After I completed my microbiology degree, I got a summer job with a local accountant who worked from home. She’d previously done a biology degree and she inspired me to join the profession. It doesn’t seem like a natural step to move from microbiology to accountancy, but the mathematical and analytical skills you develop in one are very relevant to the other.
Finance underpins all the centre’s activities, so we need to be involved with everything
There is a lot of variety in my work. One day I’ll be working with the senior leadership team to develop strategy or update policy; then I’ll be working with Yale colleagues, preparing for a board meeting. Next I might be working with finance colleagues to compile budgets or prepare for the audit. There’s also the occasional unexpected query or a new project starting. The centre offers a rich variety of resources and ways of facilitating studies in British art, and finance underpins all the centre’s activities, so we need to be involved with everything and collaborate regularly with all colleagues.
I’m responsible for leading the centre’s finances and developing financial strategy. I ensure that the financial operations are efficient and in line with the centre’s aims, values and charitable status. I’m also a member of the senior leadership team, and I liaise with the CEO and the rest of the board and with finance colleagues at Yale University and Yale University Press.
Between 2004 and 2006, the centre was a major client of mine when I worked for a consultancy that provided outsourced accounting services. Then, 10 years ago, when the assistant director for finance and administration was leaving the centre, I was invited to interview for the post. The rest, as they say, is history. Since then, my role has evolved in line with the centre’s significant growth. I am extremely privileged to work with such incredible colleagues.
Have confidence in your abilities, learn to communicate, get a variety of experience and learn from everyone you meet
During the pandemic we expedited the use of digital processes and systems to facilitate remote working. Our events programme moved online, and we’ve continued to offer many of our events virtually, so we are reaching a larger and more diverse audience. We continue to work on the ongoing challenge of how best to facilitate communication, connection and engagement in the hybrid workplace, and update our systems and processes securely.
My advice to a young accountant starting out would be to have confidence in your abilities, learn to communicate effectively, get a variety of experience and learn from everyone you meet. Building a great network and sharing knowledge enriches your working life. It’s also so important to maintain a healthy work-life balance, to have empathy, and enjoy your studies and your work…and have fun!
In my spare time I love getting out into the countryside to walk my dog. I do Nordic walking and am attempting to get back into running. I also enjoy yoga, baking, pottery and gardening, and will learn to play the guitar – one day!
