ESB Enterprise Services is a key division in the larger ESB organisation, focusing on providing a shared service facility to the various business units. The division plays a vital role in streamlining processes and ultimately contributing to ESB’s overall strategic goals and financial performance, which centre on meeting net zero by 2040.
My current role is senior financial accountant on the customer solutions accounting and reporting team. Here, I see firsthand how Enterprise Services drive operational efficiency and innovation across the group. Our team manage the monthly period close and interim and annual reports, along with statutory and regulatory reporting throughout the year. There is always some deadline right around the corner and it is really rewarding when everything comes together.
When everything goes to plan there is a great sense of accomplishment
I joined ESB as an accounting technician apprentice and quickly moved on to completing my ACCA exams. Rotations across areas of finance along with the ACCA exams have equipped me with a solid knowledge base and skill set, ranging from finance system knowledge to technical accounting and finance, which I continue to expand on a daily basis. I find the challenge of juggling multiple deadlines and cut-offs rewarding. When everything goes to plan there is a great sense of achievement and accomplishment, even with the occasional hiccup along the way!
For ESB, the switch to renewable sources of energy, while also maintaining reliability and affordability, is not a question of trying to succeed; we must succeed for future generations. The process involves cross-functional communication across ESB, regulators, government departments and the electricity grid operators to accommodate increased electricity usage. It brings challenges, but I have seen firsthand how talented and determined the individuals who work at ESB are.
Our new head office has rooftop gardens that house our resident bees
Our new head office on Fitzwilliam Street provides a state-of-the-art space that is a joy to work from. The building has all the expected facilities expected from a modern sustainable building, from harvesting rainwater to the rooftop gardens that house our resident bees! ESB operates a flexible hybrid arrangement, meaning we have concentrated work time at home but also the opportunity to collaborate and meet new people when in the office, building those vital relationships across the organisation.
We recently set up the ESB ACCA community to gather all ACCA members across the organisation. It took a while to find the members, but we have a good crew now and are always looking for anyone else hiding among us. The community provides another platform to meet new people who have gone through similar roles and enhances relationships across the organisation. We just organised the first cross-company ACCA event with Bank of Ireland, which was a great success, and look forward to more in the future.
I also take part in ESB’s mentor programme for accounting technician students. Having gone through the programme myself, I find I can give some advice and guidance around assignments and exams.
In my downtime, I like to run and cycle, and recently started playing golf. I won’t be winning the masters any time soon but I guess it’s the participation that counts!
