1. Please give a brief overview of your career history – where you started, how you progressed, the companies you have worked for etc.
I started with De Vere Hotels as Hall Porter in 2003, then Guest Service Manager followed by Food and Beverage Operations Manager within a 3 and a half year period in a 5* hotel. Then I wasinvolved in a new hotel opening before taking my first Financial Controller role with Macdonald Hotels in 2007.
2. Have you always wanted to work within hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism and why? If not, how did you end up where you are now?
No. As with most people in the industry I ended up here,taking a 3 month role 6 years ago and have not left, but have worked in several departments along the way.
3. What sort of qualifications and training have you had and what else would you like to do?
No hospitality training, just experience. I am currently working towards CIMA.
4. What are the top 5 activities you would typically carry out on a daily basis?
Review weekly forecast, monthly and 3 monthly forecasts, payroll, ensuring all purchasing is in line with budget, sign off purchase orders.
5. What do you most enjoy about your job?
I very much enjoy having a structured working week, Monday to Friday, as I enjoy quality time with friends and family.
6. What would you say is the biggest challenge you face on a daily basis?
There can be a huge amount of work to get through and it can be challenge to make sure all staff are financially aware.
7. What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?
I won Employee of the Year in my first ever year in hospitality in a flagship 5* hotel. ‘Working as a Guest Service Manager in a 5* unit I met many VIPs who did many things I would dare not comment on!!’
8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Either in an area/group finance role, or working in finance outside the industry.
9. Do you have a favourite tale or most memorable moment from your career?
Too many. Working as a Guest Service Manager in a 5* unit I met many VIPs who did many things I would dare not comment on!! But I have great memories!
10. What piece of advice would you offer someone who wants to work within our industries?
Set a goal and a timescale and do it. Get your head down and crack on. The industry allows people opportunities but YOU have to make it happen. It’s amazing what you can achieve in hospitality.
11. What would you say are the essential person characteristics for your job e.g.enthusiastic, team worker, proactive etc?
Now in accounts – a combination of consistency and flexibility – it’s an ever changing 24/7 industry.
12. If there’s anything else you’d like to tell us about your job or career
I’ve been lucky in my career to achieve and have several great roles – but anybody could do the same with hard work and being in the right place then stepping up to the challenge.