Oliver Callaghan
When I finished University with a degree in Accountancy and Business, I was looking for a graduate scheme that would match my ambitions. I looked closely at a range of companies but I was keen to join a medium sized organisation where I could get involved in the decision making as quickly as possible - which has definitely been the case at IOP Publishing. And it was a decision that was well founded as the last three years have seen me gain a professional qualification and two promotions.
From my initial training and support in gaining the CIMA qualification through promotions and management skills training, I feel like I've had the encouragement to build on existing skills and add value to the business right from the start. I feel that IOP Publishing has really have offered me the autonomy, responsibility and opportunities to realise my potential.
I started as a Management Accountant in 2003, was promoted to Senior Management Accountant in 2005, before taking on the role of Financial Controller in January 2007. Nowadays, I am operationally responsible for all finances of IOP Publishing and its subsidiaries - including a department of ten people. I can't imagine many other companies where within 5 years of graduating I would have found myself tasked with evolving financial management to support the strategic direction of the business, restructuring a department, recruiting new positions and pulling together longer-term strategies. It has been an exciting opportunity - and a challenging one.