After 12 years in finance manager roles in the engineering sector, I moved back home to North Wales in 2007. I’d become head of finance for a NHS shared service centre, which eventually covered all of Wales.
During the past decade I have also held several non-executive roles. The experience developed my understanding of what users need from financial information and also gave me an interest in social housing and a change of career path – I joined Cartrefi Conwy in 2019.
I enjoy the focus on social value that exists in the sector
There are two major challenges facing finance teams in our area. The most pressing is the need for sufficient funding to build new homes to meet the current level of need. The second is seeing that the organisation gets best value from the funds it has available, especially when costs are increasing as new compliance standards and climate change legislation come in.
Working in social housing finance has allowed me to fully use all the skills I have developed throughout my career. I also enjoy the focus on social value that exists in the sector. The only disadvantage I’ve found is that there is always a greater demand for funds than we have available – here, though, is where an effective finance team can add real value.
My favourite saying is: ‘Be yourself in what you do.’ While there are many rules that we accountants need to follow, it is important to perform your role in your own individual way, while making the most of the skills you have and getting support from others in your team.
If I could bring in a new law, I would prioritise having effective control over AI while still benefitting from what it offers. This is particularly important in finance, where we need to ensure that the information provided is accurate and appropriate.
New homes have been built with the new funding I have brought in
I always wanted to focus on finance. If I had had to choose a different career, I think I would have liked a role in IT, especially managing systems implementation.
I think my biggest achievement has come in my current role. I have worked with the finance team and our advisers to bring in new funding, which has enabled Cartrefi Conwy to build new homes.
When I am not at work I enjoy walking my two dogs. I am also a volunteer on the Llangollen Railway and relax by reading fiction and non-fiction.
