Can you tell us what you were doing before you joined DWP?

My name is Natasha and I’m proud to work for DWP. I still feel like a bit of ‘newbie’ as I’ve been working in the Department for a year and three months, after having worked in the private sector for over ten years. With a BA (Hons) in Business Studies and MSc in Marketing Management, I worked for several years as a product manager in the financial services sector. I managed marketing campaigns and led commercial projects to drive income to the business. During this part of my career I had a couple of big life changes and ended up moving back home to the Fylde coast in the North West and applied for a job with DWP. I wasn’t convinced about working in the Civil Service initially… However, I have nothing but positives to say about my role, the people I work with and career prospects at DWP.

What is your role in DWP?

I started off as an Executive Officer within a small team responsible for finance planning for DWP directorates. It was quite a steep learning curve initially, but a good induction and regular support from my line manager really helped. Within ten months I was able to move into another finance role on a temporary promotion. My current role is a Higher Executive Officer within the in-year forecasting team. I am responsible for providing professional finance support to senior managers to help them make accurate and well-informed forecasting decisions. On a day-to-day basis I could be preparing accruals, producing month-end financial reports, leading meetings with senior managers to discuss month-end performance or even organising a face-to-face team event for 50 colleagues!

What’s next for you?

I have started a CIMA Level 4 Apprenticeship – more study which I didn’t think I’d ever do but it shows that DWP is invested in my career. I get support with study costs and time away from the day job to focus on my apprenticeship. There is always scope to learn new things and to make a difference and the flexible working is great. Going forward I think I’ll be at DWP for years to come and will work towards becoming a fully qualified accountant.