James Highmore
Cohort 5 – Treasury Accountant
Name: James Highmore
Current job title: Treasury Accountant
Internship/Placement role: Workflow Procurement Project Officer, Finance
Degree: Philosophy
Where are you based: South Yorkshire Housing Association, Sheffield
Background:
I’m originally from near Manchester but have also lived in Lancaster and Glasgow. It was in Glasgow that I first really heard about social housing through talking to a friend. I then stumbled upon the GEM Programme, and the particular placement I applied for tied together this new-found interest with my ambition to have a career in finance.
The GEM Programme
The mentoring and exposure I gained through the GEM Programme gave me the confidence and resilience to put myself forward for many opportunities at my company. I managed to secure a promotion and study for my professional ACCA qualification, which wouldn’t have happened if not for the skills and experiences I picked up along my GEM journey.
What do you enjoy about your current role?
Treasury touches on lots of different areas of a business: finance, business planning, legal, development and asset management. For this reason, no two days are the same which makes the job incredibly interesting and dynamic.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to apply?
Learn about the sector – it truly is fascinating and unique. It sits at the intersection of political, social, and economic hot topics. Knowledge of social housing will make you stand out both at the interview stage and in your placement if you’re successful.