I have always enjoyed and had a flair for numbers, but it was my older brother’s choices and guidance that pointed me in the right direction. As my career progressed, I have come to better understand how accounting and financial management underpins and drives all business. Using data to positively impact business is what has inspired me in my career.
I have worked for Balfour Beatty for seven years – the past four as the finance director of the south region for UK Construction Services. Our people are our greatest asset – we really have great people. The pandemic has affected all of us in different ways; it has enabled a significant increase in remote working, with greater flexibility, almost overnight.
I stepped out of my comfort zone to lead a team to resolve some issues at a project in Dusseldorf over nine weeks. My grasp of the German language (or lack of!), working with the local team and the customer, and demonstrating that we were resolving the issues restored our relationship – and cashflow.
I am not sure I would have made it as a DJ, but I would be fulfilling a role in the music industry were I not an accountant
Without a doubt, my family influences me; we guide and support one another. My parents were first-generation migrants to the UK and worked incredibly hard, which has laid the foundation for us to study and ultimately for me to be fulfilling the role I am doing today. I’ve always found that being straight and honest, mixed with my sense of humour, has helped me maintain a healthy balance in tackling the many demands of career and family commitments.
If I could make one significant change, it would be to improve the law to drive a greater focus on sustainability. We need to do more (and quickly) to protect our planet and society. This is critical at all levels, and good for business.
I love music, and years ago I would spend many hours messing around on mixing software. I am not sure I would have made it as a DJ, but I would be fulfilling a role in the music industry were I not an accountant. I also love to watch football and cricket, and on a sunny day I enjoy riding my motorbike.
