More than a Financial Executive
A range of responsibilities in finance at a software company.
Within our ‘More than…’ series, we have explored the range of roles needed within a fast-growing SaaS company. Today, we hear from Andrew Walsh, Decision Time’s Financial Executive.
Andrew has been with Decision Time for 8 years. His main responsibility is to maintain all of the company’s financial records; from Purchase Ledger to Sales Ledger, Payroll, Banking, and VAT records to Credit Control. Andrew explains more about his role and how the opportunity to work in Decision Time came about back in 2013.
“My wife Michelle, who runs her own bookkeeping service for various clients, was contacted by Sinead, to see if she knew anyone with QuickBooks experience who was looking for employment. At that time, I had worked with Michelle for six years with many of her clients also using QuickBooks. I went for an interview and met with Geoff and Sinead at the office. A short time later, I was offered the job at the then Team Solutionz, now known as Decision Time.”
Career paths can change and adapt over time. Andrew shares his previous job experience before pursuing a career in finance.
“My background is in Mechanical Engineering; After graduating from the University of Ulster, I began my career in a local Aerospace company, Short Bros PLC and worked with the company for 17 years in a variety of different roles. My career direction then changed to finance & accounts. That may seem quite radical however, I found that the two roles are not vastly different. Both require high levels of accuracy and precision, and I enjoy working with figures and getting them balanced and matching across the financial systems. I also enjoy getting stuck into the many varied tasks that come my way, constantly developing new skills and better ways to accomplish those tasks.”
Capitalising on that similarity between previous job experiences and his current job has made Andrew more efficient, tactical, and precise in his work.
Like all job roles within a software company, each day can produce its own challenges. Andrew explains the challenges he sometimes faces within his role.
“The biggest challenge is ensuring that all the work is completed promptly as the business demands. As Decision Time continues its rapid growth there is an ever-increasing workload, and with that, the need for efficiency and accuracy grows too.”
Speaking about life outside of work Andrew says,
“I would describe myself as an easy-going, genuine and trustworthy individual who works well on my own or as part of a team. I always try to help everyone I can with kindness and consideration. I love the quote by Morgan Freeman - ‘how do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time!’ My main achievement, one I am very proud of, is being a blood donor for the NI Blood Transfusion Service. I have made 13 donations to date. It is so humbling to know that my small act of kindness could be saving the lives of others.”
Understanding the range of jobs within a fast-growing company like Decision Time gives people insight into its employees’ hard work and dedication. Decision Time works tirelessly to create a welcoming and friendly company culture, achieving the Investors in People Gold standard. Go to www.decisiontime.co.uk/careers to find out more about Decision Time and the current roles available today.