Employee Spotlight / Nichola

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT / NICHOLA COLEMAN

We'd like you to meet Financial Controller, Nichola. Have a read below and find out a little bit more about her journey with the company.

"I’m Nichola and I have worked for James Burrell for over 20 years now.  I started at the young age of 17 straight out of sixth form with a passion for numbers.  My career started as a purchase ledger trainee after applying to a newspaper advert I spotted one night after my final exams, yes you heard right – a newspaper advert so showing my age now!  After a few short years I started to progress and learn more of which the company secretary at the time took me under his wing and started showing me the role from an accounting perspective.  I was in my element and after proving my dedication I was given the opportunity to go to night college to do my A-levels.  I worked hard for 2 years at Gateshead college 2 nights a week after work and got my full AAT qualification.

I have since worked up to Purchase Ledger Supervisor of which I was running the department I started in, I then was promoted to Accounts Office Manager and managed the full accounts team including sales ledger and credit control.  A few years before my bosses retirement I made Senior Management Accountant, handling all MA, budgeting and costings within the business.  I was then quickly introduced to our FD who joined the company and I now have the pleasure of working alongside him, Doug Reid as his new Financial Controller.  I successfully manage my role working 32-35 hours a week after the birth of my son Jaxson and a staged return and look forward to where I can learn and progress to next.

The construction industry is predominately taken as a mans world, however if you stand stall and stick to your convictions you can achieve your goals in any sector.

Outside of work I love the outdoors, with an a minimum of at least one trip a year to the lake district.  I have taken on many challenges including walking Hadrian’s Wall and running the GNR so love being active and pushing me to and over my limits.  I am also a keen reader and would never turn down a cinema date.

My dream job growing up was to be in the services and making a difference, however 20 plus years of a Monday to Friday rotation I am unsure how I would fair with police, fire department hours"

We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Nichola, a remarkable member of our team at James Burrell. With over 20 years of service, Nichola's journey has been truly inspiring.