Member to member / Do what you think is the right thing to do and not what peers pressure you to do

Andy Ray joined the NHS in 1991, after working in the private sector for 5 years. The NHS landscape at the time was very different and Excel wasn't yet introduced to the finance function. Now Andy is Director of Financial Operations at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust and chair of the HFMA Eastern branch. We spoke with him about his career path and the latest HFMA technology - the myHFMA app, that he is taking to meetings and using to access policy and technical guidance to make a positive impact on the NHS. 

How did you start your NHS finance journey?

I started my finance career as a business trainee at Ford Motor Company, but then moved to the NHS with Southend Hospital as a finance manager in February 1991 prior to the purchaser/provider split – and even prior to Excel (we used a thing called Lotus 123 as spreadsheet package!). The NHS looked very appealing to me, with the aspiration to become more business-like and to modernise finance, and it certainly surprised the director of finance at Ford that anyone would leave them for the NHS. I have worked primarily in the acute sector and in most areas of finance. The NHS is never dull, and provides a lot of stimulus and challenge each day.

Why did you get involved with the HFMA?

I passed my final exams with CIMA soon after starting in the NHS, and my then director of finance recommended me joining the HFMA, which I did. I have always been proactive on self-improvement, so with the HFMA training being high quality and good value I have always attended events. From these events I got involved in a number of workgroups, and then invited to become a member of the Technical Issues Group (TIG), and then becoming chair of the HFMA Eastern Branch. Being able to comment on HFMA policy statements before issue, such as the recently published ethics guidance, is very satisfying.

Are you utilising the latest edition to the HFMA member benefits – the myHFMA app?

The app is excellent and will continue to evolve. This is the way forward in giving even more value to members. It is far easier to access HFMA news and technical content via a mobile app than logging onto a website. All the publications are listed, plus the dates of upcoming events. Very useful to have at meetings.

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

The networking opportunities within the HFMA are exceptional, I have made a number of contacts and friends through the HFMA, and whenever I have needed support on an issue then there is always someone to contact and help.

What piece of advice do you have for others in NHS finance?

Work hard, study and be proactive with your own training and development. Join the HFMA and get involved. In your career aim to do what you think is the right thing to do and not what peers pressure you to do, try to hit the medium/long term button more than the short term expediency button – it is a harder road but pays in the end. Finally, try to make a positive impact in all that you do.

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