“I’ve broadened my experience of accounting software, banks and accounting issues, learnt more about how these organisations and groups work, and I have enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing I played a small role in fulfilling their purpose.”

How did you get involved in volunteering?

I started my career as an auditor in practice with clients in the commercial sector, which I found varied and interesting. There I gained skills and experience which I knew could be valuable to organisations with big aims but perhaps smaller budgets! I wanted to put my time and efforts towards organisations with purposes about which I could feel really excited about, those that were ethical and genuinely seeking to solve some of the world’s problems. After leaving practice I worked for a UK public body before moving to Australia for a few years, where I did various commercial accounting roles in between having two children. On returning to the UK and a move to a new city, I actively sought out part-time roles in charities, which weren’t immediately easy to find. I spotted a full-time finance role advertised at Viva, an international charity serving vulnerable children, and offered to work part-time on a temporary basis until the full-time post was filled, whilst getting exposure to the sector. I later ended up interviewing for an amended part-time version of the role, and the rest is history; I have worked for Viva for over 3 years now and lead the finance function. From a voluntary perspective, in my spare time I have also enjoyed using the skills and knowledge gained in my day job to support other groups I’m involved with, such as my church, my children’s school and even looking after the finances of a building and education project in Tanzania.

What do you most enjoy about volunteering? 

Using the know-how I’ve picked up in my paid and voluntary work to date to contribute positively towards causes I really care about.

What has been your proudest moment as a volunteer?

Successfully managing the finances of a multi-team voluntary project in Tanzania, including tracking spending with huge stacks of Tanzanian shilling notes, a laptop with only 5 minutes battery life and frequent power outages and sharing accounting advice with the head of finance for the church district. The usually straightforward processes of bookkeeping, cash management and monitoring spend vs budget became challenging in new ways!

What has been the toughest time volunteering?

Juggling keeping up with voluntary jobs at the same time as my work for Viva and family life. 

How have your accountancy skills come into play? 

Simply being confident with figures, spreadsheets and banking administration goes a long way. Being able to share how and why small organisations should have good controls over money and understanding and communicating what a set of accounts are saying helps to build a bridge with others who specialise in other areas.

What have you learnt from volunteering?

I’ve broadened my experience of accounting software, banks and accounting issues, learnt more about how these organisations and groups work, and I have enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing I played a small role in fulfilling their purpose.

What would be your one piece of advice for accountants looking to volunteer?

You may be surprised at how much you have to offer without realising it! Many charitable organisations don’t have budget for much consultancy or training so any help from a willing and experienced volunteer is gold.

How can get more accountants volunteering?

Encourage them to consider how they might be able to help charities with whom they may already have some relationship and some personal interest in seeing that organisation flourish, such as a charity they donate to or a local community group.