Our Spotlight Series continues with... Emma Thompson
Emma is the Chief Financial Officer here at ACDS and is a great asset to our team!
Find out what Emma enjoys most about working for ACDS and what inspired her career in cyber .
What is the best thing about working at ACDS?
For me, the dynamic nature of cybersecurity keeps the work both challenging and rewarding - we are on the frontline of defending against evolving digital threats. We are a small but close team, so even working in finance, I am exposed to the realities of these threats that require continuous learning and our opportunity to help, which makes it an intellectually stimulating environment in which to thrive.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Finance is an essential part of the business, and I think it's far more collaborative than some may imagine. It requires integration and alignment with all operational teams and management. Especially as the company is developing and growing; implementing processes and structuring financial reporting is essential, as well as providing insights on KPIs to other teams and leadership, to accurately track financial progress and take decisions accordingly.
Has anything about your position or the work surprised you?
I think the most surprising thing for me is how much difference one person can make. Just a different point of view on a small detail can be the difference between making a discovery and missing it. Quite literally proves that collaboration and team-work are vitally important.
What inspired you to choose a career in cyber?
I had previously worked in tech and loved that it was this constantly evolving, innovative world made up of diverse teams, but for me, something was missing. I had this desire to also somehow contribute towards making my community safer and being a part of a positive change to an industry, and working in Cybersecurity allowed me to.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?
Find a mentor, as history does tend to repeat itself. Getting a mentor who is experienced, knowledgeable and reflective can help you make sure you don’t repeat their mistakes, can be a great sounding board and can push you to take chances.