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We may be practically half-way through the year but Kate’s role at the British Heart Foundation has been largely consumed with one task since 2008 started - putting the year-end figures together.
‘This is my first time managing the whole process,’ says Kate. ‘It’s also the last area where something could come out of the woodwork in terms of things not being handed over properly from my predecessor. I feel well-prepared but sometimes something can come out of nowhere and surprise you.’
Despite shadowing the previous chief accountant very closely during the 2006-2007 year-end process, Kate still feels that it has been a new experience for her.
‘I’m the first point of contact for everyone involved, but so far I’m enjoying it. Everyone on the team has been through a year-end already and I’m relying on them to do what they do. It’s a nice job to co-ordinate the work.’
But the real work for Kate has only just begun, she says. After her team has completed its tasks, it will be her responsibility to bring everything together into a presentable format. So far there have been no nasty surprises, and she is hoping it stays that way.
Kate also intends to change the charity’s relationship with its auditors during this year-end.
‘I’m looking to bring a new approach,’ she says. Auditors have been seen as a necessary evil in the past, but for me I think you should be as helpful as possible, as it means they are in and out quicker.’
To increase the efficiency of the auditing process Kate has created an e-room where the auditors can look at all relevant documentation online.
Once the accounts are signed off, Kate will have her hands full with three major projects that the finance function will play a key part in, and there is also an office move to come in October. But for now, Kate’s priorities are elsewhere.
Ben
Ben is now deep into his six-month placement with Ealing Council’s internal audit division. In fact, it may be over sooner than he originally thought.
‘The placement was meant to run until August, but it may end in July in order to better fit around my exams and study,’ he says.
Despite what may be a shortened stint in internal audit, Ben seems to have taken to the work well and is starting to see possibilities for a permanent settlement.
‘Some of it is quite administrative, which can be very time consuming. But on the other side of it is the risk element, which is more interesting. I think I could see a future for myself in it.’
Ben’s next switch within Ealing has yet to be decided and could play a crucial role in determining where he eventually ends up.
‘The next move I make should really be influenced by where I want to go to next. I need to think it through properly and get some advice. Currently I’m favouring two or three things, depending on what’s available.’
Ben had two important exams early in the month and was planning to relax afterwards by flying out to see a friend in Qatar the day after the second exam.
But there won’t be any more trips to South Africa to see his fiance in the near future. Ben admitted that the strain of working, studying and maintaining a long-distance relationship was too much and something had to give.
‘I’m no longer engaged, we decided to call it a day as the long-distance thing just wasn’t really working,’ he says. ‘It was a difficult choice, but I chose my career over the relationship in the end. Doing both was just a bridge too far.’
With fewer distractions, Ben will be hoping for a clear run in his future exams, avoiding the need for any more stressful resits. As a single man once again, he’ll need to make the most of his free time.
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