Welcome to our Employee Spotlight feature! In this edition, we talk to Becky Marshall who has recently been promoted to Finance Director at Fleetondemand, in addition to joining our executive board. Starting her journey at the company as Head of Finance just 15 months ago, Becky has quickly made a mark with her deep financial acumen and excellent leadership skills.
In her new role, Becky is focused on fostering inclusive collaboration across departments, utilising her strong relationship-building skills to drive the business forward.
Describe your current role and how long you’ve worked at FOD.
I have been working at FOD for 15 months now - time flies when you’re having fun! I came in as Head of Finance but have recently been promoted to Finance Director.
What skills are most valuable in your current role, and how did you develop them?
Aside from the obvious technical skills needed, I think that people skills are very important in my role. Being approachable and maintaining relationships with other departments to make sure we are all working inclusively is hugely beneficial in driving a business forward.
What made you want to pursue your current career path?
I have been in Finance since leaving school, I went straight into an accountancy practice where I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and then quickly moved on to being the No1 Finance position in more commercial roles. I love the variety that my job offers, the challenges and the people that I get to work with.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
I love managing a team and watching them develop and grow in confidence with their work.
What have been your proudest moments at work to date?
Taking the promotion to Finance Director has been a real highlight. FOD really do reward hard work and provide opportunities to develop and carve out your career path.
What’s one professional skill you’re working on?
I believe that we are constantly learning and evolving in our careers, and I am always open to learning new skills. Over the coming months I’ll be looking to work closely with the other department heads to understand their roles and how our working styles can help each other.
What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
“You have two ears and one mouth so you should listen twice as much as you talk.”
What do you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
Over the next 12 months I will be bedding into my directorship, offering stability to my team and looking for what efficiencies I can bring to financial reporting.
How would your friends describe you?
I hope that my friends would describe me as kind, fun and easy to talk to. 😊
What’s something you’ve done in your life that you’re really proud of?
My biggest achievement in life and the people I am most proud of are my three sons. They keep me on my toes, but they motivate and inspire me daily.
Can you describe the top 3 items on your bucket list?
Travel, travel and travel. My children are at a great age now for us to get out and explore the world and we have a very long list of the places we want to go. Top of the list is Thailand, and we are busy planning a trip for next year.
How do you like to unwind after a busy week?
After a busy week I like to pack the family up and head for the hills. Being out in the fresh air is a great way to unwind and gain perspective. It recharges my batteries and allows me to skip into work on a Monday morning ready to go.
Share a random fact about yourself.
I love to challenge myself whilst keeping fit. I practiced kickboxing for 4 years and even competed in a cage fight! More recently I’ve started training in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and absolutely love it. Most of my weekends are spent hiking. We’ve set a family challenge this year to walk a Wainwright a month and so far, we are on track.
What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
When I was really young, I wanted to be a vet until my first pet died and I realised it wasn’t for me! I now have a beautiful golden retriever and that’s as close as I will get to a career in animal care.
What are your top three favourite songs of all time?
Oh no, my music taste is terrible! Please don’t judge me!
Sweet FA – Flowers (been my favourite forever, sorry not sorry)
Oasis – Half the World Away
Anything 90s boyband (as many will know from the Christmas party!)
