MELISSA RUSS - FINANCIAL SERVICES MANAGER

What's your background?

I started as the Financial Services manager in June overseeing the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.

In terms of previous experience, my NHS finance path began back in 2008 as a Management accountant at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, (since became University Hospitals Dorset.) I then spent around 13 years gaining experience in various roles in finance such as Projects, Income and Costing, Capital and Financial Accounts and qualifying as an ACCA accountant.

Throughout my time at UHD I was also a ‘Change Champion’. This involved meeting staff from various other departments and collectively looking at the trust objectives and values. We campaigned on behalf of staff for changes they would like to see in the trust to enable a better working environment. I really enjoyed doing this alongside my day-to-day job in finance as it gave an insight into the issues around the wider trust. 

Having spent a while at UHD it felt like it was time for a change and a new challenge, which brought me to UHS! I’m looking forward to finding my feet and getting stuck in.

What do you like to do outside of work?

My family life takes up most of my free time as I am married with two small boys. I’m so busy driving them around to their various after school activities it’s a struggle for me to have hobbies! (Unless watching Netflix series counts as a hobby!)

 To be fair, the kids do a lot of football so with being a football fan it’s not too bad. I won’t say which club I support as to not get off on the wrong footing to early doors with anyone.

 In a world where I do have ‘me’ time again I’d like to do some form of exercise (possibly getting back into running), get out on the golf course again, and would love to do some more travelling. The only other interest I have is food, which then drives the need for exercise and trying every fad diet out there!  

What are you most looking forward to at UHS?

As I begin to learn UHS processes I would welcome the chance to engage with some of my colleagues in the wider finance team to understand the flow of data/processes that may impact AP/AR and see if there are opportunities for any efficiencies to be made.