IFSDG: Tell us about your current
role?
Beth: I have been with PG Paper as
Financial Controller for 3 years now and in my time with the
business the company has almost doubled in size. The business
owners, Poonam and Puneet Gupta, are very entrepreneurial in nature
and as a result have a number of other business interests including
dental practices and restaurant brands which I also have
involvement in. As a result, the role is hugely varied and
interesting and allows me to contribute to various aspects of the
business, over and above the usual Financial Controller duties.
IFSDG: What are your thoughts on becoming Scottish
Accountant of the Year?
Beth: I was delighted to be
nominated for such a prestigious award and to be chosen as one of
only 2 finalists on the night. To win the award against such high
calibre fellow accountants is a true honour.
IFSDG: How did your experience as a student at
Strathclyde University prepare you for your future
career?
Beth: I grew up in a small
fishing village in the Scottish Highlands so the move to Glasgow to
attend Strathclyde University was a wonderful opportunity for me to
start my study towards a career in Accountancy whilst meeting new
people and enjoying new experiences.
IFSDG: Did you find it easy to settle in to student
life and then working life in Glasgow?
Beth: Yes, I moved to Glasgow
when I was 18 and ready for a new adventure. Moving in to Halls at
University gave me the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy
student life in a vibrant, diverse city. Working life in Glasgow
was a natural progression after University and although my initial
job after graduating was a fairly junior role, I was soon able to
use the skills gained at university to progress to more
senior positions.
IFSDG: How would you advise young people today who
are considering a career in accountancy?
Beth: There are lots of routes
into accountancy today - and many careers leading from that first
initial role. Young people have a lot more choices to make
- university or apprenticeship, being just one.
I'd advise young people to really think about what they want
out of life and try and match their ambitions, their skills and
personality with roles that excite them. Grasp the
opportunities and focus upon what matters to you personally.
IFSDG: Three best things about Glasgow as a
business location?
Beth: The diversity of people
and businesses in the city, creating opportunities for all.
The social scene with its array of varied restaurants, bars and
music venues.
The ability to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Scotland
within a short drive of the city centre, giving the opportunity to
host clients in stunning surroundings
IFSDG: What is your biggest business achievement to
date?
Beth: I would say the journey
which led me to be nominated for and win the Scottish
Accountant of the Year award. I joined PG Paper as their part time
Financial Controller 3 years ago. I have two young children and I
was looking for a better work-life balance. I successfully achieved
this whilst also enjoying a challenging, interesting role in the
business. As this business has grown so rapidly, I have recently
decided to increase my hours to full time, however with the support
of the business owners I still have the flexibility to enjoy the
work-life balance which is so important to me. I have enjoyed the
journey from a part time Financial Controller to a full time role
in a rapidly growing, successful business.
IFSDG: What is the best investment you ever
made?
Beth: Starting my ACCA exams
whilst working full time at CBRE, who supported me through my
studies. I dedicated all my spare time to study and as a result my
exams were complete in less than 2 years. I was able to develop my
career in succession with my studies and then go on to concentrate
on career progression using the knowledge obtained through my ACCA
studies.
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were a
child?
Beth: A vet
IFSDG: What do you do to relax away from the
office?
Beth: I have two young boys so
relaxing is not something I get a chance to do much. However,
although not necessarily relaxing, I like to play rugby, train for
and compete in triathlons and go on road trips every year with a
group of friends and family.
IFSDG: I-Phone or Android?
Beth: I Phone
IFSDG: Favourite band?
Beth: Tide Lines
IFSDG: Favourite sport?
Beth: Rugby
IFSDG: Favourite movie?
Beth: Trainspotting
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Beth: Sunshine
IFSDG: and finally, what three words sum you
up?
Beth: Loyal, reliable,
family