Sandra McLean

Job: Operations Accountant
Department: Finance
Site: Coatbridge, Scotland

Can you tell us what you do at BRIDON International Ltd.?

I am effectively the Financial Controller of the Coatbridge site. I prepare all the forecasts and monthly accounts for the site. Variance analysis and reporting to head office, in Doncaster, is also part of my role. I am also responsible for the payroll – the most important role in any business – making sure everyone gets paid correctly and on time!!! At Coatbridge we are involved in the LEAN programme and I am a member of the LEAN Steering Committee which ensures that the LEAN programme runs smoothly and involves the completion of various reports each month tracking events and reviewing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

What do you enjoy most about working at BRIDON, and about your job in particular?

Coatbridge is a small production unit by Bridon standards with a small number of staff so we don’t really have departments for everything and we all tend to dabble in things that, in a bigger unit, we would not get the opportunity to do. We all get involved and are like a big family (yes we squabble too sometimes) but we see far more of what goes on and get very involved in the day to day business.

What made you want to work for BRIDON, how long have you worked for the Company, and how did you start?

I have worked at Bridon for 3 years now. Funny how it came about – I got a phone call from the recruitment agency that had placed me in my previous role and they asked me if I would be interested in a role with Bridon. The Coatbridge factory had just been bought over from administrators and it sounded as though it would be a challenging role so I came along for an interview and the rest is history.

What would you say to a potential future employee about BRIDON and the development opportunities available for people wanting to aspire to a similar position as yourself?

Bridon is an excellent company to work for with many opportunities for advancement. I was already a qualified accountant when I joined the company so I have not yet taken advantage of the support offered by Bridon for job related courses. Other employees at Coatbridge have taken various professional courses to develop their skills and knowledge and have been supported by Bridon to do so, which is a fantastic opportunity.