?
I am a massive Brentford fan. Despite now being in the Premier League, I am still yet to work with another Brentford fan.
What do you get up to outside of work?
Apart from watching Brentford, I enjoy down time with the family. We enjoy playing board games in particular. I am also a big fan of karaoke. Not a great singer, but it is the taking part that counts.