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As the first child in her family to attend university, Eloise was determined to use her degree as a launch pad for her career. Studies in Law and French led her to a first role in a personal injury firm, before going on to apply for a role working in insolvency at Menzies in Cardiff. There she met the first of her inspirational leaders, John Cullen and Beth Evans. After qualifying with ACCA in 2022, and with the guidance of another supportive and influential leader-mentor in Katherine Broadhurst, Eloise is now in her perfect role – working as a financial controller in the NHS at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

Despite being told at 25 that a lupus diagnosis would mean only having 5 years to live and never being able to have children, Janine has beaten the odds to build a 30 year career in the third sector and has three grown up children.

Currently working as an elected councillor for Clackmannanshire Council, as well as the CEO of Money Advice Scotland, Janine’s desire to create an impact which makes a real difference in people’s lives is definitely being realised. Learn more about her story in this episode of The Resilient Accountant.

With more than 20 years’ experience across technology, biotech and financial services, Maria has held senior roles including CFO, COO, CEO and Non-Executive Director. She has led businesses through finance transformation, fundraising, M&A, international growth and periods of rapid change.

What happens when the technology is chosen, the transformation begins, and finance has to make it work in the real world?

In this episode of Finance Redefined, Clare Elliott FCCA, Group CFO at NetSupport, draws on her experience of leading finance transformation to explore the decisions and lessons behind making digital investment work in practice. She discusses how to identify the problems worth solving, decide where technology can genuinely add value, navigate implementation and bring people with you as the way finance works changes.

Clare also tackles a question every finance leader ultimately needs to answer: how do you know whether the investment has actually made finance better?

Whether you are considering new technology, leading change or looking to get more from existing systems, Clare shares practical lessons that can help you approach digital investment with greater confidence and make change work for both your finance team and the wider business.

Listen now for an honest, practical look at making digital transformation work in practice.

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Hear from Steph Beeston-Clarke FCCA as she speaks to Donna Beddis FCCA about her determination to use her qualification and knowledge to provide advice and guidance to help others, how her "charity chatter" series seeks to support smaller charities and CICs, how she and her team ensure each others' wellbeing and how her plans for moving to Lanzarote will still involve providing an excellent service to clients, with an extra "chilled" perspective!

Cristina reflects on her journey from starting her career in Romania, where international opportunities once felt out of reach, to becoming ACCA Vice President and Director with KPMG (L&D Lead).

Cristina shares how curiosity, discipline and a willingness to embrace opportunities before feeling fully ready helped shape her career, and why she believes the most successful careers are built through small, consistent choices rather than perfectly planned paths. She also reflects on how the Big Four accelerated her professional development, the role ACCA played in opening the door to a truly global profession, and why lifelong learning has remained at the heart of everything she does.

Drawing on her experience as both a leader and mentor, Cristina discusses the skills that matter most for today's finance professionals, explaining why technical expertise must be complemented by critical thinking, adaptability, communication and ethical judgement. She also shares why leadership is about listening, helping others find their voice and creating environments where people can grow with confidence.

As the first Senior Officer in ACCA's history from continental Europe, Cristina reflects on the importance of representation, giving back to the profession and ensuring accountancy remains trusted, relevant and attractive to future generations.

Catch up on all episodes of At the 4 Front: ACCA Voices from the Big 4. 

Amanda reflects on her career journey, from being the first in her family to attend university to building a successful career in finance. She shares how proud she is of where her ACCA qualification has taken her over the past two decades, why her career hasn't always followed a linear path, and how working with an executive coach helped shape her leadership style.

Amanda also discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, explaining how ensuring her family is happy and healthy enables her to be at her best both personally and professionally. She shares why taking a hands-on approach and spending time on the 'shop floor' allows her to look beyond the numbers, build stronger relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the business.

Join us for a candid conversation full of honest reflections and practical insights on leadership, career development and what it really means to be a modern CFO.

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In this candid conversation with Rachel Shorter FCCA, Sophia shares her unique journey to finance leadership, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her thoughts on leadership, resilience and building a successful career on your own terms.

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Hear from Steven Pink FCCA, Director of Finance & Resources (S151) at Havant Borough Council as he talks to Donna Beddis FCCA about a career which has seen him work across the public sector, starting out in local government and returning to the sector after time spent as the senior lead in the National Covid Vaccination Programme.

A strong believer in embracing change and the opportunities it creates, Steven has used his positive focus to adapt and change to each role, with a fearless approach and building friendships at each stage. A self-confessed extrovert, Steven’s driven attitude is his super power and one which he is keen to share with others to help them take risks and move on in their careers.

Rajiv shares insights from his career journey, reflecting on the experiences, challenges and opportunities that have shaped his path to senior finance leadership. He discusses the evolving role of finance, the growing importance of data and analytics in driving business value, and the skills finance professionals need to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

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