Financial Reporting & Control Manager
“The opportunity to progress is there from the start, but you need to show dedication and a real desire to act on your goals.”
Financial Reporting & Control Manager - Rachael Waller
“There are always new challenges on the horizon,” says Rachael Waller. You could be forgiven for thinking she must be a pilot, but actually the contribution she makes to aviation is as a Financial Reporting & Control Manager.
She joined our Financial & Corporate Services business area as a Tax Analyst in 1998, her previous job having been with a small practice offering no scope for promotion. Although she admits she had no prior knowledge of the CAA, she wanted to continue her career with a large organisation in which there was obvious potential to grow.
And did she find the opportunities to develop? “Absolutely,” Rachael grins. “I’ve had an amazing journey since joining.” She adds that she sees herself as ‘home grown’, having progressed all the way to senior management from a fairly junior role.
While working here she qualified in chartered accountancy. “It was tough,” she says. “But I was able to achieve my goals through the support I was given.” This support included financial assistance and time off to study, in addition to the personal development that everyone receives at the CAA.
“The CAA strives to invest in its people,” Rachael says. “They are genuinely committed to training and treating everyone as an individual, which generates loyalty and commitment in return. Of course you need to be proactive – the opportunity to progress is there from the start, but you need to show dedication and a real desire to act on your goals.”
Never one to sit still, Rachael is looking forward to further career progression as a financial analyst – but she also looks forward to coming to work every day. Currently she works in a 25-strong team, of whom 8 focus on management accounts. In her aviation job, typical responsibilities range from annual budgeting and month-end reports to pricing policies and liaison with the Safety Regulation Group Finance Advisory Committee on new legislations and associated charges.
Her role also sees her closely involved in all sorts of new projects within the CAA – since every project has a financial aspect to handle. As we speak, she is engaged in the complex cost analysis which will underpin the introduction of a new online examinations system to replace the traditional paper-based approach.
“It’s extremely interesting,” says Rachael. “You’d be surprised how many new and varied activities we face almost every day. It’s the variety of personalities in the department that makes it all gel – we’re a natural team, and I think we have a fresh attitude to getting the job done. A great atmosphere, great people and a great place to work.” She smiles and adds: “Oh, and a great canteen too!” “The Department was very welcoming and friendly and as a result I settled in quickly.”