Jo is a Director of The Orange Partnership and the massive contribution she has made over the last 14 years cannot be overstated. Prior to joining TOP she qualified as a Chartered Accountant at PWC and gained extensive in audit and finance at several organisations including Rolls Royce.
Jo is TOP’s nuclear expert and leads our framework and team at Hinkley Point C.
Here’s an insight into Jo’s perspective on a career as a Chartered Accountant in construction and how it’s changed over the years:
Q: What drew you to a career as Chartered Accountant in construction and major contracts?
My friend! Phil Joyce (now retired, co- founder of The Orange Partnership) and I did our accountancy training together in Newcastle in the late 80s. One day Phil rang me, out of the blue, to see if I would be interested in helping him with some audit work that he was about to start up in Scotland…….. and I’ve never looked back!
Q: You have worked with TOP for some 14 years now. How do you find it as a woman working predominantly on major construction contracts and has it changed much over the last decade?
It’s not something I have ever really thought about, or experienced any issues with. We generally work on contracts where collaboration is key and I have found that in most of our reviews this is an ethos that prevails and gender is irrelevant.
Q: Do you come across more women in senior positions today than 14 years ago?
Yes, I think I do. The commercial/ financial lead in the last four reviews that I have been involved in have been women. I always find it interesting to hear about the career paths of women that we work with.
Q: Which women have inspired you throughout your career?
The people I find inspirational are those with a “can do” attitude and have worked hard for what they have achieved. Sharon White (Chair of John Lewis), Angela Merkel and Karren Brady are women that I have always admired.
Q: What advice would you give to young women embarking in a career as a Chartered Accountant today?
This is a great career that offers many opportunities and whilst the studying is tough it’s worth it. If you work hard and are committed to what you are doing, then you can have a career that takes you in whatever direction you choose.
