We catch up with Liz Welch, Director of Transactional Services What part of the Finance Department do you manage and what do they do? Image I’m part of the Senior Management Team in Finance and a member of the new Finance Executive. Within Finance, I have responsibility for four areas. The Accounts Payable team provides oversight of payments made on behalf of the University to external suppliers, to staff for the reimbursements of expenses, to students for busaries or reimbursements and to other individuals or organisations external to the University. The Income Section manages the payments due to the University, ensuring the money is collected and are particularly busy at the start of term helping students with their payments to the University. The Research Grants team oversees the post-award research grant activities across the University making sure funder rules are complied with and financial reporting deadlines are met. Another important aspect of my role is responsibility for the finance training function which provides finance courses and content to staff within the Finance Department and across the University. What have you and your team got coming up in 2019? This will be another busy year. Not only will we have the usual finance activities but 2019 now has added Brexit, SEP, core systems changes , REF Readiness, Making Tax Digital, ………... What does an average day look like for you? Image Most people who work at the University will say that no day is the same. The University is a huge organisation and undertakes a surprising but interesting range of activities. Many of these will impact on Finance and often result in some unusual requests or new challenges. One thing that always suprises me is the extent to which working as an accountant brings me into contact with people. I meet a lot of people not only within the University but across the HE sector and very much enjoy this side of my job. What keeps you occupied/what do you like to do in your spare time? Not sure there is any spare time! Outside the University my three University aged children keep me very busy, as does Bonnie, my 11 year old working cocker spaniel. She is slowing down a bit now but I still enjoy meeting friends to go walking with her at weekends (she does get walked at other times!). I tend to relax by having a go at any craft activity and in other spare moments, when not out with friends, I can be found firmly attached to my kindle. Get in touch You can contact me by emailing E.Welch@ed.ac.uk This article was published on 2024-07-01
