Our Finance service recently held a graduation celebration for four team members who successfully achieved professional qualifications while working in their council roles. 

Principal Accountant Matthew Conlon, Accountant Lauren Ritchie and Trainee Accountant Eleanor Brown achieved Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) qualifications. Finance Officer Ashley Hirst achieved an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification.

These qualifications recognise high professional standards and require significant knowledge and commitment. Alongside technical knowledge, the courses build valuable skills that apply outside the workplace, including seeing the bigger picture, being inquisitive and thinking differently when faced with challenges.

Career development

All four colleagues were supported in their studies by managers and colleagues, many of whom completed the same qualifications themselves. This support forms part of Finance’s ‘Grow Our Own’ career development approach.

While Eleanor was unable to attend, her success was celebrated alongside her colleagues. Provost John McMillan and Chief Executive Laurence Rockey joined the group for an informal lunch following a presentation by Deputy Chief Executive – Council Resources, Sarah Fortune.

‘Huge achievement’

Sarah paid tribute to all four colleagues. She said:

“Achieving these qualifications is a huge achievement and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Matthew, Lauren, Eleanor and Ashley. It is also an example of our professional leadership and development in action, supporting employees to develop and enhance their skills.

“Balancing studies with busy jobs, personal lives and family commitments is challenging. It takes hard work and commitment.

“Lauren, Matthew, Ashley and Eleanor should be rightly proud of their success.”

‘Hard work and dedication’

Head of Finance Ellie Dunnet said: “These posts were created as part of ongoing succession planning within the Finance teams. Achieving these qualifications takes years of hard work and dedication, and it is great to see these colleagues achieve this success.

“It is not only a huge achievement for them, it also benefits our service and shows a clear development path within our organisation, supporting recruitment and retention.

“We are delighted by their success and grateful to their mentors throughout the process.”

Congratulations to Matthew, Lauren, Eleanor and Ashley!