Nicola's Profile
Job title
Programme Lead for Business Management, Mental Health Lead for the Business School
Academic qualifications
BA (Hons) Business Enterprise Degree (1st Class), AAT, FHEA, PGCert, Accounting and Finance MSc
"I’m passionate about demystifying finance for students - it’s not as difficult as you may think, so please don’t be scared of it!"
My expertise spans financial accounting, business studies, leadership, and management with a particular focus on bringing theory to life through practical application and real-world case studies.
I worked in the finance industry for over 13 years both in the UK and Overseas, gaining extensive experience in both receivables and payables departments and serving as a management accountant. My professional background, therefore, allows me to bridge the gap between academic concepts and the realities of working in the industry. In my teaching, I focus on finance and accounting, business risk, Leadership and Management and professional practice. I also deliver modules overseas in Hong Kong throughout the academic year.
I’m part of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and I have completed Aurora - a leadership development programme run by Advance HE. I’m also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. These roles ensure that my knowledge is always up-to-date and that I maintain a far-reaching professional network, which ultimately enriches my teaching.
I’m passionate about demystifying finance for students - it’s not as difficult as you may think, so please don’t be scared of it! I strive to create an inclusive, warm environment where every student feels engaged and involved, regardless of their background or prior experience. The diversity of personalities and perspectives in the classroom brings excitement and depth to our discussions, and I take pride in seeing students from all walks of life succeed and graduate each year. Winning UCB’s ‘Spotlight on Teaching’ award for Best Personal Tutor in 2024 was a special moment for me, as it recognised my commitment to innovative and student-centred teaching.
I continue to be inspired by the transformative power of technology to support the finance industry, and it opens up new ways of working, which I’m always eager to explore with my students. My goal is to prepare my students for the evolving demands and opportunities of today’s business world.
I encourage students to attend and engage in class, to speak openly with their lecturers, and to make the most of all the additional resources available at UCB. My advice is simple: “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
Outside of work, I value time spent with my family, walking my dogs, and gardening. I also enjoy podcasts and reading, and would recommend Jeffrey Pfeffer’s Power. Finally, I enjoying running and I’m a black belt 1st Dan in martial arts