Sims IVF provides fertility treatment using IVF technology. My area of expertise is taxation, compliance, month-end close, internal control and digitisation. I have also developed very good skills regarding internal control: creating policies, drafting internal processes, integrating new software and providing the relevant training to people within the team.
My current role has enabled me to excel in my analytical skills, and to assist the management team in better understanding the company’s performance and how that affects the budgeting process.
Digitisation has been a critical obstacle to overcome over the past year. Prior to the pandemic there was no culture of remote working, which caused quite a few challenges. The team had to learn how to coordinate and communicate internally and externally, which required a certain level of adaptation.
We can optimise processes through automation, gain time and invest in activities that require thinking processes and human input
We have made sure that people sitting on their own at home are not feeling isolated and can get their work done with a minimum amount of stress.
I created a digital storage system to avoid being dependent on access to physical sources in the office. I worked with other departments and the IT team in order to provide different levels of access where necessary and in line with GDPR. Communicating the new procedure was critically important in ensuring that everybody understood the process.
Looking to the year ahead, our department will continue to create more automation within various processes. This will improve efficiencies, resulting in a more organised workflow and work-life balance for everyone.
Our main company objective will continue to be the care of our patients. They are at the centre of everything we do, from the front line to back-office functions.
Remote working has brought some varied and unexpected benefits. Where possible, employees have been encouraged to use digital signatures, which has reduced printing. Remote working also means not commuting, which has a positive impact on the environment and gives employees more time with family and more flexibility around daily activities.
The most important business lesson I have learned is to be flexible and adapt in critical moments, using technology as an ally. Technology can be such a powerful tool.
We can optimise processes through automation, gain time and invest in activities that require thinking processes and human input. We live in a very dynamic environment where things change all the time. Technology can help us stay competitive.
