Our colleague Lee joined #lifeatHD in the Claims team in 2010 and has since progressed internally in different roles with us, landing in our excellent Finance team as a Financial Control Accountant.
As Lee is now heading towards another promotion within Finance, his team are looking for a new member to step into his role. Think you’ve got what it takes or know someone that does? Check out our Financial Control Accountant opportunity and apply.
Lee shares his story below about his journey at Hastings Direct and his passion for Finance…
How it started
I dropped out of Cardiff University in my second year studying Quantity Surveying to move to Hastings to be with my, now, wife. It was a decision based on heart not head, and I found myself without a degree and needing to find work.
I started working at Hastings Direct in 2010 in Claims, where I worked for three years in various roles, and learnt many transferable skills that would lead to my job today.
A secondment in Finance
In 2014 I applied for a three month secondment in the Banking Team within Finance and eight years later I am still working within Finance as a qualified Chartered Accountant. I have been very fortunate in that time to have been offered many opportunities within Finance, gaining a broad range of experience and getting to make friends with people across the department, as well as working with others across the company on various projects and tasks.
Along with the experience I’ve had, I also had my studies funded and supported by the company, for which I am extremely grateful.
Finance is a busy and challenging environment
Fitting in studying for a professional qualification with a full-time role and two young children at home was by no means an easy opportunity to take. It took years of late nights, dedication and perseverance, however for me it has been worth the time and effort now I look at the career path I am on.
For me, Finance has always rewarded the work I have put in, and my managers have always supported me when I have set stretching development goals and looked to grow myself within the department. Finance is full of people trying to make the best of themselves and this is a great driver to ensure you stay on top of your game, but also to gain knowledge and support from the vast variety of skill and talent within the department.
It can be hard sometimes to find time to focus on yourself, however I would recommend setting time aside in your calendar, booking time in with managers and ensuring you push for your development to give yourself the best chances of success.
Despite qualifying in 2020, I still find that my role, as a Senior Financial Control Accountant, means I am constantly learning, constantly being pushed and still have opportunities to grow and improve.
Join us: If, like Lee, you’d like to progress in Finance with us, check out our Financial Control Accountant opportunity and apply.