We spent a minute with Senior Financial Accountant Anne Marie Gregory who told us how she is settling into her new job at the University, what her team are working on at the moment and how she manages a good work/life balance... What were you doing before you joined the University? Image Before joining the University in April 2018, I was Head of Finance for the Scottish Ambulance Service. I had been with the Scottish Ambulance Service for 15 years, so it was a big change to move to something new. As part of my role I sat on a number of national groups for NHS Scotland and worked closely with Scottish Government on technical accounting issues. A significant part of my role was preparing the Annual Accounts and coordinating the external and internal audit function. It has been a very interesting change to move into the Higher Education Sector. What’s an average day like for you in the Finance Department? Busy, busy, busy! It’s an incredibly interesting job. Along with the planned work there are lots of queries and questions which arise every day. My primary task since I started with the University is to coordinate the production of the Annual Report and Accounts document, and to manage the external audit process. We are a good way through this process now and what has been really helpful is the professionalism and knowledge of colleagues from within the finance team and across the University. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. What have you/your team been working on recently? We are still very focused on year end and Annual accounts preparation and audit at the moment. It is a lengthy process that stretches from year end at 31st July right through to Court signing the accounts on the 3rd December. Gradually we are returning to the other aspects of our roles and we have lots of mini projects lined up for the year ahead. My learning curve has been very steep since I started work with the University and my team have been very patient in helping me to learn. I know there is a lot more learning still to do and I look forward to the year ahead with my team. Outside of work? I’m Mum to Emily (11) and Andrew (9) and wife to Alastair. Life in our house revolves mainly around dance classes and football training. There’s never a quiet moment! My move to the University has taken me from a car commute to commuting on the train. This has created time in the day where I can catch up on life and which I’m really enjoying. I’m originally from Dublin, and I like to get home to catch up with family and friends a couple of times a year if I can. I enjoy a good chat with friends, comedy, concerts and a good cup of coffee! This article was published on 2024-07-01
