Meet Terry Sweeney, Director of Psychological Services at YMCA Together

Terry Sweeney – Director of Strategic Finance

What does your role involve?

My role involves providing financial information and support to the board, the senior leadership team, the individual service managers, and the management of our finance department. A particular focus is on longer-term financial planning for the organisation.

 

What qualities are essential to your work at YMCA Together?

Technical accounting and finance skills underpin much of my work. There is also a need to work on presentational skills to assist managers in understanding the finances of their services. Most important is having a strong sense of teamwork – we all contribute to the services provided by the organisation to help people.

 

Describe your typical working day.

I usually come in just before 8am. After making a cup of tea, I will usually go through any issues which have arisen, with our Head of Finance and our Management Accountant. I will then attend to any outstanding emails and finalise preparation for meetings, which are usually at 9.30.

Following this, I will concentrate on any major issues or tasks – such as month-end accounting issues, budgeting, long-term financial planning, information requests from finance providers, etc.

An additional enjoyable part of the day is the time spent with managers and directors, discussing and explaining the finances of their services.

 

What’s the most rewarding element of your work?

The most rewarding element lies in helping service managers, many of whom are new to their role, understand the finances of the services that we and they provide. This, in turn, helps us, as an organisation, to work together to try to constantly improve.

 

Describe your most memorable moment at YMCA Together.

My most memorable moment was the first time I went to Dutch Farm – and discovered a haven of peace in the most unlikely place in the city.

 

How do you relax outside of work?

I relax by reading and running. I also try to relax by watching Everton, but this doesn’t usually have the desired effect!

 

If you could change one thing about society to improve the lives of the people you work alongside, what would it be?

Have everybody genuinely understand the circumstances that bring people to our services. Genuine understanding would generate an improved focus on the need for support and assistance.