As he joins Wasps in Scotland, Stuart McCue-Dick reflects on his career combining accountancy and a love for the arts.
Dalziel High School, Motherwell (1980-1986)
It was during my time at high school that my love of the arts, and performing arts in particular, developed. I was involved in the school choir, the drama club, the photography club and, in my final year, was Editor of the school magazine. I still enjoy performing – I am a member of two local amateur dramatics groups in Lanarkshire and perform in at least one musical and one musical revue every year. My parents also influenced my love of the arts; they would often take my brother and me to museums, galleries and the theatre. Whilst at school I was always certain that I wanted to be an accountant, but I had no idea that I would end up combining this with my love of the arts in its broadest sense.
Downie Wilson (1989 – 1996)
Whilst at university I had been determined to train with one of the larger accountancy firms, but that was not to be. In hindsight I actually believe I gained a far better training at Downie Wilson – I was exposed to a far greater range of clients than I would have been at a larger firm, from sole traders to stock exchange listed public companies. By the time I left I was one of the senior members of the audit team, specialising in the audit of lawyers.
John S Dick Limited (1996 – 2009)
My career took a somewhat unexpected turn in 1996 when my father retired and I took over the running of the family hardware and ironmongery business. Over the next 13 years, I developed the business to include a wholesale division that supplied shops all over Scotland. Sadly, changing market conditions resulted in the business shutting down after 45 years and left me looking for a new job.
National Operatic and Dramatic Association (2008 – 2011)
Whilst running the family business, I took on the role of Honorary Accountant at NODA, at last combining my love of the arts with my accountancy background. The plan was for me to be an independent voice on the board of trustees, providing advice and guidance on financial matters. But the resignation of the Finance Manager right at the year end resulted in me working for them on a contract basis for a year. I worked three days a week in the Peterborough Head Office, implementing new accounting and reporting systems, and ensuring the trustees had the necessary information to run the organisation.
At the end of my contract I was offered a full-time role as Finance Manager and Deputy Chief Executive which allowed me to further combine my love of the theatre with my career as an accountant. In this role I got to travel around the country, meeting many of the members of the 2,000 amateur dramatics clubs NODA looks after.
National Youth Choir of Scotland (2011 – 2015)
A desire to return to Scotland saw me move to NYCoS, which is based at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. It aims to get young people in Scotland singing to the highest possible standard. And through its network of 15 area choirs almost 2,000 children now do, every week. Its main flagship choir is of international standard and sings on a regular basis at the Edinburgh International Festival and the BBC Proms in London.
As the only member of the finance department, my role at NYCoS was very hands on. I spent a considerable amount of time dealing with funding applications to the likes of Creative Scotland.
Wasps (2015 – now)
Whilst not looking to move, the role at Wasps was just too appealing to me. It has given me the chance to move into a more strategic role whilst remaining in the arts. As Scotland’s leading provider of workshop and studio space, Wasps has 18 properties all over Scotland supporting almost 800 artists and arts sector professionals.
My role here will cover finance, governance, HR and property repairs, and is a challenge I am really looking forward to getting stuck into. We have a number of very exciting plans to further grow the organisation, including the Briggait Creation Centre which will provide accommodation and rehearsal space for dance and circus artists.
A chance to be at the forefront of the arts in Scotland once again, this role has given me a renewed love of my career as an accountant and also of the Scottish arts sector, which plays a vital role in the life of the country as well as being vital to its economic success.
Stuart McCue-Dick BAcc, CA is Executive Director – Corporate Services for Wasps (Workshop and Artist Studio Provision).
www.waspsstudios.org.uk
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