About me
My name is Martyna Gornicka, as part of my Accounting and Finance degree at the University of the West of England, I had the opportunity to complete a placement as a Finance Assistant at North Bristol NHS Trust. This experience not only reinforced my interest in finance but has also given me invaluable insights into the operational aspects of healthcare.
My role
During my placement, I got the chance to work within three different areas of finance:
- Accounts Payables (Financial Services): my role focused on processing payment runs, regularly analysing and reviewing financial information, supporting reconciliation of the control accounts and responding to queries.
- ASCR Team (Financial Management): as an Assistant Management Accountant I was responsible for raising invoices, processing journals, completing monthly pay moves, and responding to queries from both divisional management as well as clients.
- Costing and Income Team: I contributed by investigating and responding to data challenges.
Each role provided me with hands-on experience, enhancing my understanding of financial procedures.
Career Path/Career Journey
The opportunity to work in three distinct areas of finance has given me broader perspective and has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations. The inclusive and supportive culture, flexible work-life balance as well as commitment to delivering the best possible care at North Bristol NHS Trust, has inspired me to continue my journey within the healthcare sector.
Personal Development
During my time at the Trust, I developed several key skills, including problem solving, analytical thinking and effective communication. Working alongside experienced professionals, I learned the importance of teamwork as well as organisational and time management skills in providing exceptional performance. I also gained confidence in using financial software and tools, which will be beneficial in my future career.
Work-Life Balance
North Bristol NHS Trust places a strong emphasis on employee well-being, and I experienced a great work-life balance throughout my time there. The flexibility in managing my workload allowed me to maintain a routine that supported both my professional duties and my personal life.
What’s Next
The experience has solidified my desire to contribute to the healthcare sector and I plan to apply for graduate finance roles within the NHS after completing my degree. My goal is to work towards becoming a fully qualified accountant, with a focus on healthcare finance, as I believe this is a sector where I can make a real difference.