Behind the balance sheet: Bronwyn Harris on leading the finance function for Central Contracts

What route did you take to get to your current role?

I enjoyed maths at school and chose to study it at Bath University as I was keen to keep my career options open. When I graduated I was still unsure what path to take, so I applied for a few roles. I was successful gaining a trainee placement at a Bristol accountancy practice where I worked alongside completing my accountancy qualification.

I relocated to Stafford 18 months later and started work at an accountancy practice in Stoke-on-Trent where I stayed for 10 years. While I was there I took all my accounting qualifications and worked my way up to Client Manager.

How did you end up working for Central Contracts?

I fell into it. Central Contracts was a client of the practice where I was working and I had a good relationship with the directors – including Managing Director Mike Lloyd. When Central’s accountant was looking to retire, Mike asked us to help draft the job description and I asked if he’d consider me – I think he thought I was joking at first! After a formal interview, I was offered the job, which was ideal as I’d already known the team for a decade.

What does a typical day look like in your role?

My role is very broad as: essentially, I am the accounts department! I cover absolutely everything finance related. That includes raising invoices for vehicle deliveries, managing bank reconciliations, making payments, looking after payroll, creating management accounts and VAT returns. I also get involved in the business strategy working with my co-directors plus I take the lead on HR when required. I’m usually in the office three days a week and I work from home the rest of the time.

And do you enjoy being a one-woman accounts department?

It has its advantages and disadvantages. What’s great is that I’m aware of everything going on but if I’m off for a week, I come back to a very busy inbox! The level of growth in the business means the workload has doubled since I started so we may need to consider an additional head in the future. Currently I have streamlined our processes and used digital integrations to manage the workload increase and that works well.

What’s it like working at Central Contracts?

It has been a real breath of fresh air. Previously I was surrounded by accountants, which I liked, but it’s great to be working with a group of people covering different roles who have really varied skillsets. It’s a brilliant team and a very relaxed, friendly place to work.

Do you feel that automotive is attractive to women?

I really enjoy automotive – it is constantly evolving and you need to keep up or risk being left behind. You always have to be ready for the next change, be able to make decisions fast and adapt your business accordingly. Having said that, I think there is still a historic industry stereotype that might put people off, plus I think the younger generation are less aware of the breadth of opportunities in the sector.

Like lots of historically male-dominated industries, there are often still lots of women principally in administration and accounts departments, but that is changing. Since I started at Central, there are more females across the team – across our senior leadership team it’s a 50/50 split, the sales team now has four women onboard and the pricing team has a pretty even gender split.