Member to member / Being an accountant is my way to contribute to the healthcare of our population

Siân McPhee has wanted to work for the NHS ever since she was in school. So far she has worked in a variety of roles, across different departments, ultimately leading her to the finance function. She did a work experience placement with a doctor; worked at the outpatients department and was a personal assistant to a director of finance. Siân completed the NHS National Graduate Management Training Scheme and is now senior finance manager at NHS Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group. Alongside her daytime job, Siân also sits on the HFMA’s South West branch committee and is a Future-Focused Finance value maker.

We spoke to her about the importance of putting patients first, the gift she received before starting her finance training and what the HFMA means to her.

How did you start your NHS journey?

I first started working for the NHS when I was trying to save some money before starting university. My mum worked at our local hospital and knew they were advertising for admin assistants in their outpatient department so she brought home an application form and insisted I filled it out. I got the job and found I really enjoyed working for the NHS to the point that I returned in all of the university holidays to work on their staff bank and then again after graduation.

After a while I decided I’d like to stay working for the NHS so I applied for the Graduate Management Training Scheme. Around that time I got a job working as a PA to a director of finance which is probably what influenced me to choose the finance stream! I was lucky to work in a variety of NHS organisations as well as the Department of Health during my time on the scheme so have a good awareness of the whole system – something which comes in handy in my current role working on the Devon STP.

Why did you get involved with the HFMA? How does the Association support your career development?

I first became aware of HFMA when the director of finance I was PA to became the chair of one of the technical groups. When I left to start my own finance training I was handed an HFMA Introductory guide to NHS finance and advised that HFMA membership would be useful in my future career. As time went on I became more involved in other HFMA activities such as becoming an FFF value maker and becoming a member of the HFMA South West branch committee.

You have worked on the front line, interacting with patients daily. What effect did this have on your perception of the NHS? 

I think it’s done two things. Firstly, I know that things in the real world are not as neat and straightforward as numbers on a spreadsheet – there is chaos and emotion and a whole variety of different personalities who somehow have to come together to make things work. Secondly, I always have in my mind that we are here to do what’s best for patients. I think it’s important to see beyond organisational boundaries and remember there are people trying to navigate our complicated system when they are at their most vulnerable and we should be thinking about what is best for them. I see my role as working for patients and the NHS first, and being an accountant as secondary to that. Being an accountant is just the way I can contribute to the healthcare of our population which is something I’m really passionate about.

What’s the most important HFMA member benefit for you?

I enjoy being part of a larger community of finance professionals and having access to endless advice and guidance from those who are more progressed in their careers. I make use of the webinars and publications but I’ve found that I have got more out of my membership by actively getting involved in the opportunities that are available.  

What piece of advice do you have for anyone who are starting their NHS finance journey now?

I would say that NHS finance is a great and varied career to have. There are so many different roles and organisations that there is something for everyone, so it’s possible to find your niche and progress in your career. I think it’s important to find a job you love and to build good working relationships with all of your colleagues whether they are in finance, your organisation or elsewhere. And finally - always, always, always do the right thing for patients!