What is your educational and employment background?
I have always had an interest in accountancy, but it wasn’t until I was on maternity leave with my first child that I decided to enrol onto a book keeping course at Castle College. I then studied Association Accounting Technician Level 3 while I was pregnant with my second child. Four weeks after giving birth I enrolled for level 4 AAT whilst working as treasurer at Cancer Research in Beeston (and juggling two children). I completed my level 4 in February 2010. After that I was offered a job as a part time Purchase Ledger Assistant at Shredall SDS Group, which was the career path I wanted to follow. In 2012 I gave birth to my third child and returned to Shredall from maternity to a Sales Ledger Assistant and was soon promoted to Credit Manager whilst studying a CMI management course.
After a few years, I gained a wealth of knowledge about the business, so I applied for the role of Financial controller in 2016 where I was interviewed by the Board of Directors. I now manage a team of 5, payroll for over 91 employees and manage financial interests/aspects of the business.
What was the process like applying for the award?
It felt great to be nominated for the award especially by my employers, although I was a little apprehensive completing the second part of the application (who enjoys trying to write about yourself whilst blowing your own trumpet?)
Did you ever think you would win the rising star award?
I never expected to win the rising star award, it felt rather special to be shortlisted to the final three. I didn’t give winning a thought until the awards ceremony, when the realisation hit that winning was a possibility
What does it feel like to have won?
It feels incredible to have won – a real achievement
What was the awards evening like?
I remember the evening being busy and ‘buzzy’. Lots of people had asked me in the run up to the evening if I was nervous, I wasn’t, almost up until the actual awards ceremony began. Rising star was the second category so thankfully I didn’t have to wait too long - I remember thinking what if?
Our table was quite near the back of the room, (thinking it would be a long walk to the stage!) This is when I began to feel some nerves. A special evening with great company!
What do you enjoy mostly about your job?
I enjoy the variation of my job role most, variation of both tasks and people. The ‘A’ team play a big part in this.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Never give up or be told you can’t do something – if you want something work hard and achieve it.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Days out and holidays with my family.
What are you mostly looking forward to?
I am looking forward to working with Shredall SDS Group over the next year on investment projects/new challenges.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you?
I play horseball and compete in the British Horseball Association ladies league with High Point horseball team.
Any final comments or thoughts? Would you like to thank anyone?
My first and most important job will always be being a good mother to my children, but that doesn’t mean being a mother should in anyway be a barrier for anything else you wish to achieve. However, without help and support of my employer, colleagues, friends and family it would be a much more difficult journey.
