Not long out of university, Chelsea Shepherd was eager to find a company where she could progress.

Her next career step took her 10 years ago, to Winn Group and the start of a financial career-based journey that would take her from Accounts Assistant to a Senior then to being part of the Group Management Accounts Team most recently.

A firm believer in development in a role, Chelsea has, with the backing of Winns, continued her studies during her time at the organisation, receiving support that emboldened her to extend her learning.

She said: “They have been nothing short of amazing. A few years before joining Winns I completed my degree in Accounting at Northumbria University, and that was always where I wanted my career to go.

“A few years ago, I was encouraged to continue my studies and started working on my CIMA qualification. There were a lot of early starts and late nights (bringing back memories of revising at 6am at my desk before starting work!), but they were all worth it when I received my certificate to say I’d completed the CIMA Operational Level.

“I’ve also been given so many opportunities to improve processes within the team, as well as implement new processes within On Hire finance.

“I can’t say I would have predicted 10 years, but I came with all intentions to work hard and to gain as much experience as possible, and the rest just fell into place.

“I’m a firm believer that if you work hard, it will be recognised, and when I was asked to move from Winns to On Hire accounts, it opened up a lot more opportunities.”

 One of her line managers during her time at Winns, Helen Baldwin, Winn Group Treasury Manager, said: “Chelsea will always go that extra mile to make sure the work is completed and accurate. 

“Having her in your team is such a comfort, as you know she will always get the job done and at the same time take on new challenges. 

“Even when a job seems almost impossible, she somehow makes it work.  This is driven by her desire to help all areas in the business, which is why she won Employee of the Year 2024.”

Looking for your next career switch? Whether you’re taking the first step or making a move in a more established career, take a look at our current vacancies by clicking here.