Andrea Orr
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Andrea Orr |
Head of Corporate Services, Health Estates
Despite winning the Michael Lickiss Grant Thornton Prize for first place in the AAT finals, Andrea Orr asserts that 'studying and working full-time for the ACCA examinations was a challenge.' For her, ACCA's flexibility was really important, enabling her to manage her time effectively.
Flexibility has also been a hallmark of Andrea's career since joining the Northern Ireland Civil Service in 1987. She has worked in a wide range of positions, including both internal and external audit, finance policy and project management roles and a two year secondment as director of finance responsible for managing the voluntary wind-up of a small company.
This diversity of career is not unusual for ACCA members. 'One of ACCA's greatest strengths is the range of employment sectors in which its members operate,' says Andrea. 'The breadth of the ACCA qualification equips you with the knowledge and skills needed whatever career path you choose.'
This diversity is matched in Andrea's current position as Head of Corporate Services for Health Estates. As the agency's most senior finance professional, she is responsible for the management and control of finance, personnel, planning, facilities and other support services. Her duties also take in corporate governance and quality and improvement programmes.
'My aim is to continue to contribute to improved public services for the people of Northern Ireland,' she asserts, epitomising the attributes and values that has seen increased recognition of the role of professionally qualified finance professionals within the public sector in Northern Ireland.