Accountant to Community Fundraiser

Quick Intro

I am so excited to be writing my first interview article ever in my life and even more excited that it's part of “The Recruitment Diaries – The Series you didn’t know you Needed.”

I met Gemma Woodhurst through the wonderful Linkedin community and I just loved her incredible and personal story, which she kindly shared with me as we started talking a few weeks ago. As a Recruiter in the Fundraising world, I wanted to highlight Gemma's story to hopefully inspire candidates to think about fundraising as a career, and for hiring managers to seriously consider candidates outside of the sector with transferable skills for fundraising vacancies in their teams.

Gemma is living proof that you can successfully have a career change from the private sector to the charity sector, and in this interview we explore her journey, what drove her to make the change, the highs and lows, and what she has learnt so far as a Community Fundraiser.

Please join me in welcoming my first ever interviewee, the lovely Gemma Woodhurst

A story of Pivotal Moments...

Transitioning from crunching numbers to crafting compelling campaigns, Gemma is a brilliant real life example of the transformative power a career change can have on your life. With a decade of meticulous accounting experience, she brings unparalleled financial acumen and strategic planning to her new role as a brilliant and dynamic fundraiser for the amazing Helen Rollason Cancer Charity . Gemma's analytical mind, once dedicated to balance sheets and budgets, now fuels her passion for driving impactful challenge event campaigns for the small charity. Her journey from accountant to fundraiser is a testament to her adaptability and commitment to leveraging her skills for a greater cause, ensuring every pound raised goes towards a cause that’s very close to her heart

How long where you an Accountant for?

I have been/was an Accountant for 20 years starting my career at 19 years old and studying throughout my working life. I worked at a Law firm and large accounting firm in London. I then went part time and eventually self-employed when I had my children to allow for flexible working.

What was the driving force that made you leave your established career to do something else?

My close friend passed away from cancer and it led to me thinking that life is too short and that maybe I should do something I really love.

When you had made the decision and handed your notice in, how did you feel?

I felt relieved and happy and excited I had a job to go to though and planned the move so I just had to cross fingers it worked out!

How did you get your current job, what were the steps that you took?

I was looking for quite a few months maybe 6/8 months and it was difficult at first because I didn’t have a job as a fundraiser but then I suddenly realized I needed to change my CV and show it to relevant for that role. I could also write a personal statement which they really liked. I didn’t get the first job I went for either but they offered me another role and I took it.

What two main transferable skills do you feel that you had as an Accountant you do now as a Fundraiser?

Having a good relationship with people and budgeting and planning.

What new skills have you learnt from being in the fundraising world?

I don’t know it I have learnt anything new, but I think I have improved on a number of skills … you need to be adaptable, kind and patient. You deal with a wide range of work from planning/budgets to physical tasks and you talk to a wide range of people. As a parent you must be on the ball with so many things I think fundraising is much the same. Listening skills too !!

What would you say has been the main challenge of being a Community Fundraiser since you have started?

The main thing for me was getting to know a new area that I hadn’t really been to before, I went to the shopping areas and community group, town halls and sports clubs and talked to people. It was important to know how they could help and build relationships.

What you love most about your job now?

Making a difference to our clients, speaking to them and their families and seeing how we have helped them to get support through our groups, counselling and reflexology treatments.

The other thing for me is that the team and my manager allows me to work flexible and trust me to do my job. I have a busy family life although my children are teens , they still need Mum’s Taxi service and guidance in life.

What 3 pieces of advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t worry too much, believe in yourself and travel the world before you settle down and have kids !!

What advice would you give to someone who is feeling unsatisfied in their current job and is thinking of a career move?

The best thing is to make a list of what you are good at and what skills you have. Look at how a change would work in your current life are you happy to change salary and maybe work flexible hours for example. If you feel it would work, then look at a job that you like and see if anything you have done previous is transferrable.

What’s the best thing about working in the charity/not for profit sector and why should people consider it?

The best thing is that you are making a real difference to people lives it is not all going to the big bosses or the owner of your company it is changing people’s lives. I have never felt so much pride and passion in be able to make people smile again and make them happy. Cancer is a journey, and it is an awful hill to climb on your own.

What’s your long-term plans for your career path now?

The Charity sector is going through a difficult time it is hard to fundraise.  Lots of people need their own hard-earned money to pay for the increase in the cost of living. So, for me it is looking for new strategies to increase fundraising. Looking at inspiring people to raise money through challenges showing them the difference they are making to our client’s lives. I want to understand our fundraisers and how using social media can attract and interest different generation. It is about growing and learning for me.

Thank you so much Gemma for sharing your special journey with us, it means so much and I hope this inspires people to find their true purpose if they have come to a point in their life where they are searching for something.

Hiring managers - I hope this inspires you to recruit for people from the private sector with the passion and energy to make a difference as this will enhance your performance and fundraising targets having people like Gemma on your team.

A message to whoever is reading this - NOTHING CHANGES IF NOTHING CHANGES, make a small change today and hopefully tomorrow will look a lot brighter :)

Wishing you, Gemma, all the luck in the world and I know you will inspire many others through the amazing work that you do and raise a lot of money for your charity.

What an amazing entry and I'm so pleased I have been able to share this with YOU..

Until next week....

Seema Choudhury - The Fundraising Recruitment Consultant

07732 902349