Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
Try to figure out what you want and then make decision makers for those roles aware of your aspirations and why you think it would be good for both FirstGroup and you. I kept in touch with the network I established regularly – both to understand what was happening across the division but also to get an understanding of opportunities that might be available. I got my Greyhound role by repeatedly nudging the then Chief Financial Officer that it would be great for development and knowledge sharing if we could do more overseas secondments.
Career path
Senior Finance Project Manager, FirstGroup
FirstGroup Plc
From 03/2023 to 05/2025Financial Controller
GWR (part of FirstGroup plc)
From 11/2018 to 03/2023Financial Controller
Greyhound (part of FirstGroup plc)
From 06/2017 to 11/2018Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
My role is never the same from day to day, and I love working exclusively on one complex task with a small team. The role offers the opportunity to have a real depth of knowledge on the- subject which I am really enjoying.
Greatest achievements
In Greyhound my finance team responded really well to being listened to and their opinions respected and considered. They were an amazing and hardworking team, but needed to know they were believed in and trusted by management. Allowing a more democratic and supportive team environment really helped to get the best from the team, for example them offering to stay to finish something off to support the team, rather than being told to as they might have had previously.
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Rowan A
Top Insider Advice
I've always been passionate about helping people, previously before working here I have been a Scout Leader and a teacher in a school. Having these experiences made me sure that I wanted to go into a career which would help people to progress and better themselves. When I went for the Training Officer position I had no prior experience in training but was able to show the passion I had for the job and showcase the talent I had to creating that comfortable, open, and learning environment. So I would say if you've got a passion for a certain area where you want to work then go for it and show your passion.
Alice O
Top Insider Advice
The only way to learn how to do a job is to ask questions from those around you. No question is a silly question. Also putting yourself out there asking questions, getting your voice heard helps establish your presence within an organisation and can help you progress your career further
Paul A
Top Insider Advice
I have been on the railway for nearly 7 years now and I can truly say it's never been boring. There is a true family atmosphere and everyone looks after each other. The Railway has changed a great deal in the last few years and is still changing now, it's modernising and evolving all the time. It's an exciting time for our particular company, in that we have just been awarded a 9 year contract, we are a new fresh brand, we have new trains arriving and our inherited fleet of trains are coming to the end of an exciting major refurbishment programme. Everyone is accepted and Equality and Diversity is a major factor of everyday work.