What an earth does this headline mean? Let me tell you.

I have spent the last 37 years working for ABB a multinational company in the power and automation sector. £20 billion turnover and around 135,000 employees. As a financial controller I was responsible for the financial performance of the various business units I worked in. Tasks would include:-

• Monthly Management Accounts
• Year end submissions
• Capital Expenditure assessment
• Strategic Planning
• Credit Control
• Payroll

I reported to Business Unit Managers in Zurich. Face to face time happened at twice a year meetings. My contacts with customers tended to be chasing debt. Understanding their business requirements tended to be the domain of the sales staff. The owners of the business were even more remote. As shareholders they would include investment companies and pension funds.

The above would be typical of any major corporation. Life can become very political. Management ideology can change and change back a number of times in the course of 37 years. Despite having a great time and career it was time for a change.

I was now of an age where semi-retirement was a possibility. Having notified ABB of my intentions I started looking for part time opportunities. Tim and Gareth Burton of BurtonBeavan approached me with the opportunity to provide them with management accounting services.  I have known Tim since he was 18 and Gareth since he was born. I DROPPED THE  A  AND STARTED WITH BB in April last year.

Whilst having concerns about working for friends I was confident that Accounting applied the same principles in companies large and small. The principles are the same but what a difference. Providing financial input which affects the livelihoods of the employees of all 20 staff who you see on a daily basis is a sobering thought. The fact that each of these staff members are so welcoming and friendly makes this even more demanding.

No faceless owners here. Two mates who I see everyday. Their plans for the future hugely linked to the success of the company. This proves a massive responsibility on providing the right information upon which they can manage the company.

The customer contact is also different. The company is significantly connected to it’s client base. In these difficult times BurtonBeavan is committed to helping them survive and prosper. It seems as every teammate from Rudheath and Sandiway FC have their own business. Some of them call into the office and it’s great to see them again. This provides even more motivation  to make sure BB is effective in dealing with Client matters.

One thing I was expecting was a Manchester United only zone. Tim and Gareth are big United fans and I had assumed their recruitment policy would have reflected this. Not so we have fans of :-

• Liverpool
• Crewe Alex
• Runcorn Linnets
• Northwich Vics
• Chester
• Witton (wishes to remain anonymous given Tim’s possible views on this)

A great and diverse place to work and be associated with. You might not be able to drop the A but I can confidently recommend adopting the BB .

I look forward to sharing my ideas and tips with you over the coming months and years,

Kel

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