MY BURFORD - MRS A BIRD - FINANCE AND PAYROLL MANAGER

Our Finance and Payroll Manager Mrs A Bird reflects on her role and time at Burford School as part of our new 'My Burford' series.

This feature series aims to shine a spotlight on the superb staff team at Burford who make it possible for us to offer 'the best of education' to our students.

I have been an employee at Burford School since 1998 where my first role was as a Cook in the Canteen. During this time, I went to College and studied and passed an NVQ2 in Catering.

My role changed to a Finance Assistant position in 2005. I was lucky enough during this time to be sponsored by the School to do a School Business Managers course with the National College of School leadership, which I passed in 2013 giving me a level 4 qualification and a degree in School Finance.

In 2014 I progressed to the role of Finance and Payroll Manager, which is my present role.

I enjoy the everyday hustle and bustle of school life and everyday is different. Some more challenging than others but most days are good.

I particularly enjoy some of the challenges sent my way and feel a sense of achievement once tasks are complete.

I love the history of Burford School and hearing the funny things that have happened here, for example when the farm was here many years ago, I read that the students used to be let out of class to go and bond with the pigs as this made them better behaved when they were at shows. The pigs I think not the students, but who knows!

My two children both studied here and now I have four grandchildren here at present with one more to come in a few years time.

I have worked with some lovely people over the years and miss some of them immensely. I have fond memories of some of the ladies I worked with in the canteen, but alas most have since passed away. These were people who had like me worked here for many years.

I also have nice memories of the students in all of my roles and find them interesting to talk to.

One of the highlights of my time here was getting the Post of Finance and Payroll Manager, I was and am very proud of this achievement. From starting as a cook to this post was a big step, which obviously took a few years and lots of hard work.

Outside work I like taking our 2 year old Labrador for walks, reading and going on outings with my 8 year old granddaughter. I also love spending time with my Family and friends.

I enjoy going on cruises and have been to some amazing places over the last few years, I am hoping to do a Nile cruise next year.

To describe Burford School in 3 words I would say, busy, thriving and constant.