I started out as an archaeologist before moving into the supply chain sector. Here, I worked for several major companies, including a brewery, an electronics distributor and a garden centre chain. It was during this time I became interested in the impact of finance throughout the whole organisation, so I decided to change direction, becoming a financial analyst for a global medical company – before moving into the education sector. It’s been a fun journey.
I enjoy the interaction that financial planning and analysis and business partnering provides. It allows my team and me to have an input into decision-making across the entire university. Working in finance is a challenge, whether trying to translate assumptions into numbers, working on business cases or understanding changes to improve quality, so it is wonderful to see my colleagues come together to tackle and discuss issues – and then to be able to look back on the successes they have achieved.
Public speaking is far outside my comfort zone, so I’ve made attempts to face it head on
The UK’s higher education sector is facing sharp economic and geopolitical challenges, and many universities have had to make tough decisions. The role of my team is to ensure that confident decisions can be made on the basis of the financial data that we provide, that we can improve our budgeting and forecasting processes and manage the organisation’s financial controls. Financial sustainability is the responsibility of the whole organisation, and it is through the finance function that visibility is provided.
Finance is a great area for challenging yourself. In my leadership role I am often required to make difficult decisions, but it’s only through this that one learns to grow, often the hard way. However, my biggest challenge has been with my confidence in public speaking. This is far outside my comfort zone, so I’ve made conscious attempts to face it head on by running sessions at national finance festivals, both virtually and in person. I often find that once I’m there and doing it, it’s really not so bad.
Walking through the door of Number 10 every morning was a great experience
If I had law-making powers, I would strengthen the laws around neurodivergency and autism. Being highly systemised, finance is often a key route for neurodivergent people to find success and career fulfilment. Being able to strengthen the laws to make it easier for diagnosis, support, inclusion and professional development would be welcomed, as many struggle to be accepted. I believe more neurodivergent people will have roles in finance in the future and will bring welcome new perspectives to the profession.
I’ve been fortunate to have a varied career with achievements I’m proud of. I worked in Downing Street handling ministerial communications; walking through the door of Number 10 every morning was a great experience. I also spent time as an archaeologist working on the television show Time Team, which was a wonderful – often muddy – opportunity.
I’d have also liked a career in restoring and running a steam locomotive
If I hadn’t been a finance professional, I would have been an archaeologist, although I’m not sure my back would have enjoyed it. I’d have also liked a career in heritage conservation, especially restoring and running a steam locomotive on a heritage railway.
In my spare time I love gardening and also being in the countryside, so I find cycling, dog walking and visiting historic places with my wife a deep joy. I also like to play piano and guitar when I can find the time outside of doing home improvements.
