Interview with Sharon Coney, Finance Manager at Sheffield Forgemasters.

You started work in accounts. Was that always your intention?

I started out as a trainee beautician but it soon came apparent that the role didn’t suit my skill set, my first ‘finance role’ was YTS accounts assistant in 1988 the job was 2 miles from home, so the location suited me more than the job but I flourished there working my way up to Purchasing Manager in my 4 years with them, I then digressed into a sales/project role that was for the next 10 years.

Why did your career veer off into Credit Management?

At the end of my sales/project role, I was approached by the FD and asked if I wanted to move back to finance and it was then that the career in Credit Management began, This gave me the inspiration to aim higher and move on up the ladder.

How did you make the move into Transactional Manager?

I was at a point where I was thriving at both the ledger roles and but wanted more, I then set my sights on my next goal of Credit Control Manager, managing 2 staff then to Payroll Manager also, managing 5 staff. This gave me the experience and the confidence to aim for Sales and Purchasing Manger which was my calling.

What do you enjoy about your current role?

Been part of an iconic local company, The diversity of the role, no 2 days are the same. Been allowed to be me!

In your opinion, what makes a good manager?

Experience and knowledge, someone that listens and cares values flexibility and work-life balance

If you had your time again, would you do anything different?

I would have pursued my finance career sooner and wouldn’t have diverted off down another career path.

What would you say to someone looking to start a career in accountancy and finance?

Finance has a lot to offer there are more avenues than you could imagine, if you have the knowledge you can tailor your finance experience to any company the basics are the same.