Name: Allan Jackson
Age: 30
Degree: BA Economics, 2000, Newcastle
Job Title: Finance Coordinator
Company Name: ActionAid International
What do you do in your job?
I work for an International Development Charity, supporting the Official Donors Income unit - proposal budgets, contract financial management, audits, planning, reporting analysis etc
How did you hear about the job and what did the application process involve?
I searched Charity job websites. The application process involved Application Form, Excel Examination, 1st and 2nd Interviews.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I get to use the skills I learnt at University and later as an auditor at PwC and apply them to doing something worthwhile and valuable, supporting over 40 country programmes to raise and manage their income from donors such as the EC, UN and DFID. My role is extremely varied, I work with colleagues across the world, and represent the charity to Donors, auditors etc. I analyse a variety of financial data, help to win contracts and maximise the impact of the income that we raise. In the process I have increased my understanding of international development issues.
What is the most challenging aspect to your job?
The nature of a charity working in difficult areas is that it's often difficult to communicate effectively and to work with the systems available.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still here, supporting ActionAid to fight poverty.