Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Responsibility for setting the financial strategy for the University and managing the day-to-day Finance and Planning teams. This involves membership of the University's Executive Team and reporting on all financial and academic planning matters to the that Team and the wider University community.

My day starts with a review of items in the email inbox. After that I will often be involved in meetings discussing current and future strategies and plans across the University. This has particularly been the case in recent years given the wide ranging changes to higher education funding and regulation and at a time when the University is making considerable capital investment across the campus. Meetings will range from the traditional finance and governance type e.g. Council, Finance Committee to more detailed business planning discussions, reviews of business cases and general advice on core financial issues with the team.

The sheer variety of matters I am involved with. There are not many areas of the University that do not engage with my Division on a fairly regular basis so I can be dealing with a student query one minute and then supporting a discussion about large multi-million pound capital projects the next. Then there is the week of each year where everything stops for Graduation - a time of great fun when we are all reminded why we are here. It's a bit similar to how Christmas felt in retail!

We operate in a highly regulated area and have a significant burden of reporting requirements. As with all areas closely linked to government policy the pace of change can sometimes feel relentless. But that adds to the interest and excitement!

I am a management accountant by training (CIMA) and previously worked in the Finance Division of a large supermarket. The mix of numerical and written analysis (similar to that undertaken in my Geography studies) combined with meeting lots of people from across the University makes this an almost unique and very special role.

Associateship of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Significant use of Excel, Word and in-house systems.

Access to almost any training I consider I need. There is an internal training service here and also opportunities for more specific CPD via the Association of University Administrators and the Leadership Foundation for HE.

J Sainsbury PLC (1998/2005) - undertook the trainee manager scheme and then a period as Produce Manager and Stock Control Manager. Moved to Retail Finance and undertook my management accountancy training. My primary role was to work on aspects of the supermarket budgets for sales, labour cost, and stock loss. Moved to Convenience Finance and from there to Supermarket Financial Planning where I consolidated the J Sainsbury PLC budgets and quarterly forecasts.

KPMG (1996/7) - commenced a programme of chartered accountant training but decided that audit was not for me!

I plan to remain in the Higher Education Sector. In the next few months I will be taking on the role of Acting Registrar and Secretary whilst a recruitment process takes place.

I think the best advice I can give is to find an employment opportunity you will enjoy. Also be prepared to take your time learning all aspects of the business. All tasks you undertake will set you up for the future whether they be acting as a cashier or developing the corporate plan. Remember when applying for jobs to specifically address the application to the organisation you are applying to - standard forms are easily spotted. Link your experience (wherever it may be gained) to the role applied for. Think about all the experiences you have had and consider what you have learned from each. Consider volunteering especially if your work experience is a bit light.