How did you get into accountancy?
Well, there’s a bit of a family business background. My dad had an accountancy practice in Castlewellan, and I worked there during the holidays, particularly in advance of the 31 January tax deadline!
I studied accountancy at Queens and joined KPMG through the “milkround” process in place at that point. I started my training contract in audit and after two years moved to Corporate Finance. I look back on those times very fondly. Despite the long hours, often perched at the corner of a desk as audit junior, and exam pressure, the nights out and camaraderie was unrivalled. The relationships and network I built both in Queens and during my training contract have been instrumental throughout my career, providing friendship, mentorship, advice and introductions.
After KPMG, I moved into Corporate Banking, initially because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I grew up, but some of my KPMG seniors were in banking and it seemed fun… now some 30 years later (and a brief interlude back to practice), here we are!
What advice would you give any aspiring or young accountants?
Building relationships and networking face to face is so important. The Ulster Society provides fantastic opportunity for this both in terms of training and social events. Don’t underestimate the power of networking amongst your peers, as well as those more senior. Your peers will be the CFOs, CEOs and practice partners of the future.
Seek mentors, invite challenge and encourage feedback. And remember that career progression most commonly isn’t vertical. Take advantage of opportunity, whether that be training, a client secondment or a role in a different department, but ensure that you are clear what each opportunity will bring to your CV. Six months doing something different is almost always more beneficial that six more months of the same!
Tell us about your role at Danske Bank?
Since joining Danske in 2020, I have worked in the Corporate and Business Banking department supporting some of the bank’s largest corporate customers. However, one of the key benefits of working for Danske is the opportunity to gain experience in other departments, or “squiggle” as we call it.
I was recently offered a secondment opportunity within our Small Business team, a customer base that continues to be a key focus for us. Our local relationship manager, local product expert and local decision-making model, combined with our digital platform, District is a strong proposition in the market. My new role is very fast-paced and involves working with a fantastic team of local relationship managers supporting a highly valued customer base.
What drives you in your role?
Supporting Northern Ireland businesses and knowing that I played a part in enabling their success. Danske Bank’s USP of local leadership, local expertise and local decision making are key drivers for me as someone who has spent my career supporting Northern Ireland business, either in professional practice or banking.
I thrive on understanding customer businesses, liaising with management teams discussing their strategies, plans, risks and opportunities whilst identifying ideas and solutions to support.
I strongly believe in an equitable business environment and whilst significant progress has been made, there remains much to do. I am a committee member of our Gender Diversity Network in Danske and founder of our Corporate and Business Banking ‘Danske Ladies’ external network, and I’m a mentor with the SistersIN programme.
What are your interests outside the bank?
I am married to Nick, and we have two boys, Harry aged 11 and Nicholas aged 6. Life outside work is busy during the week, making sure homework is done and screen time is minimised (a losing battle)! Weekends are filled with mini rugby, swimming lessons and if I’m lucky they will reluctantly come for a walk on a Sunday, provided we can stop for coffee and a treat!
On a personal level, I enjoy CrossFit, particularly the encouragement and community spirit of the 6am class. This is a different type of network, but is equally as important, supportive and one which always encourages me to do more.
