a day in the life of a finance executive

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a finance executive at the UK’s leading property recruitment consultancy? Meet Poppy Joannides, our finance executive who ensures that the numbers align and budgets are balanced. Whether you’re an aspiring finance professional or just curious about the behind the scenes action, Poppy’s day-to-day experiences offer an insightful glimpse into the role of finance.

Time to wake up…

On office days, my alarm wakes me up at the crisp hour of 6:15am, signalling the start of my morning routine. A shower helps shake off any lingering sleepiness. Knowing my bag is packed from the night before, I take a glance at the clock – 7:20am already! Time to dash out the door.

I head to work, aiming to arrive by 8am. My breakfast, a reliable yoghurt and protein shake, energises me for the morning ahead.

I’m responsible for…

Each morning, I start by ensuring that invoices are sent to clients when candidates begin their new positions. That way, I know clients receive their invoices on time, supporting smooth financial transactions. Additionally, I follow up on purchase orders from clients, as these are often required as formal order confirmations before invoicing.

Throughout the day, I tackle various reports essential to tdm’s operations. Whether it’s updating billing records, logging activities, processing payroll, or tracking outstanding invoices, each task demands attention to detail and accuracy.

On Thursday afternoons, I commit several hours to advancing my AAT (association of accounting technicians) certification. I’d highly recommend this qualification to anyone looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in finance!

My typical afternoon…

I continue to work on tasks due that day, but I always make time for my ritual 3 o’clock snack. My go-to choices are nuts, like almonds and peanuts, or sometimes some fruit. If I’m craving something sweeter, I’ll treat myself to a chocolate bar. This little break keeps me energised and focused for the rest of the afternoon.

I can’t work without…

I couldn’t work without Xero – an incredibly user-friendly accounting software where we store all invoices, bills, and client details. It’s great and the resources are fantastic too! And, of course, Excel is essential for organisation and data management.

I got into finance…

I began my career as an admin apprentice at a scaffolding company, where I worked for three years. After completing my apprenticeship, I took on more finance related tasks and discovered my knack for it. This led me to start my AAT qualification, and now tdm is supporting me whilst I continue my qualifications.

My advice would be…

My advice to anyone starting out in finance is to know your way around excel, as it will make everything easier! Also, stay organised, and definitely pursue the AAT qualification.