Fraser Mackay CA

Finance Manager, FP&A, Luton Airport

What attracted to your current role?
I have always been excited by aviation, so the opportunity to join this dynamic industry was impossible to decline. No two days are ever the same here. My key responsibility is managing the operating budgets, so it is very hands-on with the operation, which I absolutely love. I also value the opportunity to develop skills that support my future career ambitions, such as line management and expanding my FP&A [financial planning and analysis] knowledge. In any role continuous learning is essential – not only does it keep things fresh, but it allows for faster career progression. 

Which part of your ICAS training has helped you most to date?
Working in industry, those classic TPE [Test of Professional Expertise] exam scenarios seem to occur on a near daily basis. The most helpful aspect for me has been the ability to step back and look at the bigger picture when making important decisions. I’ve found that good decision making is the most important thing a CA does. Thanks to my training, I can understand how any business works, enabling me to make more informed decisions. ICAS helped me develop that critical way of thinking. I expect that to become increasingly valuable as I progress in my career.

What do you hope to achieve over the next year or so?
I hope to take on more corporate finance responsibilities. After three years training in audit, and four working in FP&A post-qualification, I am eager to continue expanding my practical knowledge and branch out into other areas of finance. My ultimate goal is to become a CFO, and to achieve that I need to ensure my experience covers all bases. Corporate finance is one obvious gap in my CV, so gaining exposure there would keep me engaged and help me progress, too.

What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
It’s a cliche, I know, but it has to be the people I work with. Having a great team around you not only makes coming to work genuinely enjoyable, but also makes life easier because you can rely on their support and expertise. Company culture is a key factor for me when choosing any role. We spend so much of our lives at work, if it isn’t enjoyable, it becomes unsustainable in the long term. Great companies understand this, and I feel lucky to work for one of them.

What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
The CA qualification provides an incredible number of opportunities, and having options is always valuable. Since qualifying, my life has completely transformed for the better – so many doors have opened that I never even knew existed, and I now have the flexibility to live and work almost anywhere in the world. I’ve also met so many incredible individuals through my work. I can’t imagine where I would be without my CA, but I am certain I would not be where I am today.

If you are interested in business and have the desire to learn, then I could not recommend ICAS enough. Even if you decide that audit or tax is not right for you long term, the qualification provides so many alternative career options that you’ll thank yourself for pursuing it – I certainly have.

Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk