I am always amazed at the resilience of councils and their staff, who keep delivering with the passion that they do. My career has taken me from a small district council to unitary authorities, and this positive attitude has been a constant feature. I have huge respect for those who must make very difficult budget decisions. Their determination and passion are admirable.
I began my career at West Dorset District Council working in council tax, benefits and business rates. I liked that every day was different, with a wide variety of tasks for a small team. After I qualified with ACCA, West Dorset merged with other local authorities to become the Dorset Councils Partnership. Working for three councils was challenging, as budget, budget monitoring, year-end close, etc, had to be done in triplicate. However, it meant we could align best practice processes, and I liked the agility of decision-making at district level.
Finance is at the forefront of supporting services to keep delivering
In 2019 Dorset became a unitary council of six local authorities. I was appointed finance service manager, which was a big career challenge. It involved bringing a new team together and dealing with six legacy budgets, which were all managed differently. In 2021, I joined Somerset County Council as a strategic finance manager. When Somerset became a unitary council in 2022, I was appointed head of finance business partnering.
Like many councils, Somerset is under severe financial pressure. It is particularly acute in adult and children’s services. The growing schools grant deficit is also a problem for many authorities.
There is an ambitious transformation programme, including a staffing restructure. My team and I are supporting this, driving efficiency savings, reducing services and helping with the devolution of assets and services to town and parish councils. It is all aimed at trying to balance the pressured budget.
If I had law-making powers, I would have a review of council tax. This is long overdue. As a country, we have to ask, is a property-based tax appropriate for the funding of local government services in this age?
I’ve always felt I made a difference in my career by helping people. In my current role, being a trusted adviser is so important to services. Finance is at the forefront of supporting services to keep delivering and finding solutions to funding issues. But ultimately the finance role always involves people.
Choose a mentor who understands you and will give you honest feedback
My advice to those starting out in their careers would be to find a mentor. Choose someone who understands you, your strengths and development requirements. You need someone who will give you honest feedback but wants you to be the best you can, helping you navigate the ups and downs, and who will provide reassurance when times are tough.
What I most enjoy about my job is seeing my colleagues develop. I have been given many development opportunities and am a better person for them, professionally and personally. It is great to see people grow in confidence and ability, and progressing through the organisation.
In my spare time I enjoy playing golf and football. I like to challenge myself. I’ve completed a Half Ironman, the London Marathon, the Three Peaks Challenge twice and a Tough Mudder, and cycled from London to Paris. I am looking forward to the next challenge!
