Penny
Accountant, Finance
It's very rare for any two days to be the same
1. What attracted you to RCC?
The opportunity to work for the smallest Unitary Council in the country which means I will be gaining more experience of all the service areas the Council provide.
2. What makes RCC different to other employers?
They really get to know you as an individual, making the most of your own unique capabilities. I have been fortunate to be able to continue my studies towards CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance), having an employer that is committed to investing in developing their staff is always positive. It shows that they are forward thinking, planning for the future to ensure that staff have up to date and relevant skills to maintain the excellent service expected from the team.
3. What do you love most about working for RCC?
The camaraderie within the team is brilliant. We are all supportive of each other, sharing in each other's successes and working together to get the job done when needed.
4. How long have you been with RCC?
I started working for Rutland in March 2018 - it's gone quickly!
5. What is your current role and what does it involve?
I'm an Accountant working with Budget Managers in the Resources Directorate, but will also be working with the Budget Managers in the Adult side of the Peoples Directorate. I meet regularly with managers to help them monitor and forecast their spend throughout the year and work with them to plan budget requirements for future years.
There's a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on too. Compiling information for Government Returns and FOI's, providing officers with costings and financial analysis.
Although you can't beat the feeling of a balanced spreadsheet, it's not just about the numbers. There are a lot of folk that panic about budgets and so it's important that I explain how our processes work in the least complicated way possible! I work with managers to understand what their services actually do and what they are ultimately wanting to achieve so that I can offer help and assistance for them to get there.
6. What skills / abilities are essential for your role?
It's super important to be calm and adaptable! It's very rare for any two days to be the same.
We have to be able to build excellent working relationships with all levels of staff, as well as outside organisations. It's important to be diplomatic and to be able to communicate effectively to a whole range of users.
Attention to detail is paramount – you don't want to get your decimal point in the wrong place!