The most satisfying thing about my job is ....
client satisfaction. Being able to create an efficient environment
that allows for meaningful real-time information to be available to
our clients is a key priority for us. We achieve this through
performing in-depth system reviews where we gain a good
understanding of not only the financials, but also the business
operations and systems. By suggesting changes, we aim to eliminate
the bugbears clients are suffering, allowing for them to shift
focus on the running of their business.
The French Duncan corporate social responsibility
project I am most proud of is …. our support for
Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). We recently handed over
a cheque for £16,500, raised through various activities throughout
2022. These included climbing Ben Lomond, a sponsored Zip Slide and
bake sales.
The career achievement I am most proud of is
.... achieving my ACCA qualification. The ability to
manage a full-time job alongside professional study was
challenging. But having a supportive employer and colleagues to
rely on in assisting with study progression really did help.
The biggest challenge I have faced in my career to date
is …. resistance to change. Let's be honest, change isn't
always accepted with open arms. With MTD for VAT being a key
driver, this forced the accounting industry into a compulsory
digital shift. This resulted in staff and clients having to be
upskilled, to adhere to HMRC compliance rules. Personally, you had
to keep up to date with legislative rules, various system
developments, all while still ensuring peers felt supported and
continuing with the day-to-day job of accounts, VAT and so on.
Even though this was demanding, there were the positives in
terms of creating better lines of communication, reviewing 'this is
how we have always done it' approaches to shift and become more
dynamic and changing how we view accounting services as whole. No
longer were the key service offerings compliance services; advisory
services were now equally as important. A pivotal move in the
industry.
The three best things about working in Glasgow are
.... the people, the opportunities and the diversity.
The city around the world that reminds me most of
Glasgow …. would need to be known as a city for being fun
and welcoming. I suppose you could compare Glasgow to Newcastle.
Good restaurants, brilliant architecture, excellent shopping
opportunities, popular nightlife and a reputation for being
friendly.
Outside of work, I am passionate about ....
spending quality time with my husband, children, family and
friends; enjoying the simple things in life and making brilliant
fun filled memories; taking those holidays and getting outdoors
when I can!
My best tip to achieve a better work/life balance is
.... to try and manage workload effectively. Not to over
commit and certainly not to over promise. This can result in having
to rely on and take assistance from others, but that is part of
being a team! By having good structure around your working schedule
should result in you having the quality work/life balance you want
to achieve.
Favourite boxset - Not majorly into boxsets,
but from what I have seen, Suits was a decent watch.
Favourite podcast - From the few I have
listened to I would recommend 'The Diary of a CEO with Steven
Bartlett'
Favourite holiday destination - For a beach
holiday - Cyprus (Nissi Beach in particular).
And, finally, what three words best sum you up?
Outgoing. Hard-working. Loyal.