As a property developer that invests in and creates places for belonging, we’re all about reactivating spaces and allowing neighbourhoods to really thrive. The key to delivering on that mission is having the right people on board. At every level of our business, our people are committed to using care and creativity to build what matters now and for the future.
In this “Meet the team” series, we’re putting our people front and centre to understand the unique experience and expertise they bring to the Views team. This month, we’re speaking to our Financial Controller, Emma Clarke.
Tell us about your role at Views
I’m a year into my journey with Views now and I don’t think I’ve had a standard day yet! It’s one of the things that makes the role so interesting. My main responsibility is overseeing the accounts, making sure we’ve got accurate financial information to analyse and report to the board, lenders and investors, as well as looking after statutory reporting.
Alongside that, I’ve been spearheading the implementation of our new ERP system. It’s been a really interesting challenge so far and I’ve been doing things I never thought I would in the process. I’ve ended up working in testing environments, looking at code and doing all manner of things you wouldn’t expect an accountant to be doing.
Even after 18 years in accountancy, I’m still learning new things every day. I’ve recently signed up to learn Python coding, for example, which is a great skill to add to my repertoire. I love having opportunities to develop new skills, and the people I work with make the job even more enjoyable.
What qualities make a good Financial Controller?
Attention to detail is really important, closely followed by patience. You also need to be analytical and enjoy solving problems as that’s a large part of the role.
It’s funny how much accounting can be about solving puzzles. Everything should balance, so when something doesn’t make sense, you have to do some digging to work out why. It’s incredibly satisfying when you figure it out, a bit like finding that last crossword clue for a clean sweep.
People assume accountancy is all about maths, but I’m not really a maths person. It’s much more about recognising patterns, understanding systems and processes, and interpreting what the numbers actually mean.
Tell us about your career before joining Views
I qualified as an accountant while living in London, having trained with BDO. I started in audit before moving into management consulting, including spending three months living and working in New York, which was a dream come true.
I eventually moved to Manchester and spent almost ten years working in the private finance initiative (PFI) sector, becoming financial controller for several companies involved in major public infrastructure projects.
The work was incredibly varied, covering everything from schools and office buildings to street lighting and waste management. I even got to travel to Malaysia, although I didn’t get to do much sightseeing. I was mainly observing waste treatment facilities, which, in high humidity, which certainly lacked glamour!
When I joined Views, it was an opportunity to take the skills I’d learned into a different industry after spending so long working on PFI projects. I’ve been here over a year now and it’s been a fantastic journey.
What makes Views different?
The people are what make Views such a great place to work. Everyone is keen to succeed and help each other, so it’s a really collaborative environment where you get to understand the whole business.
The vision behind the work was something that really attracted me when I first heard about the role. I liked how much consideration went into the history and character of each area, rather than simply putting up buildings without thinking about the communities around them. It feels like we’re trying to leave the world better than we found it.
After years in corporate environments, I also love that I can be myself here. Nobody cares about my tattoos or piercings, and I don’t feel like I have to play the corporate game. There’s a fun atmosphere, even when things are stressful, and while we might all get frustrated with situations from time to time, we never take it out on each other.
That makes a massive difference.
How do you bring the Views values into your work?
Be disciplined
Accountancy is a disciplined profession by nature. We’ve got statutory deadlines, bills to pay and people relying on us for information, so it’s important to stay organised, follow the rules and make sure you’re not letting anyone down.
Growth mindset
I joined Views as a Senior Management Accountant before I was promoted to Financial Controller, so I’ve experienced how the business encourages people to develop. I love learning new skills and improving our processes so people can spend less time on boring tasks and more time doing fulfilling work.
Open minded
I’m a bit of a control freak, so for me, this has been about learning to let go a little! I’m getting better at recognising when other people are best placed to deal with something and where I can make the biggest difference.
Own it
I’ve taken ownership of our new ERP system, becoming the person people come to for troubleshooting and training. I like knowing I’ve made my mark on the business and want to be someone my colleagues know they can rely on.
Be respectful
This was one of the values that attracted me to Views. I think it’s important to be mindful of how we treat each other, particularly when things get stressful. If there’s a problem, I’d much rather help find a solution than look for someone to blame.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I absolutely love reading. It really is my favourite form of entertainment.
Earlier this year, I joined a local book club, where I met an amazing group of women and made loads of new friends, which feels pretty miraculous when you’re in your 40s!
Accountancy isn’t exactly a creative profession, so I enjoy painting, knitting and picking up all sorts of new hobbies to scratch the creative itch. I’ve got drawers full of beading supplies and other craft materials, and I’m even teaching myself to read tarot cards.
Give me a good book, something creative to do and a cosy evening at home, and I’m very happy!