I began my career at the age of 17, as a junior at a firm of accountants. I quickly developed a strong interest in working with numbers and problem-solving. My colleagues inspired me to continue developing in the field, so I completed my AAT and ACCA qualifications while working in practice. I moved into the education sector as a finance manager for a large college before joining the NHS, where I have now spent 23 years.
What I enjoy most is the variety of my role and the people I work with. I can use both my technical expertise and my softer skills in leading a team, and my frequent patient interaction also reminds me of the purpose behind our work, despite the significant financial challenges. I am lucky to work alongside a highly supportive team.
My favourite saying is: ‘You need to take elephant bites’
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I moved from practice into the education sector. Although I had supervised staff on audits, I had never managed an entire team, yet suddenly I was responsible for a team of 15, which was a steep learning curve. I have also taken on several challenges outside my usual remit, including managing a vaccination centre during a swine flu outbreak.
AI will probably reshape public‑sector finance by shifting the focus from processing information to interpreting it. In the NHS, where financial pressure and demand are constantly rising, AI can help us move from reactive problem‑solving to more proactive planning. For finance teams, the biggest impact will be on how we spend our time. As routine tasks become automated, more capacity can be directed towards strategic work, supporting clinical teams, shaping investment decisions and using resources more effectively.
My favourite saying is: ‘You need to take elephant bites’. An NHS manager once told me this during a particularly challenging period. It means you can’t tackle everything at once, but you can achieve anything if you take it one step at a time. This advice has stayed with me, whenever I face a significant challenge at work or home.
I managed a vaccination centre during a swine flu outbreak
If I had law-making powers, I would have strong legislation against animal cruelty and neglect. There would be tougher penalties for those who mistreat animals and better resourcing for the investigative agencies. A new law for motorists would require them to report incidents where they hit a cat. Currently, families are left distressed and unaware when their pet is injured or killed on the road; mandatory reporting would stop this.
If I wasn’t a finance professional, I would love to work as a set designer on films. I have always been very creative and love making things. I also love watching films, as you can completely immerse yourself and forget the stresses and strains of life.
My main hobby is photography. It captured my imagination as a child, watching my dad develop prints in his makeshift darkroom. That early fascination never left me. I am known for my black-and-white work, and you will often find me exploring Manchester looking for unique shots of architecture, or at home annoying my cats with another photoshoot. Photography is my way of capturing meaningful moments. Those images become memories, reminding me of places, feelings, people and pets that matter to me.
