HEATHER MOWBRAY, ASSISTANT MANAGMENT ACCOUNTANT
Tell us a little bit about your background and career so far:
I had always worked in retail management up until my son was born in 2003. However, with the unsociable hours becoming more difficult with a young family, I re-trained in accounting, which offered more flexibility. I initially joined A & J Waste Services as a part-time ticket processor in 2022. After a few months (in 2023), I was promoted to a full-time position as Credit Controller, which was a challenging and fulfilling role which I really enjoyed. 12 months later, at the start of 2024, I was further promoted to my current role of Assistant Management Accountant. This role is evolving every day; it’s demanding, very interesting and I love it!
What do you like most about your current role?
I really enjoy the variety my current role offers me. It includes time-sensitive work, which requires me to be very organised – suiting my OCD tendencies! On the flip side, things often crop up that need actioning immediately, so you need to be good at multi-tasking too. I really enjoy the mix though – it keeps my mind busy and there is certainly no time to rest on your laurels. The days fly by!
What do you bring to the team?
Aside from being a keen team player and problem solver, I like to support my colleagues and make sure everything is running smoothly in our department. An organiser by nature, I’ve adopted the role as ‘staff birthday organiser’! I arrange for a card signed by everyone together with a small gift, cake-cutting ceremony and birthday sing along! I’m currently organising a Christmas charity day in the office and getting the whole organisation involved to support and help. I like to think my input to these things makes the team feel more cohesive, and it happens to be great fun too.
How does the team work together and what do you achieve for your clients?
The accounts team has a very organised structure, with each team member playing an important role in the company. Everyone’s roles are connected so we work together closely. It’s a small team with a great team spirit, and we help each other out if anyone needs it – which, in turn, offers the best service to our clients.
What does the future here look like for you?
I am excited about my new role as it’s always evolving. The training is ongoing, so I feel my skill set is developing all the time which is really fulfilling. I feel this is my ‘forever role’ and it can only get better with age… like a fine wine!
What interests you outside of work?
I love live music, and together with my husband, we get to lots of gigs. We’ve seen Adam Ant, The Levellers, Peter Hook and many more. Next Summer we’re off to the Beautiful Days Festival in Devon which we’re really looking forward to. I’ll be the one dressed up in fairy wings and tonnes of glitter!
We’re lucky to live not far from the beach, and love taking our dog Sharky in the sea and having a picnic or barbeque afterwards. We always take part in the New Year’s Day charity swim at Westward HO!, where hundreds of people enter the sea dressed up in weird and wacky outfits! It’s all for a great cause and it’s a fantastic way to start the new year.