What is your role within RG?
I am an Executive in our OutsourcedFD (“O|FD”) department here at RG. My role involves running the finance function for a number of SMEs, ensuring my clients’ financial systems are “fit for purpose” using the latest technology available to us. I have a particular focus on clients in recruitment in various sectors, but also look after an increasing number of tech-based and retail businesses.
Tell me about your career to date…
I joined RG in November 2014 as a school leaver and began studying AAT, whilst learning the fundamentals of accountancy. After gaining the AAT qualification, I then moved onto study towards my ACA qualification.
Alongside this, I have helped with the growth of RG’s OutsourcedFD (“O|FD”) service to fulfil our clients wish for a lower cost, higher quality alternative to employing their own accountant, which has just gone into its fifth year. I gained “part-qualified” status in January 2022 and following this, was promoted to Executive (Senior) in April 2022.
What does your current role involve?
My role is incredibly varied, there is no typical day. I run the finance function for a number of SMEs, which includes invoicing, credit control, cash flow forecasting and reviewing how areas within the finance team can continue to be improved on a rolling basis, using technology as a tool to achieve efficiencies.
I speak with most of my clients and their employees on a daily basis, which gives me the opportunity build great relationships and understand their businesses better, the challenges and opportunities they face and their personal goals and ambitions.
What makes RG different?
I believe we at RG really care about our clients, which is evidenced by the long-standing relationships we have with them. I also think that despite RG having over 100 staff, I feel incredibly supported both in my professional development and personally.
My 3 most notable achievements to date would be….
- Buying my first home on my own, in the midst of the pandemic!
- My involvement in the growth of the Outsourced|FD division, from nothing, to now being a well-established service with clients all across the UK (and further afield!).
- I was shortlisted for a North East Accountancy Award in 2022. Although I didn’t win, it was lovely to be recognised by the firm for my achievements to date.
Tell us about your day so far….
6.30am – Coffee, coffee, coffee!
8.30am – Clearing my emails and reviewing my diary for the day/week.
9.30am – Team catch up to make sure all is well, and they know what they’re doing for the day.
10.00am – Credit control, payable ledger reviews and payment runs for various clients.
11.00am to 3.00pm – Preparation of management information pack for a client board meeting.
3.00pm to 5.00pm – Collating payroll information and commission calculations for this month’s payroll.
5:00pm to 6:00pm – Clearing emails and returning a few client/staff calls and queries.
6.00pm onwards – Family night, at my brother’s this time around (I will be roped into helping!).
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Family is extremely important to me, so I spend as much of my free time as I can with them. Sadly, our planned family holiday was cancelled due to the pandemic, and circumstances since have not allowed, but we hope to rearrange one soon!
And finally, leave us with one interesting fact about yourself…
Bit of a throwback but I had open heart surgery (a few times!) when I was younger and one of my heart valves is from a cow…