I transitioned to my current role as a senior revenue accountant in ads incentives in August. This new role has seen my work pivot to the commercial side. I partner with sales, engineering, finance, legal and compliance teams globally to create, automate and enhance key incentives programmes. Ultimately, we’re helping to optimise our offerings to advertisers of all sizes, drive topline revenue and ensure Google’s controllership objectives are met.
The new role allows me to embrace automation and innovation as a strategic partner, and actively aid in Google’s advertising and growth story. A rewarding aspect of this has been the rapid growth of my commercial business knowledge and the insights I’ve gained.
Google Ireland has helped transform Dublin into a major European tech hub
The move follows a highly impactful three years where I served as the senior lease accountant lead and, prior to that, the lead international lease accountant. A key element of the role was relationship management and technical support for lease-related queries. One vital area of focus was process improvement and this was achieved in many areas, one of which was the automation of lease packs.
Google’s core business revolves around its search engine and a diverse portfolio including Gemini, Android, YouTube, Chrome and Google Maps. Also in the mix is a comprehensive suite of cloud and enterprise services. Starting with just five employees in 2003, Google Ireland has grown into a major employer in the country; its Irish operations are a cornerstone of its EMEA strategy, and its presence here has helped transform Dublin into a major European tech hub.
One of our primary challenges is the increasing volume and complexity of our data, and we’re addressing this by strategically implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation tools. We’re continually exploring ways AI can bring value to finance processes but are already seeing how it aids us in moving from simple data gathering towards more valuable data interpretation.
The ACCA Diploma in IFRS was instrumental in securing my role
I switched to ACCA part way through my accounting qualification journey. This was largely to take advantage of the flexible exam and study structure while I funded myself through study and exams. I also found the learning providers, in particular Accountancy School and PAT Business School, to be amazing at aiding students.
ACCA’s global recognition opened doors to interviews and offers at leading multinationals. Undertaking the ACCA Diploma in IFRS was instrumental in securing my role at Google, as it provided the technical depth to confidently challenge and discuss complex accounting scenarios with our internal stakeholders and auditors. ACCA remains highly respected because it stays consistently up to date with key industry trends, and the qualification has truly been a passport throughout my career.
To unwind, my focus is on family time with my wife and daughter. I keep up my creative side by building large Lego sets and through photography. Staying fit is also important to me.
There are many important business lessons I’ve learned in my career to date:
- Relationships are key, and it starts with treating everyone with respect irrespective of their standing in the company hierarchy.
- Everything has a solution; it may not be ideal but there is a way to fix every problem.
- Take time to slow down and watch your mental state. You can’t help others or the organisation if you don’t look after yourself first.
- Resilience is an underrated skill. Keep going; you are stronger than you believe.
