24 March 2023
To understand a little more about the work our colleagues in Finance do, we took the opportunity to chat with Emma Thompson about her role in BSO.
1.When did you join BSO?
I joined BSO over 11 years ago in August 2011. However, I have worked with both the HSCB (now SPPG) and BSO finance from around October 2009 when I was seconded from a private sector accounting firm to support major accounting transitions at that time. Having enjoyed these secondments I wanted to get a permanent post in HSCNI and was delighted when I got a role within BSO Finance as a Service Improvement Manager. This role led to the creation of the Client Accounting team in BSO finance which I led for a number of years and still oversee.
2.What is your role and how do you make a difference to HSCNI ?
I’m the Assistant Director of Financial Management and Client Accounting in BSO Finance. I’m responsible for financial management within BSO and delivering financial management and accounting services to a number of smaller HSC organisations. My role involves working with my teams to provide financial support and information to budget holders across BSO and our HSC customers to enable them to deliver services which have an impact on HSC in Northern Ireland and ultimately frontline health services being delivered to the population. It’s a challenging role but rewarding to know that I am playing a part in HSC in Northern Ireland.
3.What do you enjoy about your work and what do you find rewarding?
I work with a brilliant team of finance professionals in BSO Finance and have formed great relationships and friendships with colleagues across BSO and other HSC organisations who I come into contact with. There is a very supportive network of finance professionals working across HSC. I really enjoy my day to day work supporting my teams, budget holders and customers, and enjoy the new challenges that role constantly brings. I feel that I am making a difference working in the HSCNI.
4.Why should someone join you and the team in BSO Finance?
BSO finance are a supportive close knit team comprised of finance professionals. In my time in BSO I have been given opportunities to grow and develop and progress my career from a Band 7 to Assistant Director. I have a very challenging role which I enjoy and while some of our work is routine there are always changes and new challenges to be met. I have also been able to achieve a good work life balance between managing a very challenging role which I enjoy and ensuing I get time with my young family.