FD Q&A: Charlotte Vitty, Instant

01. Rise early or work late?

My husband will confirm that I am certainly not a rise early girl. I have never been a clock watcher so if that means it’s late when I finish in the office, that is fine. I try to keep certain nights clear for my rugby training or catching up with friends – a work/life balance is vital.

02. Training preferences: on the job or formal?

On the job is where I have learned most of my knowledge that I still use now. Although I firmly believe that the basics for finance need to be grasped early on, I have come across too many junior accountants who can’t work with debits and credits which is a big bugbear of mine.

03. What is your management style?

Open, with clear communication, as I think it is vital for my team to understand the direction we are going in and to take responsibility. Having the right people is key to a motivated team.

04. Does delegation come easy?

Having learned the hard way – yes, delegation does come easy. Instant is very fast-paced so it can be easy to do things yourself. I am focused on the development of my team and I see them all as future FCs and FDs. I don’t want to restrict their learning or my own development in my role.

05. Who do you rely on most?

I have said many times that I would not be able to do my job without my team. I have filled it with clever and reliable individuals. There are only nine of us which means we know each other well. Of course, my husband is always there at the end of the day with a glass of wine.

06. Boardroom or restaurant?

Boardroom – it helps me focus on what I want to deliver, and I think that it helps those who are listening to me fully grasp what we are discussing. I am the only qualified accountant in the business so how I explain the numbers is key to the overall understanding and decision making.

07. What technology would you never be without?

My iPhone, and of course my calculator.

08. Are you an FD for life?

An FD’s role is so varied it is hard to say, but I do enjoy the business development side of my career and I will always work in an SME.

09. What keeps you awake at night?

I try to remember that worrying gets you nowhere, so I focus on leaving my work at my desk, knowing that a fresh pair of eyes the next morning often solves all problems.

10. Your critical advice to would-be FDs

FDs should consider the flexible office market in which Instant operates is throwing up some intellectual ideas relating to property lease – how they are accounted for, and which are relevant with new lease accounting changes on the horizon.