Here at Gallowglass, we pride ourselves in having a very supportive and accomplished team. Being the UK’s leading supplier of event crew, we couldn’t have got to where we are today without our team. Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Maria Sanchez a little more, and her role within Gallowglass as Financial Controller.
Could you offer a brief introduction of yourself?
I was born in Jaen but living most of my adult life in Granada, it’s in the south east of Andalucia, southern Spain. I’m a professional in Accounting and Management with extensive experience in cross-functional competences and a comprehensive educational background. I aim to help companies to meet and exceed their goals.
How does life in the UK compare?
It’s quite different, especially the weather and the food. But I’ve found lots of amazing places to discover particularly when you visit the countryside and also amazing food from everywhere.
What’s different to working in finance here in the UK compared to Spain?
There’s not a huge difference mostly thinking that companies all over the world are trying to apply similar standards in order to get a global standardized information.
Describe an average day in your position?
As a financial controller, I manage different areas. So depending on the day I can be dealing with payroll, banks, management reports, budget business planning, taxes, auditing, and so on.
What do you find most challenging about your role?
The main challenge is managing the data coming from the departments and working with them as a whole. Also, trying to use the synergies to create projects for new opportunities and new cost efficiencies.
How does working in accounts in the events industry differ to other industries?
The main difference with other sectors is about the market, where it’s difficult to predict, so it makes budgets much more difficult to calculate.
What’s the best piece of accounts advice you have been given?
Never take anything for granted, and put in place as many controls as necessary.
If your colleagues could describe you in three words, what would they be?
Dedicated, engaged and hardworking.
What was the most exciting event or project that you have been part of while working at Gallowglass?
There have been a few so far, the most exciting is still in place, and it’s related to creating a new structure for costing controls.
Do you enjoy any hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy travelling, meeting friends and sports in general.
Tell us the funniest story you’ve experienced during your time at Gallowglass?
Drinking too much and getting sick the day after the first company party.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Maria and her role as financial controller a little better here at Gallowglass! Although we have a range of event crew jobs in London, Bristol and Birmingham, we also have a strong team of back-office staff that help support our operation. From accounts to marketing to customer service, we are always on the lookout for talented and enthusiastic people to join our team. Who knows, maybe we’ll be interviewing you soon! To find out more about what it’s like to work for us, be sure to check out our other blogs on our fantastic employees.
