When and how did you first start at WesCEF?

I was studying accounting at Curtin University when CSBP interviewed several third year students and I was offered an Assistant Accountant role. So, I had a job before I’d finished my degree!

What roles have you had with the company over the years?

Over the forty years with CSBP Fertilisers, I’ve tried six different roles. I started out as an Assistant Accountant in 1985, followed by a Cost Accountant a year later. After five years I moved into the role of Management Accountant in 1991. In 1995 I took on the role of Fertilisers Admin Coordinator, followed by Business Analyst in 2001 and finally Business Accountant in 2003 – the role I’m currently in.

What keeps you interested in doing the same job for 20+ years?

Over the last 20 years, changes in WA farming practices and the growing volatility of commodity prices and the USD rate, has meant a lot more changes – I thrive on enacting change in what I do. It adds interest and a challenge to the role.

What are some of the key highlights or greatest achievements you’ve experienced throughout your career?

I enjoy programming and spreadsheeting most of all! In the early days I inherited a fully integrated mainframe planning & forecasting system. I made continuous improvements to that system.

When the mainframe shut down in 1991, we moved to spreadsheets for planning, budgeting & forecasting. I created a comprehensive profit forecasting model, which gradually became more complex and comprehensive over the years, particularly as reporting requirements grew exponentially and the Company’s operating environment became more volatile and competitive.

What are some of the most significant changes you’ve seen/experienced over your time with WesCEF?

I’ve seen rapid downsizing in the early 1990’s (driven by a permanent drop in the wool price and poor ongoing commodity pricing), but also huge growth in competition, as well as in the range of products we offer.

I’ve also been here through the creation of ‘WesCEF’ and the growing influence of Wesfarmers’ way of working and new management styles. Navigating the GFC, COVID and also post COVID volatility has all been a challenge as well.

What do you enjoy most about working at WesCEF?

Great people to work with and good employment conditions. Enjoyable work, where you know you are making a valued contribution. The business is always changing and adapting, and I find that always adds a welcome challenge to the job.

What do you enjoy when you’re not at work?

My hobbies include model railways, model kits, reading, vegetable gardening – and probably too much TV (mostly history programs, especially WW2 and car shows).

I also have two beautiful and entertaining granddaughters, aged 5 and 2.5. They keep us both very busy when they come over for the day.