We're proud of our team. Do you want to meet them? Our 'I AM CMcN' series puts the spotlight on our team at Collins McNicholas to allow you to get to know them more. We are proud of all our teams, the work they do, and the community feel we have developed in our company.
In this interview, we introduce you to Catherine Brennan, Accounts Assistant based in our Sligo Office. Since chatting with Catherine, she has completed the VHI Women's Mini Marathon and raised much-needed funds for our charity partner, the Irish Cancer Society. Well done to Catherine from everyone at Collins McNicholas. Read on to find out more!
I love the culture at Collins McNicholas, all the Directors, management and staff are so approachable and lovely to deal with.
Q.1 What is your job title, and what do you do from day to day in your job?
I am an Accounts Assistant and have worked at Collins McNicholas for almost five years. My original focus was on accounts payable/receivable and invoicing, but more recently, I am focused on Credit Control and dealing with any accounting queries that may arise.
Q.2 Why did you get into this line of work, and what brought you to work for Collins McNicholas?
I went to college as a mature student studying business and always loved the accounting and payroll part of the course, so after I finished, I worked in an accountancy firm and really liked that line of work. I saw Collins McNicholas advertising an accounts position, and I immediately applied for the job as it was recommended to me by numerous friends.
Q.3 What is your favourite thing about working at Collins McNicholas?
I love the culture at Collins McNicholas, all the Directors, management and staff are so approachable and lovely to deal with. There is very open and honest communication. We are always encouraged to offer ideas to improve our working environment, and many of our ideas are taken on board. We also have a mixture of working from home and in the office, which is great.
Q.4 What did you want to grow up to be as a kid?
I wanted to be a teacher growing up, but that just never happened.
We got paid by the weight of the mushrooms we picked. It was a tough slog and needless to say, we didn’t get rich!!!
Q.5 What was your funniest/weirdest job?
I had a Saturday job picking mushrooms, and we got paid by the weight of the mushrooms we picked. It was a tough slog, and needless to say, we didn’t get rich!!!
Q.6 Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I am involved in a running club, and recently a group of us have signed up for a half marathon which is taking place in July. This will be my first half marathon. We are out running four evenings a week in preparation for it. Not sure if I’m looking forward to it or dreading it!
Q.7 What’s your favourite holiday destination to date?
I have enjoyed holidays in Salou, France, Italy and Prague. I am hoping to get to new destinations further afield in the future.
Q.8 What was the last film you watched and/or book you read?
'Avatar: The Way of Water' with very good 3D effects. I am reading 'Little Fires Everywhere' by Celeste NG at the moment. A very enjoyable read!
Q.9 Having worked alongside recruitment consultants for over five years, have you picked up any tips you would like to share with candidates when going for an interview?
For candidates, research the company that you have applied to and find out as much as possible about what they do. Tailor your CV to reflect what is required in the job description/spec. Anticipate the questions you might be asked and prepare your best answers. Research and preparation are very important.
If you're interested in working with Collins McNicholas or looking for a career in Accounting and Finance like Catherine, visit one of the links below.
Catherine Brennan
Accounts Assistant
catherine.brennan@collinsmcnicholas.ie
