Hometown
Leeds

What do you do?
Finance director and company secretary, Northern Ballet Theatre

What was your very first role in theatre?
This is my first role in the theatre

Have you got qualifications?
4 A-Levels, an arts degree, a PGCE (school-teaching qualification) and I’m a qualified chartered accountant

What did you do before you worked in theatre?
I trained as a chartered accountant and worked at Price Waterhouse in Leeds. I then took a career break to have my three children. When my son went to school I worked within school hours preparing accounts and computerising several companies. These included a company which made machines for the rag industry, a restaurant, a school and a food distribution company.

How did you make the move to working in theatre?
I was offered the opportunity to cover the maternity leave of the then finance director of Northern Ballet Theatre. When she decided not to return to work I got the job on a permanent basis.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I do not remember having any particular dreams as I would say I am an all-rounder. I always hoped to be a mum.

What does your job involve?
I am responsible for the accounts and the finances of Northern Ballet Theatre. I also approve the development and expenditure of the IT system guided by our IT consultant. I have two members of staff who work for me. They enter all the details of receipts and payments into the accounting system. I prepare monthly accounts for the board of trustees and annual financial statements.

I must constantly monitor the bank balance to manage the flow of cash and ensure that we have the money to pay salaries and creditors. An important part of my job is the preparation of detailed budgets and cash flow forecasts. I also work with our insurance brokers to put in place appropriate insurance for the company.

In my role as company secretary I might deal with the Charity Commission and lawyers on any legal issues which arise. I am also responsible for ensuring that we keep up to date with new legislation.
However my days are rarely typical and are often spent problem solving and responding to queries and crises.

What’s the best thing about your job?
I enjoy the variety of my job. My qualifications give me the confidence to tackle the accounting and legal difficulties which arise, but there are always surprises.

And the worst?
It is difficult to always be short of cash, to be constantly asking people not to spend money, as this can flatten enthusiasm

What’s your dream job in theatre?
This is probably my dream job. It fits with my family and my other responsibilities.

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
This is a job which requires many skills; the practical skills can be gained by training and qualifications but the skills to deal with individuals, frustrations and concerns can only be learned by experience of several work environments.

However it is not necessary to have worked in the arts, as accounting is the same whatever industry you work in.