Valley House fosters a supportive environment with numerous examples of successful mentorship. One such example is the partnership between Paula and Talisha.
Paula (Mentor):
I began my career in charity finance over 25 years ago and have been incredibly fortunate to have had some fantastic mentors – charity treasurers – who have significantly helped me along the way.
Working closely with Talisha, as we are the only two in the finance office, has naturally led to me becoming an unofficial mentor for her. Talisha possesses a remarkable aptitude for numbers and is a very quick learner. She is also highly motivated to learn both through on-the-job experience and by pursuing the AAT qualification, which I wholeheartedly encourage.
While qualifications and practical experience are invaluable, I believe that having a mentor who brings years of sector-specific experience offers a unique and invaluable perspective. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I am supporting Talisha as she embarks on her accountancy journey.
Talisha (Mentee):
Paula is an amazing mentor! She’s helped me grow so much in my job, and I’m really grateful for all the new things she’s encouraged me to try.
Paula has shown me that anything is possible with the right support.
She’s always got my back and really believes in me. Besides helping me get better at my job, she’s also helped me learn how to handle things calmly and gracefully.
I really appreciate her trusting me to take on extra work. Thanks to her, I’ve learned how to use Sage, do bank reconciliations, handle petty cash, and invoice clients, in addition to my regular duties.
Paula always makes me feel comfortable with my workload and is always there to help. I can ask her anything, even if I’ve asked it a million times, and she’s always patient.
Paula truly inspires me to do my best, both at work and in my personal life.
Summary
Paula, recognising Talisha’s potential, has informally mentored her, guiding her through on-the-job learning and encouraging her to pursue the AAT qualification. Talisha deeply appreciates Paula’s support, highlighting how her guidance has not only improved her technical skills but also enhanced her confidence and professionalism.
This mentorship exemplifies the value of experienced professionals sharing their knowledge and expertise to empower the next generation of finance professionals within the charity sector.
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