Head of Finance for Systems Solutions, Hannah Spencer, discusses working on a new project devising a finance system for News UK, a special role model and why it’s okay to make mistakes.

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the working day: so what was on the menu this morning?

Porridge and fruit.

Sum up what you do at News UK in the shortest sentence possible.

I’m currently seconded on to a project to manage the upgrade of our Finance systems.

Lay a bit of context on that?

Our current Finance systems have been in place for a long time, we’re looking at what’s out there in the market, deciding what will work best for us, and implementing those systems to get us in a great place for the future.

This will look at systems we currently use across the business like SAP and TM1. I’ve only been in the role a couple of months, and before this, I headed up our management accounting team in Peterborough.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

I’d been in my role for five years, albeit with new things coming along all the time. I felt like it was time for a change and to push myself to do something completely different.

Going from a role that focused on month-end budgets, forecasts and team management to systems is a big switch but it’s great to learn something new.

What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?

The most interesting part is meeting people from all over the globe, with different backgrounds and experiences and trying to learn as much as possible from them.

The most challenging part is that the project is new, so setting things up from scratch can be difficult to start with.

What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?

Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?

Book: A Woman of No Importance. It’s about incredible World War 2 spy Virginia Hall who, despite having an amputated leg, was one of the Allies’ most successful spies.
Film: Argo. I know I’m a bit late to the party but I’d never seen it and really enjoyed it.
Binge Watch: Sex Education.
Sounds: I’ve got Illmatic on repeat at the moment. I know it’s old, but it’s so good!

Who is your role model? And why?

My Granny. At a time when she was expected to just marry and reproduce, she went to University, learned to speak four languages fluently, travelled the world, lived her life and passed on that joy for life to her family. She looked after me for long periods of my childhood, inspiring me with her quick wit and endless knowledge.

Sadly, she suffered from Parkinson’s but even as her body was failing she was still reading Albert Camus in French, teaching me about Hokusai, doing her cryptic crosswords every day and still wanting to learn. She died in November last year, and I miss her every day.

What is your most treasured possession?
Jennifer, my cuddly koala. She was given to me when I was a day old by someone very special who is no longer around and she still sits on my bedside table.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Amy Adams or Isla Fisher.

Last holiday destination? And why?

Germany. It’s my favourite country and I have family there.

You’ve won ten million on the Lottery – what do you do?

Go into shock because I’ve never played the lottery and I never win anything. Ever. Though, I’ve got my fingers crossed for this year’s Bakeoff sweepstake – come on Jairzeno!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Luck comes from hard work.

What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?

It’s okay to make mistakes as long as we learn and grow from them because no one gets everything right all of the time. The most important thing is to do your best, work hard, with a positive attitude and be open to feedback.

Tell us something not many people know about you…?

I ran over a cat on my driving test.

Who would be your three Fantasy Dinner Party guests? And why?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg – through her work on supporting women’s rights and equality, she really is such an icon
Usain Bolt – I was lucky enough to see him run many times. I was in Berlin when he ran 9:58. I’d love to ask him a million questions about athletics….plus at least I’d only have to cook him chicken nuggets!
Alan Turing – I am still in utter disbelief that this man, who did so much for his country, was chemically castrated because he was gay and (likely) ended up killing himself. I just want to tell him he’s wonderful and accepted.