We had 60 seconds to ask Claire Kerr, Head of Finance, some quick-fire questions. Here’s what she had to say:
- What part of the world do you call home?
Home is East Kilbride, just outside Glasgow and not too far from the old Traveltek office. I lived in Ayrshire for 7 years, which was lovely too. However, we came back to East Kilbride, where my parents also live once the children came along – babysitters were required!
- What was the name of the last book you read?
I would love to spend more time reading, but I’ve found time for this difficult over the past few years with two young children. I have, however, recently picked up Michelle Obama’s book ‘Becoming’ which has been on the bookshelf for a while untouched. So I’m attempting a few pages of that rather than checking my phone and scrolling in the evenings.
- What is your favourite holiday destination?
This one is difficult to answer! Pre children, one of my favourites was safari on the Masai Mara, then a few days in Mombasa afterwards. A holiday that has never been so terrifying and enjoyable at the same time – an amazing experience. Post children, we enjoy holidaying in Quinta do Lago with friends.
- All-time favourite movie?
I don’t really have a favourite movie, but I enjoy some easy watching at the end of a busy week and never say no to a light-hearted rom-com.
- Favourite type of food?
I generally am not too fussy and enjoy all foods. If I had to choose, it would probably be a nice pasta with a glass of wine.
- What does a typical day look like for you and the finance team?
The team has really come together and grown in the last year, and we each have key roles and responsibilities. We have tasks that have to be completed at certain times of the month, so everyone is very structured in their approach. We aim to have a team call once a day to check-in and be clear on what we have on for the week and address any pinch points. In terms of what we do within the team, this ranges from raising and processing supplier invoices, allocating bank payments, payroll, accounts preparation, consolidating accounts, and forecasting and compiling reports for Exec. and Board. There are lots going on, and we always have something to do, in a good way.
- You joined the Traveltek team in Jul ’20 what other industries have you previously worked in?
I have spent most of my career in Recycling and Resource Management, where I did all my training. It was generally quite a tough, male-dominated industry, but I really enjoyed the challenges it brought and enjoyed the crossover with Finance and Operations. I’m your person if you ever want to know why we have so many wheelie bins! I also had a short contract role at Glasgow City Marketing Bureau who at the time was an arms-length external company of Glasgow City Council. They were really passionate about marketing Glasgow as a world-class destination to visit, and it was nice to dip my feet into something different in terms of industry.
- What project have you enjoyed working on the most since joining?
Over the past year, we have worked hard to define processes and create a structured finance team, which I would say has been a success. There is lots more that we can do to go that step further and add more value, and I look forward to being part of that.