I remember my first day walking through the hospital corridors. I felt so proud and believed that, as an accountant, I would be making a difference in the community. While accountants work with numbers all day, the most rewarding aspect is knowing that my work translates into tangible benefits, such as recruiting a new consultant or nurse to help the community.
Staff shortages is one of the main issues we’re dealing with. You can build more hospitals and increase the number of beds, but not always having adequate staffing levels not only affects the service that the NHS provides, it also impacts the wellbeing of current staff. At my trust we do a financial review of all our job vacancies on a weekly basis at a senior level to ensure there are no approval delays in terms of funding or budget.
The increasing population has led to a greater demand for services
The NHS faces significant pressure to save money and maintain spending within budgets. The increasing population has led to a greater demand for services, necessitating tighter controls on spending. Each area must justify any overspend and identify potential savings to remain within budgetary constraints.
I began my finance journey in credit control after completing my A-levels. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for working with numbers. A few years later, while working alongside accountants, I felt inspired to further my career by gaining some formal qualifications. This led me to enrol in an AAT programme, and then ACCA. Achieving the ACCA qualification is one of my proudest achievements. I studied hard while working full-time, moving to a different town, facing redundancy and raising a child on my own.
I work flexibly within the NHS working hours. Depending on deadlines, there may be longer days, but I find these extended hours are manageable and can often be balanced out later in the month.
We create an inclusive environment where employees are valued and empowered
I’m a firm believer that you should treat others the same way you expect to be treated yourself. This is something I follow in both my professional and personal life. I am the inclusion and diversity ambassador for the finance team within my trust. This role enables me to network with colleagues across other trusts nationally. By working together, we implement changes to create an inclusive environment where employees are valued and empowered, without being held back by differences in culture or abilities.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, baking and cooking. I love socialising with my friends and family, and if I can squeeze in a holiday, that is a bonus.
