Can you describe yourself in three words?
Logical, detailed and inquisitive.
When did you realise accounting was the career for you?
I don't think I ever consciously decided accounting was going to be my career – I sort of fell into it.
Most of my working life had been in retail and, after moving to Aberdeen in 2003, I was working in the cash office at Tesco. I reached a point where I wanted to do something different and started thinking about what a logical next step would be. Completing a bookkeeping course seemed like a good place to start, and it opened the door to a payroll position with an accountancy practice.
Within a year, one of the directors left to start their own business and asked if I'd like to join them. It was lovely to know I'd made a good impression, because I'd only been there a short period of time.
I stayed with that business for just over nine years. What started as a payroll role gradually evolved into something much broader as I took on more responsibility, helping wherever I could before becoming Office and Client Relationship Manager.
How did your career path lead you to TauRx?
Over the years, my previous role just grew and grew. I enjoyed the variety and responsibility, but there were also lots of competing deadlines to juggle. I reached a point where I felt ready for a new challenge that would allow me to stay in finance while working in a different environment.
When I read about the role at TauRx, it really appealed to me. What TauRx is trying to achieve is so worthwhile that you genuinely want it to succeed, and it felt like a great opportunity to continue developing my career in finance.
Having spent more than a decade in accountancy practice, what transferable skills have been most valuable in your move to TauRx?
Although both roles are in finance, working in accountancy practice is very different from working as part of an in-house finance team.
In practice, I worked with lots of different businesses, finance systems and tax requirements, so I developed a broad understanding of how different organisations operate. Being exposed to so many different situations gave me a solid foundation that I've been able to bring into my role at TauRx.
At the same time, joining TauRx has been a learning experience. The business has gone through lots of changes since I arrived, so we've all been learning together and adapting as new processes and ways of working have been introduced.
I've always believed you're never too old to learn. There's always something new, whether it's a different system, a new process or another way of doing things.
Tell us about your role as Associate Accountant and how it supports TauRx's wider goals.
No two days are ever the same.
As Associate Accountant, I support the finance team across a wide range of activities. I work closely with the accountant and I'm currently helping to train our new graduate, Duncan, giving him an overview of the team’s different responsibilities and the way we work. That variety keeps the role interesting because there's always something different happening.
Like any finance role, there are deadlines throughout the month. We close the accounts every month, and year-end is particularly busy as we make sure everything is where it should be and everything balances ahead of the audit process.
Behind the scenes, finance plays an important role in keeping the business running smoothly. A big part of what we do is making sure everything is accurate, that transactions are processed correctly and that everything is accounted for properly.
We also work closely with our vendors as well as colleagues within the business, so building good relationships is an important part of the role. Strong financial processes and accurate reporting help keep the business running smoothly, supporting the wider work happening across the company.
What has been the highlight of working at TauRx so far?
Without a doubt, it's being part of such a supportive finance team. We're a small team, which means we work closely together and are always willing to help one another. If someone has a particularly busy workload, we pull together to make sure the work gets done. There's a real sense that you're never on your own.
I've also really enjoyed helping Duncan as he starts his first full-time role after university. It's been rewarding to pass on some of what I've learned and help him settle into the role. We all have to start somewhere, so it's nice to be able to support someone at the beginning of their career.
What do you enjoy most about working in the life sciences industry?
You're working for a company that's trying to do something worthwhile and make a real difference to people's lives. Alzheimer's affects so many people, not just those living with the condition but also their families and friends, so it's rewarding to know the work we do supports that wider goal.
One of the things I've really enjoyed is seeing that you don't have to come from a scientific background to contribute. Every department plays an important role, and it's rewarding to know that finance helps support the wider mission.
What is the best professional advice you can give?
Believe in yourself. We all have to start somewhere.
When you leave school, college or university, you might have plenty of theoretical knowledge, but working life is very different. So much of what you learn comes from experience and from the people around you.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, keep learning and take every opportunity to build your knowledge.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people.
Most people are surprised to learn that I've always had a creative side.
When I left school, I studied fashion and textiles for a year, and I've always enjoyed making things. Over the years I've completed short courses in bag making, tapestry weaving and textile recycling, including making a skirt from two pairs of men's suit trousers.
Anything involving textiles, fabrics or creative making really interests me. If we ever move somewhere with another bedroom, I'd happily fill it with fabric!
Mandy’s skirt, created from two pairs of men’s suit trousers as part of a textile recycling course.
