IFSDG: How long have you worked in
ACCA
?
Craig: I've worked for ACCA for 19
years. Prior to that I was with Coopers & Lybrand (now
part of PwC)
IFSDG: How many people work at
ACCA?
Craig: Around 1200 staff work for
ACCA globally, 650 are employed at our Glasgow Administrative
Centre of Excellence . I am responsible for ACCA Scotland -
the face of ACCA in Scotland.
IFSDG: What is the vision for
ACCA in Glasgow?
Craig: I want to ensure ACCA
Scotland adds direct value to our members by using ACCA's unique
global footprint and network to cement our position as the leading
advisor, on the world of finance, to Government, business and the
profession in Scotland.
IFSDG: What's a typical day for you?
Craig: On a typical day
members are the main focus. A typical day is spent promoting
ACCA's research, highlighting our views on the future of the
finance profession. I tend to be out the office for 80% of
the time so a lot of time is spent meeting with senior figures from
Government, business and of course the membership.
IFSDG: Why did ACCA
choose to locate in the IFSD in Glasgow?
Craig: ACCA has been part of
the Glasgow finance sector for many years. In Glasgow we find
a loyal and committed workforce, who believe in our values, and are
passionate about what we do. Skills are readily available and
our relocation to 110 Queen Street in November demonstrates our
ongoing commitment to Glasgow.
IFSDG: Three good things about
working in Glasgow?
Craig: The people; the ease of
getting about and premises.
IFSDG: What is your biggest business achievement to
date?
Craig: I consider that seeing
ACCA's member and student base approach 10,000 (nearly 10 times the
level when I joined) is my best business achievement to date.
I've been lucky to work with some fantastic, committed
people.
IFSDG: What is the best investment you ever
made?
Craig: Buying Euros on 22
June 2016.
IFSDG: Which businessperson or company do you most
admire and why?
Craig: Disney - their focus on
delivering great customer service, their ability to enthuse their
employees to take real ownership of their company and the way that
they understand their customer - the flows, their behaviours and
what makes them happy.
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were a
child?
Craig: I wanted to be a
professional trombonist. I still play in the Clydebank
Salvation Army band and as a hobby.
IFSDG: What do you do to relax away from the
office?
Craig: I enjoy running,
playing golf and playing trombone and I do like my holidays.
IFSDG: I-Phone or Android?
Craig: IPhone
IFSDG: Favourite band?
Craig: Beautiful South
IFSDG: Favourite sport?
Craig: Formula 1
IFSDG: Favourite movie?
Craig: The Italian Job (the original)
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Craig: Sunshine
IFSDG: and finally, what three words sum you
up?
Craig: Fun, enthusiastic,
thoughtful