Meet Juliette, trainee accountant

16 June 2015

Juliette Tweede is a trainee accountant at the Royal Free London. Here she answers our questions about her work in the NHS.

What is your role at the trust?

I am a trainee accountant (placement student) rotating around different sections of the finance department, for example accounts payable/receivable, payroll, financial control, cash management and management accounting.

What training/qualifications have you done to get to where you are now?

I have successfully completed two years at the University of Greenwich and will finish next year with an accounting and finance Bachelors.

Whilst in my first year of university I also had a mentor who helped me along the way. My mentor (a director of Septodont) even gave me two weeks’ work experience at his organisation which gave me an insight into ‘real life’ work in the finance industry. Before that I did A levels, which included maths.

Why do you do what you do? 

I enjoy maths, business is generally interesting, and accountancy is a combination of both. The NHS is also an interesting place to work. Getting an experience of how the financial sides are dealt with is fascinating. This experience will help me prepare for what is ahead of me and how I can progress and bring something to an organisation or business.

What is the best thing about your role?

I love the fact that I rotate around different departments because I can get a feel of how each section works. So far I have worked in the accounts payable and payroll departments, and currently I’m working in financial control. Each section varies in their activities and skills however the ultimate goal is to provide excellent financial performance overall. For instance, in financial control, I get to see, analyse and deal with figures. I also get to meet new people who help me gain a better understanding of how, what and why we do what we do.

Why do you like working at the Royal Free London?

The Royal Free London is a big trust providing excellent care to millions of patients. To manage the financial aspect of such a big hospital which initially intended to provide free care is a stimulating task, therefore to be a part of it is rewarding.

What would you say to someone considering a career in the NHS?

I would say go for it! You will never know until you try it out. There are so many different careers available and great people around. To be a part of something that is the distinguishing part of the UK is awesome. Even just the experience will help decide what you can do next.

What did you want to be when you were little?

I wanted to work in a physical job because I am good with my hands and love sport. As I grew older, I realised I didn’t really know what I wanted to be, so I did what I loved. I eventually realised that the biggest market in need of people was accounting, finance and banking, so I decided on a career in this industry. I currently enjoy it, I like using my brain to figure things out.

Any other interesting/fun facts about your career you would like to share?

I have some spare time in which I teach piano.