FD Q&A: Vicky Godliman, Trustmarque

01. Rise early or work late?

I am definitely a morning person. I get up just before 6am to sort my dogs and horses before heading off to the office for the day. Then I use my evenings to catch up on emails and plan the next day.

02. Training preferences: on the job or formal?

Once upon a time – like many of my friends and colleagues – I had to endure hundreds of hours of classroom training, studying for and passing AAT and ACCA qualifications. I am practical at heart, though – training on the job is my preference.

03. What’s your management style?

I encourage my team to make decisions and I will support them, whether they are right or wrong – failing to make any decision is often more detrimental.

04. Does delegation come easy?

When you set the bar high – delegation can be challenging because people don’t always do it as you would like it to be done. The upside associated with an active and fully functioning team far outweighs the challenges associated with delegation.

05. Who do you rely on most?

At work, my team provide unwavering support to me – the strength and energy they have never ceases to amaze me. Outside of work, I have to say my husband. He and I are both very competitive and he constantly pushes me, which I have to thank him for.

06. Boardroom or restaurant?

Given the choice … who would ever choose any boardroom ahead of a restaurant? (So long as it is a good restaurant, of course.)

07. What technology would you never be without?

My iPhone … using it is the easiest way of keeping on top of things.

08. Are you an FD for life?

I have been finance director for less than a year now – I am still learning the ropes and enjoying new challenges at the same time. I am also not motivated by job titles – one organisation’s finance director could easily be another’s finance controller – it is more about the challenge, the achievement and the satisfaction. I really enjoy my current role and I am fortunate to be part of a forward-thinking management team in a rapidly growing business.

09. What keeps you awake at night?

Seriously – nothing normally keeps me awake at night! When there is something on my mind, though, this is the only quiet time I get to think things through.

10. Critical advice to aspiring FDs?

Be true to yourself, inspire others, and focus on your personal goals.