How long have you been working for the Kelly Group?
I joined Kelly Group 25 years ago. I had just finished school and it was only meant to be a stepping stone for me but I ended up realising that I enjoy what I do, the work is rewarding and I am proud to be a part of such a successful and recognised company.
What positions have you held throughout your tenure?
I joined Kelly Group as a Customers Services Administrator on the Asset Assurance Program for BT, and I worked my way up to be the Back Office Manager by June 2003. Throughout my tenure every time I was seeking a new challenge, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to move to a different job role. During this time, I also completed a Professional Diploma in Business Management as I was keen to learn more even though I was still unsure as to what field I wanted to build a career in.
In 2006, as our BT Asset Assurance Program contract was coming to an end, I had a big decision to make, whether I seek new opportunities internally or externally. At the time I was considering a path within HR as I always enjoyed helping others. However, a colleague suggested to consider working in Finance and I was delighted when Kelly Group gave me the opportunity to move to our Accounts Department as a Junior Management Accountant. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity as it was the best decision I ever made – not only has it been a successful career path but more importantly, I enjoyed the responsibilities and projects I was involved in. Despite having 6 years of experience and knowledge of how the business worked, it was a completely new field of work for me which was a little daunting.
Alongside starting a new role, I was studying to become a CIMA Qualified Accountant as well as fully renovating my first house with my husband. To say the days were long is an understatement. I remember long hard days at work getting my head around a new role followed by study books on my lap perched on a stool whilst taking breaks to remove walls and floors! It was an incredibly challenging period of my life and I had to wake up every day committed and dedicated to achieving my goals, but it thankfully paid off in the end.
As a Management Accountant I got to receive and reconcile what I used to produce on site. Having experienced working in the Back Office and on site I gained valuable knowledge about Kelly Group’s business operations that I was able to apply to my everyday duties as a Management Accountant. These experiences included attending site visits with managers/operatives, scheduling, payroll, invoicing and producing P&Ls.
Since being promoted to Group Financial Controller, I now oversee the Accounts Department and I am responsible for the accurate accounting of all the Income and Expenditure across the business and ensuring that proper processes are documented and adhered to. I frequently liaise with the Directors as well as working with the other Department Managers to try and achieve our financial strategic goals and aspirations as well as dealing with the year-end Statutory Accounts.
Being a busy working mum of young children is often tough but I’m grateful for the friendships and experiences I have gained from working for Kelly Group.
Do you have any set goals in mind for the next 12 months?
A couple of years ago I had a health scare, and I am working hard to get back to how fit I was before this happened.
To implement better and more efficient processes/reports to get relevant information out for all areas of the business at different levels.
To continue building the synergy and effectiveness of the Accounts Department.
What three words best describe your role?
- Challenging
- Meticulous
- Satisfying
Before working for Kelly Group, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?
As I mentioned before, my first real job was with Kelly Group. However, I had a part-time job at Sainsbury’s whilst I was at school. The job itself was not unusual or particularly interesting but it was special in a way because I met my husband whilst working there.
If you could switch your job with anyone else for one week, whose job would you want to experience?
Those who know me know I love to bake cakes. I have often wondered what it would be like if I took it up as a career. The smile on my kids’ faces when I make them their birthday cakes and the lovely comments I get from colleagues/friends when I make them is amazing. However, I think this feeling would be lost if I had to do it as opposed to being something I chose to do.
What advice do you have for new Kelly Group employees coming into the business?
Consider it an opportunity to discover and become who you want to be. If you commit yourself to the business and work hard, there is a multitude of opportunities that could open up to you as I have proven during my time at Kelly Group. People I meet often ask me how I have remained in the same company for 25+ years. I have had many ups and downs but from my experience, it is the support and guidance I have received during these times, that has encouraged me to remain loyal and I am proud to be a part of it. I can confidently say that Kelly Group strongly support career progression. Simply put, if you turn up and show that you are worth it, the business will work with you to get to where you want and deserve to be.
Can you tell us what support channels are available for our drivers within the business?
No one should have to be struggling or feel alone at work – I have found support from my team, my managers, the friends I have made along the way and colleagues/directors in other departments. Work together because as corny as it sounds it does make you stronger. Whether it be a work problem or a personnel issue or needing advice on something, there are plenty of people around you who will support and guide you if you give them the chance to do so.
What 3 words would your friends/family use to describe you?
- Patient
- Kind
- Organised
What is your proudest moment?
Outside of work, it would be my kids. At work there is no one moment that stands out but if I had to name a couple it would be when I gained my qualifications, each time I was presented with a new position/opportunity and when I was part of the Kelly Team who competed in a charity bike ride in memory of a colleague/friend that we lost too soon.
