The Brewery Success Story Series #3: Dahlia, Head of Finance

November 8, 2023

Our dedicated employees are the driving force behind our success. From the meticulous planners to the welcoming receptionists, the talented kitchen staff, the hardworking cleaning crew, and the efficient operation, finance, and logistics teams, every single member of our team goes above and beyond to preserve the legacy of The Brewery. It's time we bring attention to the remarkable individuals who make our organisation what it is today.

This month, let's shine a well-deserved spotlight on Dahlia, our Head of Finance.

Hi Dahlia, let's kick things off with a glimpse into your world. Could you
share a bit about your background and what brought you to The Brewery?

My finance journey began 16 years ago, with a considerable part of my career dedicated to the education sector, which included an 8-year stint at the Fashion Academy. Just over a year ago, in May 2022, I took on the role of Head of Finance at The Brewery, marking my exciting move into the private sector.

The change in focus from education to the world of events has been an exciting new chapter in my professional journey. The opportunity to join The Brewery seemingly appeared out of the blue. I hadn't actively sought it out, but rather, an agency contacted me, sparking my enthusiasm when I discovered it
was within the events industry. I've always held a passion for events, often serving as the designated family party planner, so this role was a dream come true.

Outside of work, I'm mother to a delightful five-year-old daughter who brings a mix of joy, love, and, at times, a touch of stress to my life. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending quality time with her.

Could you provide us with an overview of your position and what it entails?

As the Head of Finance, my role is to oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the business. This entails not only managing the current financial aspects but also looking into the future, forecasting for 3, 5, and even 10-years ahead. It's a role that keeps me quite busy, even during periods when the rest of the company might experience a slowdown, like in July and August when there are fewer events. At the moment, the finance team are occupied with an audit and closing the accounts. In essence, my role is about ensuring the financial health and sustainability of The Brewery.

How big is your team?

I lead a small team of four, each with their own unique roles and responsibilities. Zenab handles credit control, diligently pursuing outstanding payments from our clients. Marie takes charge of client invoicing, ensuring that once a contract is signed, invoices are promptly raised and dispatched to the client for payment. Meanwhile, Karen manages the purchase ledgers, overseeing suppliers and the essential services that keep our business running smoothly. Mandy, our management accountant, bridges the two sides of finance, providing comprehensive reporting on The Brewery's performance in various intervals, from monthly to yearly. My role involves overseeing the entire department. 

What’s the most challenging bit about your role?

The most challenging aspect of my role is ensuring that we maintain the financial well-being of The Brewery. It can be demanding, especially during busy times like the audit season. However, the challenges also provide us with opportunities to learn and grow, which is a rewarding aspect of the job.

Is your position at The Brewery different to your previous role? If it is,
we'd love to hear about it.

Indeed, my role at The Brewery marks a shift from my previous experiences. Until now, my career was rooted in the education sector, where I previously served as a financial controller at the Fashion Academy.  Joining The Brewery represented my introduction to the private sector, and a step forward in my professional journey.

The transition from the public sector, has been interesting. In the public sector, since funding is predominantly sourced from the government and taxpayers, the approach to profitability is more relaxed. In fact, profit is referred to as surplus. In the private sector and here at The Brewery, it’s a bit different. The success and profitability of the business directly impacts us all, making it essential to prioritise financial viability.

Nevertheless, I've adjusted quite well. Ultimately, whether in the public or private sector, the overarching objective remains constant: to make more money than you spend.

What changes have you, or are you, implementing in the finance department?

Since joining The Brewery, I've been actively implementing some process changes within the finance department. I've streamlined certain processes to enhance efficiency. For example, we have revised the method for raising purchase orders for food because, as you can image, there were lots of them,
and the previous approach wasn't a productive use of our time.

We also aim to make the finance department more visible and integrated within the company, as often we have our heads down in numbers! We're actively getting involved in the social side of things, such as drinks and activities, which the HR department is doing a great job of organising, as these are a great opportunity to bring all departments together and improve cross-departmental relationships.

Culture is the heart of any place. How would you describe the culture at
The Brewery?

The culture at The Brewery is a wonderful blend of both relaxed and serious, all at the same time. While the work is important and essential, the environment is friendly and lively. It's a great place to work, and the leadership, including our CEO James Varah, plays a significant role in shaping this positive culture. James' leadership style fosters a sense of community and makes it a fantastic place to be a part of.

Are there any upcoming projects or events at The Brewery that you're
excited about?

I'm looking forward to shadowing an event with the operations team, which will give me a first-hand look at how things work on the ground. I try to walk around and see different events from time to time, although it can be challenging when things get busy.