Arts Professional reveals the career paths of the sector's senior managers.
Chief Executive – Lyric Theatre, Belfast (2009–present)
This is my ideal job. It was a natural development to leave Northern Ireland’s leading receiving theatre and to join its leading producing theatre. Our old theatre has been demolished and we are currently building a new £18m two-auditorium venue, due to open in February 2011. I have just taken up the role and am excited about bringing together all my learning and expertise to ensure the theatre succeeds in its new home.
Commercial Director – Grand Opera House, Belfast (2002–2009)
This was my first foray into the arts sector in a professional capacity. I come from a very artistic family, and I was exposed to theatre and the broader arts throughout my life. This was a natural combination of my professional expertise as a chartered accountant and my love of theatre. My portfolio was large, incorporating finance, human resources, health and safety, IT and, at various times, during my stay I managed front of house, bars and box office. I also managed the £10m redevelopment of the theatre and the difficulties that accompany a major capital project: the need to challenge and test the designs, examine the detail, control the costs and manage the process of change. The greatest lessons I learnt were that you can never plan too much, and not to underestimate the impact that change can have on long-serving staff. I loved this job.
Retail Accountant – Musgrave Supervalu Centra (1999–2002)
I was responsible for providing accounting and business management support to independent grocery retailers. An enjoyable job but one with limited opportunity to develop.
Management Accountant and Business Analyst – Amey Business Services (1998–1999)
This was an incredibly difficult role. Amey was venturing into the Northern Ireland marketplace for the first time and I was one of 23 people who established its new offices and workforce. A stressful time, but one during which I learnt many of my general management skills as well as the ability to work long hours.
Management Accountant – Elastic Olympian Limited (1997–1998)
My first job in the world of commerce was with a struggling textile manufacturer. It was during this role that I learnt the difficulties of working in a cash-strapped environment and the life-long skill of cash management.
Trainee Accountant – Coopers & Lybrand (1991–1997)
I bypassed university and adopted the high-risk strategy of becoming a trainee Accounting Technician and later a chartered accountant. I still believe this was the best approach, and I learnt the profession from the ground up. Clients ranged from local famers to the managing directors of large companies, and it was during this time that I developed the skill of dealing with a wide variety of different personalities and traits. Chartered accountancy is an invaluable general business qualification, and it taught me the qualities I still hold dear: professionalism, honesty and integrity.