One of the challenges we face in the Civil Service is dealing with uncertainty, but it keeps the job interesting. We can be impacted by external factors, sometimes outside of our control. So we have to work at pace to reprioritise or even deprioritise resources to address these unforeseen events and continue to deliver government priorities.
I joined the UK Home Office in 2012 after taking part in the Civil Service’s financial management development scheme. Before that I had moved to the UK to take an MSc in accounting and finance after graduating from university in my native Greece.
I have now worked in a number of government departments and in a variety of finance roles. I took up my current role at the Ministry of Defence in 2020; here, I advise senior stakeholders on all aspects of finance and ensuring the best use of public funds.
Preparing a minister for a Commons debate meant stepping of out of my comfort zone
I would certainly encourage more accountants to consider a career in the Civil Service. It is difficult to match the breadth of experience you can get here. Not only are the jobs varied but they have real-life implications. We make funding decisions that affect the population, and a sense of great responsibility and pride comes with that. Sometimes bureaucracy can slow down the pace, but we need to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.
Preparing a minister for a debate in the House of Commons early on in my career meant stepping of out of my comfort zone. The debate was on finance matters, so it was relevant to my area of expertise, but back then I had no experience of direct interaction with a minister. I learned a lot about working with and briefing ministers – skills that have been very helpful in my career.
My favourite saying, which my mum liked to use, is ‘Each miracle lasts three days’
My favourite saying, which my mum liked to use, is ‘Each miracle lasts three days’. The equivalent in English would probably be ‘This too shall pass’. When something upsets or saddens me, I try to remind myself of that.
If I hadn’t gone into finance, I would have liked to have been an architect or interior designer. However, my skills are limited to assembling flatpack furniture, so I won’t be considering a career change soon.
My life outside of work has changed considerably since my 18-month-old daughter was born. Despite my long hours I try to spend as much time as I can with my family. I love seeing my daughter experience things for the very first time. Travelling and socialising with friends are also high on my list of hobbies.
