Vesta, a stalwart of Fairmead for the past six years, having started with the firm at just 19, juggles a multitude of responsibilities. She’s a whizz at payroll and accounts, but it’s her knack for compliance that truly sets her apart. “It’s a few hats,” she says with a chuckle, “but they all piece together for the whole bigger picture.”
Her duties are rather extensive, encompassing:
- Payroll and Accounts: Ensuring everyone gets their wages on time and that invoices are spot on, working closely with her manager, Joanne.
- Compliance: Verifying that all workers have the necessary documentation – right to work, tickets, and the like. “I make sure that everyone going out the next day has the valid right to work, the valid tickets for the job role they’re doing.” She’s also meticulous about tracking expiry dates.
- Client Audits: Participating in audits, and providing crucial paperwork like payslips and legal documents.
- Reporting: Compiling and presenting stats, from attendance to performance, for Darren’s meetings. “I keep track of that day-to-day, week by week, month by month, and then year by year, and quarterly as well.”
Vesta loves the variety her job offers. “That’s one of the reasons why I like this job because every day is different. It’s not the same old stuff every day.” Her role is vital for protecting the business, maintaining client relationships, and ensuring financial stability. She emphasises Fairmead’s commitment to a comprehensive managed service. “We’re leaning more towards being a managed service from start to finish. So we’re not just sending the labour down and getting them paid, we’re doing it from start to finish.”
Key Milestones and Insights:
- Vesta’s journey began in January 2019, transitioning from a barista role at Costa Coffee across the road from the Fairmead office in Epping.
- “And then, when I came in for the interview, I recognised everyone in the office because they all ordered coffee from me. So I didn’t know anyone’s name, but I just knew everyone’s order.” This personal touch was the unique way that allowed her to feel that she was already part of the firm before she officially joined.
- Her career path wasn’t planned; she found herself in accounting through a college course and then in customer service.
- Darren recognised her potential and offered her an interview. “Darren used to come in for coffee every morning at 7 o’clock, and I used to open up that Costa. And then one day, he sent one of the guys down with a business card and said, we want you to come up for an interview.”
- She’s witnessed significant changes in the industry, especially the rapid adoption of technology and AI. “I’d say the biggest change is that since COVID, it’s had a knock-on effect with the technology side of things. Everything’s online.”
- Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fairmead continued operating as a key worker industry.
- Vesta praises the company’s supportive and caring work environment. “I’m both respected and cared for by the directors. They’re people that you can if I’m having a tough day or you’ve got a problem, I can talk to them. They’re lovely guys.”
Vesta’s story is a testament to unexpected career progression, adaptability, and dedication