Meet James Scullion | Hutchinson Engineering

🌟 Behind The Scenes Heroes. Meet James Scullion, Our Finance Director! 🌟

Q: James, can you describe your role in the company?

I'm the Finance Director, I manage our working capital, engage with external stakeholders like banks and auditors, support our commercial team, and play a vital role in strategy development and deployment, among other responsibilities.

Q: What do you love most about your job?

I value the high level of autonomy I have, being an integral part of the company's success, and the dynamic nature of working in an owner-led SME. We're open and honest here, and everyone is treated with respect, which makes a world of difference.

Q: What key skills are essential for your role?

Apart from being highly analytical and having strong accounting skills, it's crucial to have emotional intelligence, self-motivation, and a drive for continuous improvement. Also, you’ve got to love MS Excel!

Q: How did you find your way into this industry?

I started in construction, then decided to go back to studies post a knee injury from football and the Global Financial Crisis. Accountancy felt like a natural fit, especially since maths was my strong suit. Over time, I specialised in manufacturing and, after working for larger companies, found my niche in SMEs.

Q: What's so special about the manufacturing industry for you?

I absolutely love the tangibility – seeing actual products being created. The continuous push for innovation and the large-scale nature of the industry means there's always something new and exciting happening.

Q: Would you recommend a career in manufacturing?

Absolutely! The roles in this sector are diverse, from highly specialised to more general. There's ample scope for growth, and the skills you develop can be taken anywhere in the world. The sense of teamwork here is unparalleled.

Q: Any standout moments in your career?

Being a part of the growth story at Hutchinson is a definite highlight. Plus, the travels in previous roles have been just the right amount to enjoy. I'm also quite proud of scoring high results in my professional exams and having the opportunity to work with some of NI’s leading manufacturers.

Q: Do you have any business advice you swear by?

Yes, it's simple but powerful: "Focus on what you do well – outsource everything else."

Q: Lastly, any fun facts you'd like to share?

Well, I’m training for my first marathon this year at the age of 40! It's both exciting and terrifying, but I'm up for the challenge 🏃‍♂️

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