In a customer-focused company like BuildingLink, even our bookkeeper is interested in enhancing our customer’s experience. By developing good relationships with clients and supporting all aspects of their needs, we’re better able to deliver a quality and essential service that enhances the communities we’re part of.
It’s not just our external customers we value though, our internal relationships are just as important. We’re committed to sustaining BuildingLink’s leading position in the sector and a great place to work too. Kirsty Carberry, the person behind our accounts, chats with us today about her role with BuildingLink and what it’s like to work with us.
: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today Kirsty, can you start off by telling us a little bit about what you do at BuildingLink?
No problem, as the company bookkeeper, I’m the one who processes all the day-to-day account transactions, ensures wages are paid to our hard-working staff, invoices go out for our lovely clients’ annual software subscriptions, and monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports are produced for management. Basically, I’m the go-to person for any financial queries management have.
: What attracted you to the role with BuildingLink?
It was actually the people. I subcontract my bookkeeping skills to different clients. I’d met Nikki numerous times in the corridor as one of my clients worked near BuildingLink’s offices. When Nikki approached me to ask if I was available to take them on as a client, I was more than happy to sit down for a chat – the people you work with make or break job satisfaction!
: You moved here from Scotland where you gained your accounting qualifications, how is working in Queensland, Australia different to your home country of Scotland?
For one thing, it’s a lot warmer! Thankfully bookkeeping doesn’t change regardless of where you are in the world. With today’s technology, everything can be cloud-based – accounts can be done remotely or on-site. This means I have the luxury of being home-based but the option to attend the office when required.
: Your bio mentions you enjoy playing golf, what do you like most about the game and what’s your handicap?
I enjoy golf but I’m not mad about it so my handicap doesn’t change – it’s still maximum! I don’t play as regularly as I used to so when I do go out it takes me a little time to warm up and get in the groove. I just enjoy being on the course and taking in the scenery and nature that surrounds them.
: What is your greatest achievement to date?
Moving to Australia was a major achievement – not just in the planning and execution of it, but leaving family and friends to start a new life was a big deal.
Also, before coming here, I learned how to scuba dive.I spent many a chilly day in a Scottish loch. As it is so cold in the water there, you learn to use dry suits which are a little more technical than just diving in warm water with wet suits. However, it was an amazing experience and my reward was a trip to The Red Sea in Egypt where we were lucky enough to have a private dive on the SS Thistlegorm – a sunken British steamship. All the cargo is still on it – from tanks, motorbikes, trucks and boots. It was like diving in a fish tank – the water was crystal clear and there was so much marine life around it.
: Who are you inspired by and why?
I’m a big fan of any person – whether a normal everyday person, entrepreneur or sportsperson – who pushes through all the hard times and stays focussed on their dream long enough to make it happen. Too many people give up when the going gets tough or they’ve already achieved a big goal and live a “settle-for” life.
My husband and I are planning our next big adventure and hoping to travel more once we can move between countries a little easier. We both work remotely so can take our work with us and have some more worldly experiences at the same time. There are lots of golf courses to play, fishing trips to charter and diving experiences we still want to accomplish.
: Tell us something interesting about yourself that not many people know?
Many years ago I won a competition to audition as a cheerleader for the British Lions rugby team. I travelled to London and met up with the other entrants – England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales were all represented and two from each country were being chosen.
We spent a whole day learning some dance moves while being watched by judges. I will be the first to admit I have absolutely no dance experience, no coordination or flexibility but I am game for a laugh. There were three of us representing Scotland – myself, an equally un-coordinated guy, and a professional dancer. Needless to say, the professional dancer was chosen, and they chose the guy as they thought they’d get away with using him to pull the media attention! It was a great experience though and I had a blast taking part.