This month, as part of our Staff Spotlight series, we chatted to TDL’s Financial Controller Ciara. Topics included flexible working, juggling a family and career, and of course – spreadsheets! Keep reading for Ciara’s full Q&A… ☘️ 📊 🤹🏻♀️
Hi Ciara! Could you start us off with a short intro about you and your role at TDL?
My name is Ciara (pronounced Kir-ah) and I’m TDL’s Financial Controller which means I manage the finances of the company. I started working for TDL in March 2015 so it will be my 9 year work anniversary this year. A fun fact about me: I am from Ireland and am very proud of it! I’ve lived in the UK since 2011.
What’s the secret to keeping yourself and the team so organised?
Having everything on spreadsheets – I just love them ha! People may think my job isn’t as exciting as being in the creative team but I am definitely more of a numbers person.
We have to ask: what’s it like being surrounded by information designers all the time?!
Oh, it’s very difficult! Only joking. I love to see the solutions our talented team come up with, especially as a client brief can be – well – very brief! Often it’s just a few notes as a starting point.
How does your job incorporate flexible working?
I have two young boys so I work school hours Monday-Thursday. I’m very lucky because in my role I’m not dealing with specific client deadlines or ever required on-site, so my work can fit around school meetings/sports days/sickness etc. when needed. TDL are so accommodating with this which I’m really grateful for as it removes any stress when trying to manage family logistics.
Finally, do you have any advice for parents out there trying to juggle family life and work?
I think you have to just accept that it is a juggle and you’re not going to get everything perfect or right all of the time. Also, it’s helpful to try and remember that this challenge is happening in most families. No one has the “insta perfect” life so don’t compare yourself to what you see online.
Do you enjoy hearing from the TDL team? More musings, ideas and advice on our website (link in bio 👆)
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