Manager of the Month Laura tells us why a career in finance is about more than numbers

When people think about a career in finance, they often assume it's all about maths. But according to Laura Griffin, Purchase to Pay Manager for Engineering Sciences at the University of Oxford, that's one of the biggest misconceptions.

"A career in finance is less about maths and more about logic." "It's about understanding processes, following procedures and making sure things are done correctly."

Laura's journey into finance wasn't a traditional one. After studying English at university, she never expected to build a successful career in the sector. However, her love of organisation, systems and problem-solving soon led her to discover that finance was the perfect fit.

"I've always liked processes, controls and systems. Those are all things I get to work with every day in a finance office."

Today, Laura manages the Purchase to Pay function within the University of Oxford's Engineering Sciences department, overseeing everything from the initial purchase of goods and services through to the payment of invoices. Her dedication to supporting her team and developing apprentices has also earned her recognition from her colleagues. In July, Laura was named Manager of the Month for the second time, an achievement that reflects her commitment to helping her apprentices succeed.

"It's a very nice achievement and it makes me very happy. I absolutely love supporting my apprentices, seeing them grow and seeing what they can do, so it's nice that other people think that's a good thing too."

Supporting the Next Generation

One of Laura's favourite parts of her role is helping apprentices develop their skills and confidence.

"I absolutely love supporting my apprentices and seeing them grow. It's wonderful to watch someone who starts off learning the basics become a confident member of the team."

She describes the satisfaction of celebrating milestones along the way, from processing a handful of invoices to confidently managing hundreds in a single day.

"Those small achievements build confidence. Things that once seemed impossible suddenly become completely achievable."

Laura has seen first-hand how apprenticeships can launch successful careers. One of her former apprentices progressed from apprentice to Finance Assistant before moving into a Finance Officer role, and now works as an Assistant Management Accountant.

"I'm incredibly proud of how far she's come."

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

For Laura, apprenticeships offer benefits for both employers and learners.

"When someone joins as an apprentice, you're not expecting them to already have the skills. You train them, support them and watch them develop. Before long, they're working independently and become a valued member of the team."

By the end of their apprenticeship, learners have gained practical experience across multiple areas of finance while developing the knowledge and confidence employers are looking for.

"It creates a colleague who is perfectly suited to the role because they've learned the job from the ground up."

Is Finance Right for You?

Laura encourages anyone considering their next step after school to look beyond the stereotypes.

"It can seem intimidating if you don't know what finance is all about, but it's really not as scary or complicated as people think."

If you enjoy structure, organisation, problem-solving and logical thinking, finance could be an excellent career choice.

"It's less about being brilliant at maths and more about understanding how things work, following processes and making sure everything is completed accurately."

Start Your Finance Career at Abingdon & Witney College

Whether you're leaving school, looking to earn while you learn or hoping to develop your professional qualifications, Abingdon & Witney College offers a finance pathway to suit every stage of your career.

Our Accounting course for school leavers provides a strong introduction to the world of finance, helping you build the practical knowledge and skills needed to progress into employment or higher-level study.

If you'd prefer to gain workplace experience while earning a salary, our Accounting Apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning with industry-recognised qualifications, giving you the opportunity to develop your career from day one.

For those already working in finance or looking to advance their career, our AAT Professional Accounting courses offer nationally recognised qualifications that can open the door to a wide range of roles and career progression opportunities.

Like Laura, you may not have planned a career in finance, but you could discover a profession that offers challenge, progression and the opportunity to make a real impact every day.

If you're looking for a career built on logic, organisation and opportunity, finance could be the perfect place to start.